When considering a new exercise practice, it's important to consider all the facts, good and bad. In this article, I've listed everything you need to know about jumping rope, including relevant data and scientific studies, to get you all together to understand the real implementation and debunk the so-called exercise "myths".
Jumping rope is good for your body in many ways. It burns calories, strengthens the heart, improves posture, builds endurance, relieves stress, increases bone density and improves coordination, among other benefits.
Don't just take my word for it, look at the science and research behind these claims. What they found is pretty amazing.
Let's start with some of the many benefits associated with jumping rope. There are many! However, as with any new exercise, especially for those with chronic conditions, it is important to consult with your doctor and health care professional before you start.
1. Burning calories
In terms of calories burned, jumping rope has been proven to be one of the most effective forms of aerobic exercise. It has been proven to burn as many calories as running, if not more.
Over the past 10 years, dozens of studies have been conducted to examine the effectiveness of jumping rope. The overwhelming consensus is that jumping rope is one of the most beneficial and effective forms of aerobic exercise, especially in terms of energy expenditure (i.e., calories burned).
A recent study conducted in India showed that after just 12 weeks of skipping rope, the test group (college men aged 18-25) showed "statistically significant improvements" in VO2 Max and FMS (Functional Movement Screening).
This is one of many studies in this area, all of which have come to similar conclusions.
2. Strengthen your heart
Another benefit your body gets from jumping rope is a stronger heart. Jumping rope on a regular basis has been shown to improve everything from blood flow and lung capacity to overall cardiovascular strength.
One of the reasons it's so effective is because jumping rope can raise your heart rate faster than almost any other form of aerobic exercise in as little as 2 minutes.
Over time, regular increases in heart rate will strengthen the heart. Believe it or not, your hearing is actually a muscle (the heart muscle) ...... jumping rope trains that muscle.
When the heart rate increases, the heart works harder to pump blood and oxygen into the muscle. Over time, the heart will become more efficient at delivering blood and oxygen to the muscles.
This may be the best long-term benefit of jumping rope for your body.
3. Improved posture
Not as well known as the first two, jumping rope can actually do wonders for your posture!
Even after you finish your jump rope workout, jumping rope will actually improve your posture. And, improving posture has some very attractive side effects.
Jump rope with proper posture, standing straight, shoulders back, torso in the center of the hips, head in a neutral position, and entire body aligned ......
One of the biggest benefits of improved posture is height, or perceived height. Poor posture can actually make you look shorter than you actually are, and vice versa; good posture can add 1-3 inches to your height.