Jump Rope - One Of The Best Low Impact Exercises (treadmill, workout)

[LaoTzuMindFu]

Earlier this morning, after I completed my early morning cardio which consisted of:

200 jump ropes
Martial arts routine
200 jump ropes
Martial arts routine
200 jump ropes
Martial arts routine
200 jump ropes
Ab exercises
200 jump ropes
Ab exercises
100 double under jump ropes

I realized just how great of a low impact exercise jumping rope is. Greater output (which means more calories burned) than on elliptical and easier on the knees/joints than treadmill or running. Plus, you can get a decent jump rope for just dollars compared to hundreds to thousands on exercise equipment.

All you need to do is jump maybe 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch off the floor for regular jumps and since you are on your toes and balls of your feet, there is almost zero impact to knees (since you land softly).

I always see people posting here about low impact exercise, wanting to do cardio, and not having money for equipment. I highly recommend getting a jump rope and jumping for 2-3 minutes, rest for a minute, jump again 2-3 minutes for about 30 minutes (if you are a beginner) and you'll realize how great of an exercise this is.

[LaoTzuMindFu]

Here's an instructional vid to show just how easy it is.


YouTube - Jumping Rope w/Kim Strother Pt.2

Anyone out there try this or willing to try?

[rnc76]

I agree it is a great exercise. However, I hate it with a passion. I find it to be SOOOOOO boring. Great cardio and calf development though.

[LaoTzuMindFu]

Here's another with my favorite Zuzana mixing it up with other exercises. This is pretty much how I do it.


YouTube - Fitness - Get Fit for Summer - Cardio Workout Routine

I actually enjoy it more than treadmill or elliptical work. Its less fun than actually running outside but to me, it beats the other cardio exercises as far a fun level is concerned.

[formercalifornian]

I'd love to be able to jump-rope, but after two 9-lb. babies, my bladder can't take it. Stress incontinence sucks! Sorry if that's a bit too much information.

[LaoTzuMindFu]

Originally Posted by formercalifornian

I'd love to be able to jump-rope, but after two 9-lb. babies, my bladder can't take it. Stress incontinence sucks! Sorry if that's a bit too much information.

Then what do you do for cardio work?

[formercalifornian]

Originally Posted by LaoTzuMindFu

Then what do you do for cardio work?

I run. Much less likely to end up in an embarrassing situation, but even then I have to be very careful.

[LaoTzuMindFu]

Originally Posted by formercalifornian

I run. Much less likely to end up in an embarrassing situation, but even then I have to be very careful.

I would think that because of the higher impacts and jarring with running you'll have more of a chance for accident than with skipping rope. Thats why I mentioned skipping rope as a better exercise for people who need lower impact.

Jump on the toes and balls of your feet and there really is next to zero impact. Running is waaaaay more jarring/impacting.

[formercalifornian]

Experience proves otherwise. I really have no idea what accounts for the difference, but, trust me, there is a difference.

[Ivorytickler]

Low impact? I wouldn't call jumping rope low impact. You're coming down with your full body weight.