Elliptical Machine vs Burpee
Maximizing Your Cardio Workout Plan
Contents
Elliptical Machine burns more per minute than Burpee — MET 8 vs 4. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Customize Your Cardio Workout: Explore the Benefits of Elliptical Machine and Burpee for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Elliptical Machine vs Burpee : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Elliptical Machine more often — 1,438 sessions compared to 1,237 for Burpee.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Elliptical Machine and Burpee differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Elliptical Machine and Burpee Differ
| What differs | Elliptical Machine | Burpee |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps | chest, quads, abs, calves, and triceps |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,438 sessions | 1,237 sessions |
How to Elliptical Machine
Elliptical Machine muscles worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Face forward and keep your waist and head straight.
- 2. Keep your shoulders back, chest out, and lightly grip the handle.
- 3. Be careful not to let your knees go past your toes.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to bend your waist.
- 2. Please be careful not to lean your body to one side.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Elliptical Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Elliptical Machine Guide page of our blog!
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Elliptical Machine or Burpee?
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 Elliptical Machine and Burpee work the same muscles?
Not quite. Elliptical Machine loads quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps, and Burpee loads chest, quads, abs, calves, and triceps.
What equipment do Elliptical Machine and Burpee need?
Elliptical Machine needs a machine, and Burpee needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Elliptical Machine 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.

