Jumping Jacks

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Beginner
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Bodyweight calisthenics exercise that jumps feet out wide while raising arms overhead, engaging full body to elevate heart rate, improve coordination, and build cardiovascular endurance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Abs

Popularity Score

10

Goals

Conditioning
Endurance
Fat Loss

Training Style

Calisthenics
HIIT
Cardio

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

8/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Calves

7/10

Gastrocnemius, Soleus

Hamstrings

6/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Shoulders

5/10

Anterior Delts

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

20-100 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Stand tall with feet together and arms at sides, core lightly engaged.

  1. Slightly bend knees and jump feet out wide beyond shoulders.
  2. Simultaneously raise arms out to sides and overhead until hands nearly touch.
  3. Land softly on balls of feet with knees bent to absorb impact.
  4. Immediately jump feet back together.
  5. Lower arms back to sides.
  6. Repeat in continuous fluid motion.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Land softly on balls of feet.
  • Keep core engaged throughout.
  • Swing arms fully overhead.
  • Maintain steady rhythm.
  • Eyes forward, neutral spine.

Breathing

Inhale as you jump out and raise arms; exhale as you jump back and lower arms.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Feet land wider than shoulders with legs straight; arms fully extended overhead.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Perform on shock-absorbing surface.
  • Wear supportive shoes.
  • Avoid if acute joint pain present.
  • Warm up joints first.
  • Stop if dizziness occurs.

Spotting

Not required; self-spot by maintaining control.

Common Mistakes

  • Landing heavily on heels.
  • Allowing arms to swing loosely.
  • Arching lower back.
  • Bouncing without control.
  • Shrugging shoulders up.

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee or ankle injuries
  • Hip joint issues
  • Lower back pain
  • Balance disorders

Flexibility Needed

  • Basic ankle dorsiflexion
  • Shoulder flexion to overhead

Also known as

Star Jumps, Side Straddle Hops

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