Gym Workout Routines For Women

Okay this is only going to be a short post and I’ve decided to write this to clear up a common misconception that prevents people from getting their training programs exactly as they desire.

Jumping jacks are very different to Star jumps. I noticed this because I saw somebody working out in a circuit training class at my local gym. Even the trainer got this wrong because part of the circuit involved completing 20 Star jumps. Well here the trainer had his class members doing jumping jacks and getting confused. So here’s the difference…..

Jumping Jacks.

This is where you stand upright and remain standing all of the time, you then jumped slightly in the air, begin to spread your legs into a wide stance and raised both your arms up in the air in an arc motion. You then land on the floor with your feet in a wide stance that’s wider than your shoulder width and both your arms pointing straight above your head.

You then take a second small jump where you pull your legs and feet back together and lower your arms to your sides in an arc motion again. So it’s a full reverse back to the starting position. These are not Star jumps.

Star Jumps.

This is where you begin on the floor in a crouched position with both feet together and your hands by your side. You then take a large jump by exploding upwards and your aim is to form a star shape in the air. So during your jump spread your legs wide to 5 o’clock and seven o’clock and push your arms up in the air to 2 o’clock and 10 o’clock – note that all of this is done in the air.

As gravity takes over and you begin to descend you must land with both feet together and immediately go back into the crouched position ready to perform the next star jump.

That is the difference between the two and as you can see they are completely different. Personally I find Star jumps to be very challenging and a great aerobic workout. However for some people jumping jacks are much more beneficial if there is less pressure and impact on your knees.

Speak to your trainer and they will advise you on which is best to incorporate into your routine, just make sure they know the difference!