Burpee vs Step Machine
Maximizing Your Cardio Workout Plan
Contents
Step Machine burns more per minute than Burpee — MET 7 vs 4. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Customize Your Cardio Workout: Explore the Benefits of Burpee and Step Machine for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Burpee vs Step Machine : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Burpee more often — 1,237 sessions compared to 642 for Step Machine.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Burpee and Step Machine differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Burpee and Step Machine Differ
| What differs | Burpee | Step Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, quads, abs, calves, and triceps | quads, hamstrings, and glutes |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,237 sessions | 642 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Burpee, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Burpee Guide page of our blog!
How to Step Machine
Step Machine muscles worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Place your foot on the pedal and hold the handlebar while standing.
- 2. Press down on the pedal with one foot at a time to take steps.
- 3. Move in a steady rhythm and do not bend your knees too much.
Coach's Comment
- Be careful not to let your knees go past your toes, and lift your feet completely.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Step Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Step Machine Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Burpee or Step Machine?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Cardio, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Burpee and Step Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Burpee loads chest, quads, abs, calves, and triceps, and Step Machine loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
What equipment do Burpee and Step Machine need?
Burpee needs bodyweight only, and Step Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Step Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Burpee once your form holds up.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

