Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyography data were collected from the biceps femoris, rectus femoris (RF), gluteus maximus, and erector spinae (ES) during a step and elliptical exercise at a standardized workload with no hand use. Findings depicted 95% greater ankle plantar flexion (p = 0.01), 29% more knee extension (p = 0.003), 101% higher peak knee flexor moments (p less than 0.001), 54% greater hip extensor moments (p less than 0.001), 268% greater anterior joint reaction force (p = 0.009), 37% more RF activation (p less than 0.001), and 200% more ES activation (p less than 0.001) for the elliptical motion. Sixteen percent more hip flexion (p less than 0.001), 42% higher knee extensor moments (p less than 0.001), and 54% greater hip flexor moments (p = 0.041) occurred during the step motion. Biomechanical differences between motions should be considered when planning an exercise regimen. (Contains 4 tables and 4 figures.)