Jump Rope vs Step Mill
Maximizing Your Cardio Workout Plan
Contents
Step Mill burns more per minute than Jump Rope — MET 10 vs 9. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Customize Your Cardio Workout: Explore the Benefits of Jump Rope and Step Mill for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Jump Rope vs Step Mill : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Step Mill more often — 16,351 sessions compared to 285 for Jump Rope.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Jump Rope and Step Mill 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 Step Mill Differ
| What differs | Jump Rope | Step Mill |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, and calves | quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 285 sessions | 16,351 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 Step Mill
Step Mill muscles worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Place your foot on the stairs and hold onto the handrail.
- 2. Move your feet as if you are climbing the stairs, one foot at a time.
- 3. Proceed with a steady rhythm each time you fully step down.
Coach's Comment
- Step fully and be careful not to strain your knees.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Step Mill, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Step Mill Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Jump Rope or Step Mill?
Planfit users log Step Mill more often — 16,351 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 Jump Rope and Step Mill work the same muscles?
Not quite. Jump Rope loads quads, hamstrings, and calves, and Step Mill loads quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves.
What equipment do Jump Rope and Step Mill need?
Jump Rope needs bodyweight only, and Step Mill needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Step Mill is the easier place to start. Move to Jump Rope once your form holds up.
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