When was the last time you grabbed a skipping rope and actually skipped for longer than 10 seconds? It's hard right! But, it is a GREAT exercise .. and one you can do anywhere so excuses can be hard to make up for this one!
There's a reason boxers use skipping as part of their training programs. It's great for building strength and fitness which means it's great for you.
* Great for improving cardio fitness
* Great for endurance
* Builds muscle strength
* Improves co-ordination
* Great for strengthening bones
* Improves balance
* Inexpensive form of exercise
* Burns calories
* You can do in anywhere, anytime
As you know, skipping is not an easy exercise to maintain for a long period of time so it's important that you build up slowly. Start out with say 30 seconds of skipping then take a rest for 30 seconds .. repeat for 5 minutes. Or you could start out with 100 skips at a time and build up from there.
Depending on the individual, their fitness and exertion levels you can burn on average 10 calories per minute. Skipping for 10 minutes can burn between 70 and 110 calories! If you are pressed for time or space this is a great choice for burning a few extra calories!
Skipping is not a low impact activity however, so it's really important to take it easy. Build up slowly as I suggested above. I'm also going to say here that if you have pelvic floor concerns that you practice your PF exercises before you start a skipping routine. Or better yet check with your medical professional. And while I'm on the pelvic floor issue .. have you done your exercises yet today? Oh, and make sure you are wearing a supportive bra!
Well, what are you waiting for? This has got to be the quickest, easiest way to fit some form of exercise into your day. Aim for 5 minutes 3 times per day and there's some easy calories burned and your fitness improved!
Go on .. Release your inner 7 year old!
2 comments:
When anorexic I used to skip every night after dinner (trained basketball or tennis before dinner) and I would do batches of 100 - two feet, one foot, alternating etc. It was so easy.
Now... I can only skip on two feet and can't alternate or use one foot (I think I'm too heavy for the joints and just can't hold my weight). Plus it's bloody hard!
@Deb You're right Deb it is hard! I'm adding it into my workouts a bit more these days!
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