Jumping Jack vs Jump Rope
Maximizing Your Cardio Workout Plan
Contents
Jumping Jack is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Cardio form cues and when to progress.
Customize Your Cardio Workout: Explore the Benefits of Jumping Jack and Jump Rope for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Jumping Jack vs Jump Rope : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Jump Rope more often — 285 sessions compared to 275 for Jumping Jack.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Jumping Jack and Jump Rope differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Jumping Jack and Jump Rope Differ
| What differs | Jumping Jack | Jump Rope |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, calves, chest, and front delts | quads, hamstrings, and calves |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 275 sessions | 285 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- Jump with your knees slightly bent and keep tension in your shoulders.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Jumping Jack, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Jumping Jack Guide page of our blog!
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Jumping Jack or Jump Rope?
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 Jumping Jack and Jump Rope work the same muscles?
Not quite. Jumping Jack loads quads, hamstrings, calves, chest, and front delts, and Jump Rope loads quads, hamstrings, and calves.
What equipment do Jumping Jack and Jump Rope need?
Jumping Jack needs bodyweight only, and Jump Rope needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Jumping Jack is the easier place to start. Move to Jump Rope once your form holds up.
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