Burpee vs Incline Treadmill Running
Which one fits your Cardio workout plan?
Contents
Incline Treadmill Running burns more per minute than Burpee — MET 10 vs 4. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Compare the benefits of Burpee and Incline Treadmill Running and pick the one that fits your Cardio workout.
Burpee vs Incline Treadmill Running: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Incline Treadmill Running more often — 9,988 sessions compared to 1,237 for Burpee.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Burpee and Incline Treadmill Running differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Burpee and Incline Treadmill Running Differ
| What differs | Burpee | Incline Treadmill Running |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, quads, abs, calves, and triceps | hamstrings, glutes, quads, and calves |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,237 sessions | 9,988 sessions |
How to Do Burpee
Burpee Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Sit upright and place your hands on the front of your feet.
- 2. Stretch your legs back to create a straight line with your body.
- 3. Bring your legs back together and return to the first position.
- 4. Stand up using your leg strength, raise your hands high, and jump.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Engage your abs to keep your lower back straight and prevent lower back pain, making sure your lower back does not arch.
- 2. Be careful not to let your knees come together inward, and if the impact of jumping is too much, just lift your heels.
For a full Burpee guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Burpee exercise guide.
How to Do Incline Treadmill Running
Incline Treadmill Running Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Set the treadmill incline and stand on the belt.
- 2. Jog lightly while swinging your arms naturally.
- 3. Run at a steady pace while using your knees and ankles properly.
Coach's Tips
- Be careful not to lean your body backward when increasing the incline.
For a full Incline Treadmill Running guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Treadmill Running exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Burpee or Incline Treadmill Running?
Planfit users log Incline Treadmill Running more often — 9,988 sessions against 1,237 for Burpee. Both train Cardio, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Burpee and Incline Treadmill Running work the same muscles?
Not quite. Burpee loads chest, quads, abs, calves, and triceps, and Incline Treadmill Running loads hamstrings, glutes, quads, and calves.
What equipment do Burpee and Incline Treadmill Running need?
Burpee needs bodyweight only, and Incline Treadmill Running needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Incline Treadmill Running is the easier place to start. Move to Burpee once your form holds up.
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