Treadmill Running vs Burpee
Which one fits your Cardio workout plan?
Contents
Treadmill Running burns more per minute than Burpee — MET 9 vs 4. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Compare the benefits of Treadmill Running and Burpee and pick the one that fits your Cardio workout.
Treadmill Running vs Burpee: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Treadmill Running more often — 52,244 sessions compared to 1,237 for Burpee.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Treadmill Running and Burpee differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Treadmill Running and Burpee Differ
| What differs | Treadmill Running | Burpee |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, abs, and calves | chest, quads, abs, calves, and triceps |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 52,244 sessions | 1,237 sessions |
How to Do Treadmill Running
Treadmill Running Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Adjust the speed and incline on the treadmill, hold onto the handles, and start slowly.
- 2. Once you reach your desired speed, run while swinging your arms naturally.
- 3. At the end of your workout, reduce the speed, and get off once the treadmill has completely stopped.
Coach's Tips
- If your knees are not good, do not raise the angle, hold onto the handrail, and walk slowly.
For a full Treadmill Running guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Treadmill Running exercise guide.
How to Do Burpee
Burpee Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Sit upright and place your hands on the front of your feet.
- 2. Stretch your legs back to create a straight line with your body.
- 3. Bring your legs back together and return to the first position.
- 4. Stand up using your leg strength, raise your hands high, and jump.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Engage your abs to keep your lower back straight and prevent lower back pain, making sure your lower back does not arch.
- 2. Be careful not to let your knees come together inward, and if the impact of jumping is too much, just lift your heels.
For a full Burpee guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Burpee exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Treadmill Running or Burpee?
Planfit users log Treadmill Running more often — 52,244 sessions against 1,237 for Burpee. Both train Cardio, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Treadmill Running and Burpee work the same muscles?
Not quite. Treadmill Running loads quads, hamstrings, abs, and calves, and Burpee loads chest, quads, abs, calves, and triceps.
What equipment do Treadmill Running and Burpee need?
Treadmill Running needs a machine, and Burpee needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Treadmill Running is the easier place to start. Move to Burpee once your form holds up.
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