Elliptical Machine vs Jumping Jack
Which one fits your Cardio workout plan?
Contents
Jumping Jack 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 Jumping Jack and pick the one that fits your Cardio workout.
Elliptical Machine vs Jumping Jack: 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 275 for Jumping Jack.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Elliptical Machine and Jumping Jack 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 Jumping Jack Differ
| What differs | Elliptical Machine | Jumping Jack |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps | quads, hamstrings, calves, chest, and front delts |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,438 sessions | 275 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 Jumping Jack
Jumping Jack Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Please stand with your feet together and your arms by your sides.
- 2. Jump while simultaneously spreading your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and raising your arms above your head.
- 3. Jump again while bringing your feet together and lowering your arms to your sides.
Coach's Tips
- Jump with your knees slightly bent and keep tension in your shoulders.
For a full Jumping Jack guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Jumping Jack exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Elliptical Machine or Jumping Jack?
Planfit users log Elliptical Machine more often — 1,438 sessions against 275 for Jumping Jack. Both train Cardio, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Elliptical Machine and Jumping Jack work the same muscles?
Not quite. Elliptical Machine loads quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps, and Jumping Jack loads quads, hamstrings, calves, chest, and front delts.
What equipment do Elliptical Machine and Jumping Jack need?
Elliptical Machine needs a machine, and Jumping Jack needs bodyweight only.
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