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Stance Jack

Beginner
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A dynamic bodyweight cardio exercise that combines jumping jacks with squats and alternating cross-body toe touches, targeting legs and core to build coordination, balance, and muscular endurance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

3/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes, Obliques

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back, Shoulders

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Conditioning
Endurance
Stability

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

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Obliques

8/10

External Obliques

Hamstrings

7/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Abs

7/10

Rectus Abdominis

Calves

6/10

Gastrocnemius, Soleus

Lower Back

5/10

Erector Spinae

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Programming

Typical Rep Range

20-60 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds • Short rests to maintain heart rate

How to Perform

Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly out, arms at sides. Engage core and maintain upright posture.

  1. Bend knees slightly and jump feet wide, spreading arms to sides.
  2. Land softly in shallow squat and reach right hand to touch left foot, keeping back straight.
  3. Engage core and obliques during reach.
  4. Jump feet together, returning arms to sides or overhead.
  5. Repeat jump out, now reaching left hand to right foot.
  6. Alternate sides continuously in fluid rhythm.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Land softly on balls of feet
  • Keep core tight
  • Reach across without rounding back
  • Alternate sides smoothly
  • Maintain upright torso

Breathing

Breathe continuously with natural rhythm; exhale during reach and inhale during jump back.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Jump feet wider than shoulders; squat to touch opposite foot or shin while keeping chest up and knees tracking over toes; fully extend in upright position.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Warm up joints before starting
  • Avoid if acute knee or ankle issues
  • Land softly to reduce impact
  • Consult professional for joint conditions
  • Use even, shock-absorbing surface
  • Wear supportive shoes

Spotting

No spotting needed; bodyweight exercise. Perform in open space away from obstacles.

Common Mistakes

  • Landing with locked knees
  • Rounding back during touch
  • Slouching or twisting excessively
  • Bouncing without control
  • Uneven arm and foot movement

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee pain
  • Ankle instability
  • Lower back injury
  • Recent joint surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip mobility for squat
  • Shoulder flexibility for arm movement

Build Up First

  • Proficiency in jumping jacks
  • Basic squat form
  • Coordination for alternating reaches

Also known as

Stance Jacks

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