Burpee vs Step Mill
Maximizing Your Cardio Workout Plan
Contents
Step Mill burns more per minute than Burpee — MET 10 vs 4. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Customize Your Cardio Workout: Explore the Benefits of Burpee and Step Mill for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Burpee vs Step Mill : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Step Mill more often — 16,351 sessions compared to 1,237 for Burpee.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Burpee and Step Mill 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 Mill Differ
| What differs | Burpee | Step Mill |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, quads, abs, calves, and triceps | quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,237 sessions | 16,351 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 Mill
Step Mill muscles worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Place your foot on the stairs and hold onto the handrail.
- 2. Move your feet as if you are climbing the stairs, one foot at a time.
- 3. Proceed with a steady rhythm each time you fully step down.
Coach's Comment
- Step fully and be careful not to strain your knees.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Step Mill, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Step Mill Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Burpee or Step Mill?
Planfit users log Step Mill more often — 16,351 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 Step Mill work the same muscles?
Not quite. Burpee loads chest, quads, abs, calves, and triceps, and Step Mill loads quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves.
What equipment do Burpee and Step Mill need?
Burpee needs bodyweight only, and Step Mill needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Step Mill is the easier place to start. Move to Burpee once your form holds up.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
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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.

