Burpee vs Jump Rope
Which one fits your Cardio workout plan?
Contents
Jump Rope burns more per minute than Burpee — MET 9 vs 4. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Compare the benefits of Burpee and Jump Rope and pick the one that fits your Cardio workout.
Burpee vs Jump Rope: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Burpee more often — 1,237 sessions compared to 285 for Jump Rope.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Burpee and Jump Rope 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 Jump Rope Differ
| What differs | Burpee | Jump Rope |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, quads, abs, calves, and triceps | quads, hamstrings, and calves |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,237 sessions | 285 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 Jump Rope
Jump Rope Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Turn the rope backward and start with your feet together.
- 2. Keep your arms at your sides and turn the rope only with your wrists.
- 3. Bend your knees slightly when jumping to reduce the impact upon landing.
Coach's Tips
- Land softly to avoid putting strain on your ankles while running.
For a full Jump Rope guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Jump Rope exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Burpee or Jump Rope?
Planfit users log Burpee more often — 1,237 sessions against 285 for Jump Rope. Both train Cardio, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Burpee and Jump Rope work the same muscles?
Not quite. Burpee loads chest, quads, abs, calves, and triceps, and Jump Rope loads quads, hamstrings, and calves.
What equipment do Burpee and Jump Rope need?
Burpee needs bodyweight only, and Jump Rope needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Jump Rope is the easier place to start. Move to Burpee once your form holds up.
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