Skipping is mostly looked at as just a type of entertainment we pursued back in school. But skipping is much more than a way kids kill time. It is a high impact cardio work out which surpasses many other forms of work outs in terms of its benefits.
Skipping can be very helpful for burning fat, especially for those who don’t want to or don’t have the time to go out for a run or to the gym. It puts the muscles in the legs and the body in constant motion, especially the calves, glutes, quads and the core – and these are the muscles runners rely on.
You get to engage your chest, back, arm and shoulder muscles, making skipping or “jumping rope” more effective than running.
How many calories does skipping burn?
Skipping burns around 10 calories a minute. According to an estimate, a person weighing 180 pounds can burn up to 980 calories if he/she jumps rope at a fast pace for an hour. That is equivalent to running 10 km in an hour. Statistical data from the Jump Rope Institute founded by former Olympian, Buddy Lee, states that jumping rope for ten minutes non-stop at 120 rpm a day has benefits equivalent to:
• A 30 minute jog
• Playing through 2 sets of tennis singles
• Engaging in 30 minutes of racquetball or handball
• Swimming for 720 yards
• 18 holes of golf
Jumping rope involves several muscles of the body and that makes it a very effective exercise for burning calories.
Skipping vs. Running
Jumping rope is an excellent alternative to running given that it doesn’t cost a lot to buy a skipping rope, or stop you from going out if the weather isn’t good. It also doesn’t impact your joints if you choose a soft surface to jump on.
Unlike running, skipping also gets the muscles of your upper body involved and enhances their strength. Skipping involves powerful movements that you don’t get from running which makes it an exercise of choice for boxers and those who practice martial arts.
Although not a very popular exercise among fitness enthusiasts or something you see people at the gym doing, skipping is a great work out that builds strength in a very short period of time.
Benefits of Skipping
Jumping rope for at least 5 minutes a day can do a lot to improve your physical fitness. Skipping is an efficient cardio work out that also strengthens your upper body. Here is what it can do for you.
- Increases your stamina and reduces health risks.
- Is time efficient and encourages a good posture.
- Enhances your leg and knee strength, agility, endurance, running speed and coordination
Above all, skipping is more fun than running. We would recommend you to go in for skipping if you need better and faster results, and if your main aim is to burn fat fast.
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