Jump Rope vs Rowing Machine
Maximizing Your Cardio Workout Plan
Contents
Jump Rope burns more per minute than Rowing Machine — MET 9 vs 8.5. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Customize Your Cardio Workout: Explore the Benefits of Jump Rope and Rowing Machine for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Jump Rope vs Rowing Machine : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Rowing Machine more often — 528 sessions compared to 285 for Jump Rope.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Jump Rope and Rowing Machine differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Jump Rope and Rowing Machine Differ
| What differs | Jump Rope | Rowing Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, and calves | back, quads, chest, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and triceps |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 285 sessions | 528 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- Land softly to avoid putting strain on your ankles while running.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Jump Rope, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Jump Rope Guide page of our blog!
How to Rowing Machine
Rowing Machine muscles worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Fix your feet and sit while holding the handle.
- 2. While straightening your legs, lean your body back and pull the handle.
- 3. Pull your elbows to your sides while keeping your abdominal muscles engaged.
Coach's Comment
- Keep your back straight and be careful not to stretch your legs excessively.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Rowing Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Rowing Machine Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Jump Rope or Rowing 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 Jump Rope and Rowing Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Jump Rope loads quads, hamstrings, and calves, and Rowing Machine loads back, quads, chest, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and triceps.
What equipment do Jump Rope and Rowing Machine need?
Jump Rope needs bodyweight only, and Rowing Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Rowing Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Jump Rope 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.

