Skipping or jumping rope has been a children’s game and a recreational activity for adults for centuries. Recently, skipping rope has emerged as an exercise option. Skipping rope is cheap and requires a simple rope where the participant jumps over a spinning rope so that it passes under his feet and over his head. Jumping rope is an effective calorie burner. Skipping rope adds up to an intensive aerobic exercise, which burns 1300 calories in one hour. Even ten minutes of jumping rope is the equivalent of running an 8-minute mile. Skipping rope is a great cardiovascular workout; as with all cardio workouts, the faster and the more repetitions, the greater is the calorie expenditure. Since it is an anaerobic exercise it burns up carbohydrates at the rate of 10 calories per minute.
Jumping right
Skipping rope strengthens the upper and lower body and burns calories faster in a short span of time. However, it is a high-impact aerobic exercise that puts heavy stress on knees, ankles and hips. To reduce stress on joints, it is prudent to turn jumping rope into a low-impact exercise. Alternating the jumps with a low intensity exercise like on-the-spot marching can do this. Physicians recommend combining jumping rope with a varied exercise routine to reduce injury to joints. Overenthusiastic beginners are prone to jump too high. Jumping should be limited to just one inch off the floor. In skipping rope, cushioned comfortable shoes and a flat jumping surface are important to absorb shocks. A corollary is continuously observing and keeping within your target heart rate. In skipping, it is equally crucial to set aside a mandatory warming-up and a cooling down period for stretching bunched muscles.
In conclusion
Skipping rope, when executed properly, is a valid exercise for sustained weight loss. It vaporizes more calories every minute because of it high-impact nature. Good coordination is a prerequisite for smooth jumping. Adults should train themselves to learn the basics of jumping rope before embarking on an intensive workout. Extra care should be taken to wear proper athletic or cross-training shoes. With these precautions, skipping rope can spice up a dull exercise routine.
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