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 differsJump RopeRowing Machine
Muscles workedquads, hamstrings, and calvesback, quads, chest, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and triceps
Equipmentbodyweight onlya machine
Difficulty2 of 51 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users285 sessions528 sessions

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How to Jump Rope

Jump Rope gif

Jump Rope muscles worked: Cardio

Form

  1. 1. Turn the rope backward and start with your feet together.
  2. 2. Keep your arms at your sides and turn the rope only with your wrists.
  3. 3. Bend your knees slightly when jumping to reduce the impact upon landing.

Coach's Comment

  1. 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!

Do you want to know more about Jump Rope methods?Exercise Guide

How to Rowing Machine

Rowing Machine gif

Rowing Machine muscles worked: Cardio

Form

  1. 1. Fix your feet and sit while holding the handle.
  2. 2. While straightening your legs, lean your body back and pull the handle.
  3. 3. Pull your elbows to your sides while keeping your abdominal muscles engaged.

Coach's Comment

  1. 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!

Do you want to know more about Rowing Machine methods?Exercise Guide

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.

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