There’s a theory among some sports coaches that skipping (or ‘jump-rope’ as it’s known in the USA) is one of the most effective exercises you can do if you want to lose weight.
The key to this is the fact it’s a cardio exercise that boosts your heart rate so your cardiovascular system improves and you can burn lots of calories in a short period of time.
Add this to the fact it is incredibly simple, easy and you only need one piece of equipment to do it and skipping is makes great sense if you’re struggling for time or can’t get to the gym. How many other exercises can you do while imagining you’re Rocky and watching the TV?
So grab you rope and enjoy our rundown of some of the many health benefits of skipping:
1. It improves your coordination
One of the many reasons boxers are so keen on skipping is because it’s a great way to improve their coordination. While skipping may feel very repetitive it is a great exercise for making your brain aware of what exactly your feet are doing. Crucially for boxers it also makes you light on your feet.
2. It strengthens your feet and ankles
It’s not only boxers who can benefit from skipping. Basketball players, footballers and tennis stars all know the importance of strengthening their feet and ankles due to the fact their sport involves so much turning and stopping. Regular skipping will strengthen the ankle joints and teach athletes to stay on the balls of their feet.
3. It burns lots of calories
It’s estimated that skipping can burn up to 1,300 calories in an hour with about 0.1 calories consumed per jump. By that reasoning, compared to jogging for 30 minutes, skipping actually burns more calories.
4. It’s completely portable
One of the great things about a skipping rope is you can carry it anywhere and all you need is a flat piece of ground.
5. It improves your bone density
The best exercise to improve your bone density is to just jump up and down, so skipping is ideal if your bones are already strong and healthy. Ask your doctor before doing so if you’re worried, though, especially if have a history of osteoporosis in the family.
6. Skipping improves your overall cardiovascular health
Skipping three to five times a week for between 12 to 20 minutes will increase your heart and lung health according to the American College of Sports Medicine.
7. It could even make you smarter
Believe it or not, there is actually a Jump Rope Institute, which was founded in 1996 by the US Olympian Buddy Lee. The Jump Rope Institute says jumping aids the development of both the left and right hemispheres of your brain, increasing memory, reading skills and alertness.
So there you have it – get that rope out and skip your way to both happiness and a healthy body
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