How to Do the Jumping Jacks
Jumping jacks are a classic full-body cardio move where you jump your feet apart while raising your arms overhead, then jump back together. They raise your heart rate quickly and warm up your shoulders and calves. They suit all levels and need no equipment.


Muscles worked
Primary
- Calves
- Shoulders
Secondary
- Quads
- Abs
How to do the Jumping Jacks
- 1
Stand with your feet together and your arms at your sides.
- 2
Jump your feet out wider than shoulder width as your arms rise overhead.
- 3
Land softly on the balls of your feet with slightly bent knees.
- 4
Jump back to the starting position as your arms come down.
- 5
Keep your core braced and your chest tall.
- 6
Maintain a steady, rhythmic pace.
- 7
Continue for your set time or reps.
Form cues to remember
- Land softly
- Arms fully overhead
- Core braced
- Steady rhythm
Common mistakes
Landing with locked knees
Keep a soft bend in your knees on every landing.
Short arm swings
Reach your arms fully overhead for a full range.
Hunching forward
Keep your chest tall and look ahead.
Going too fast too soon
Start at a steady pace and build as you warm up.
Sets and reps
| Conditioning | 4–6 rounds of 30–45 seconds, with 20–30 seconds rest |
|---|---|
| Mobility | 30–60 seconds as part of a warm-up |
| Endurance | 3–5 minutes at a steady pace |
The repeated impact can bother your knees and ankles, so land softly. If you need a low-impact option, step one foot out at a time.
Jumping Jacks FAQ
Are jumping jacks a good workout?
They are a quick way to raise your heart rate and warm up. They work best as part of a warm-up or conditioning circuit.
How can I do low-impact jumping jacks?
Step one foot out to the side at a time while raising your arms, then step back. It keeps the same pattern with less impact.
How many jumping jacks should I do?
For a warm-up, 20–30 reps or 30 seconds is enough. In a workout, use timed rounds.







