Elliptical Machine vs Jump Rope
Which one fits your Cardio workout plan?
Contents
Jump Rope burns more per minute than Elliptical Machine — MET 9 vs 8. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Compare the benefits of Elliptical Machine and Jump Rope and pick the one that fits your Cardio workout.
Elliptical Machine vs Jump Rope: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Elliptical Machine more often — 1,438 sessions compared to 285 for Jump Rope.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Elliptical Machine 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 Elliptical Machine and Jump Rope Differ
| What differs | Elliptical Machine | Jump Rope |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps | quads, hamstrings, and calves |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,438 sessions | 285 sessions |
How to Do 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 Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to bend your waist.
- 2. Please be careful not to lean your body to one side.
For a full Elliptical Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Elliptical Machine 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, Elliptical Machine or Jump Rope?
Planfit users log Elliptical Machine more often — 1,438 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 Elliptical Machine and Jump Rope work the same muscles?
Not quite. Elliptical Machine loads quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps, and Jump Rope loads quads, hamstrings, and calves.
What equipment do Elliptical Machine and Jump Rope need?
Elliptical Machine needs a machine, and Jump Rope needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Elliptical Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Jump Rope once your form holds up.
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