This week You! takes a look at how skipping rope can help make you fit and energetic...
fitness
This week You! takes a look at how skipping rope can help make you fit and energetic...
Remember all the skipping races you did as a kid, all those rope games and jumping around for the fun of it. Those were the days when one could eat anything and everything and not gain a single pound. Well, all that jumping around was enough to burn all your extra calories! It may be just a rope, but the fact is, how you use this basic tool can help a great deal in keeping you fit. As we grow up the skipping rope gets lost somewhere and we tend to forget all about it. Read on to find out why that rope should make a comeback in your life...
Benefits of skipping:
Fitness experts often suggest including skipping in one’s daily fitness regime along with other exercises. There are many individuals who lean towards skipping than running. If you look at it, it’s simple, easy and a whole lot of fun. There are loads of benefits of skipping rope. Here are a few:
Losing those extra pounds:
Skipping rope is one of the best cardio and HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workout. Skipping gives a full-body workout. It is known to burn around 1300 calories per hour (now that’s really high, isn’t it?). Therefore, it can basically be called an effective fat-burner. Skipping exercise burns more calories in comparison to running. At the same time it does not require you to go outdoors. It can be done anywhere. It’s one of the most inexpensive exercise forms as you can buy a skipping rope at cheap rates.
Helps in toning muscles:
Skipping helps in muscle toning as it is basically a bodyweight exercise. It improves footwork, balance, coordination, and agility. Most of the runners and other athletes jump rope for training.
It is one of the best skipping rope exercises for endurance training and conditioning. It is especially great for toning and developing thighs, shins and calf muscles. Simultaneously, it also works on abs and arms. It engages and improves the hip-flexor muscles.
Improves heart rate:
Skipping is one of the best forms of cardio exercises, contributing to a healthy heart. Your cardiovascular framework includes your heart, along with the arteries and veins that help circulate blood and oxygen between the heart and the other organs of the body. By enhancing the capacity of this framework, your heart will perform more efficiently. You will also find yourself suffering less from shortness of breath amid various activities, as it will help you build your stamina.
For a beautiful skin:
One of the secrets for beautiful skin is to exercise. Not all of us may find the time to head to the gym amidst our busy schedule, but that definitely shouldn’t be the reason to not sweat it out. Skipping is the most convenient way to ensure that you workout, even if it is for 15 minutes daily. Exercise increases blood circulation in the body, providing nutrients to the skin and flushing out toxins. Ever noticed the glow on your face post a workout?
Increases bone density:
The medium impact of jumping rope increases bone density, but isn’t as hard on your joints as running because the impact of each jump is absorbed by both legs. It is a low impact exercise than running and therefore a better option. Latest studies show that simply jumping is one of the very best exercises for improving bone density.
Good for your brain:
We know that exercise even as little as 20 minutes is good for the brain. But did you know that activities with both physical and mental demands (like jumping rope) have higher impacts on cognitive functioning than exercise tasks alone (like the treadmill or stationary bike). Turns out the very best workouts for brain health involve coordination, rhythm, and strategy.
For rehab purposes:
Jumping rope is often used for rehab purposes. When you first begin rehabbing a foot, ankle or knee injury you will want to start with a very low-impact activity such as riding a stationary bike or swimming. You can then progress to jumping rope, which strengthens the muscles, including the calves, quads, hamstrings and glutes, as well as the ligaments and tendons that protect the feet, ankles and knees. Start off jumping only inches off the ground and land lightly on your feet. Consult a doctor or trainer before beginning rehab exercises.
