Burpee

Burpee is one of the top cardio exercises using bodyweight. Full breakdown of proper form, common mistakes and FAQs.

How to perform it

• Warm up 5 minutes at low intensity.
• Perform burpee at 65–75% max heart rate for steady fat burn.
• For HIIT: 30s hard / 60s recovery × 8–12 rounds.
• Cool down 5 minutes at easy pace.

Tips

• Wear a heart-rate monitor for accuracy.
• Zone 2 cardio (brisk walk / easy jog) is best for long-term fat loss.
• Do cardio after weights, not before, to preserve muscle.

Common mistakes

• High intensity every day without recovery = burnout.
• Too much cardio without enough protein = muscle loss.

How many sets and reps of Burpee should I do?

Aim for 20–40 minutes, 3–5x per week, depending on your goal.

Is Burpee good for beginners?

Burpee requires a strength base. If you're new, work easier variations for the same muscle first.

What are the best alternatives to Burpee?

It depends on your equipment. Similar tools (dumbbells for barbell, machines for free weights) provide comparable stimulus. See the "Related exercises" section on this page.

Can I do Burpee every day?

Not recommended for lifting — muscles need 48 hours to recover. 3–4x/week is optimal. Light cardio can be daily.

How many calories does Burpee burn per minute?

Roughly 10–15 kcal/minute depending on your weight and intensity.