Jumping Jack vs Jump Rope
Which one fits 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.
Compare the benefits of Jumping Jack and Jump Rope and pick the one that fits your Cardio workout.
Jumping Jack vs Jump Rope: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
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.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Jumping Jack and Jump Rope differ in the muscles they work, 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 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.
How to Do 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 Tips
- Land softly to avoid putting strain on your ankles while running.
For a full Jump Rope guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Jump Rope exercise guide.
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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