Jumping Jack vs Step Machine
Which one fits your Cardio workout plan?
Contents
Jumping Jack burns more per minute than Step Machine — MET 9 vs 7. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Compare the benefits of Jumping Jack and Step Machine and pick the one that fits your Cardio workout.
Jumping Jack vs Step Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Step Machine more often — 642 sessions compared to 275 for Jumping Jack.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Jumping Jack and Step Machine 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 Step Machine Differ
| What differs | Jumping Jack | Step Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, calves, chest, and front delts | quads, hamstrings, and glutes |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 275 sessions | 642 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 Step Machine
Step Machine Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Place your foot on the pedal and hold the handlebar while standing.
- 2. Press down on the pedal with one foot at a time to take steps.
- 3. Move in a steady rhythm and do not bend your knees too much.
Coach's Tips
- Be careful not to let your knees go past your toes, and lift your feet completely.
For a full Step Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Step Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Jumping Jack or Step Machine?
Planfit users log Step Machine more often — 642 sessions against 275 for Jumping Jack. Both train Cardio, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Jumping Jack and Step Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Jumping Jack loads quads, hamstrings, calves, chest, and front delts, and Step Machine loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
What equipment do Jumping Jack and Step Machine need?
Jumping Jack needs bodyweight only, and Step Machine needs a machine.
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