skipping for fitness.

[jAded]

I used to do this when I did kick-boxing classes, as a warm-up. Is it a good way to build endurance and if so, can it be as effective as jogging or even running to build and maintain aerobic fitness?

Good tips, anyone? I don't like running, I want something that makes me work harder than walking, and I used to swim but I want something that I can do anywhere/anytime aswell.

[halo_zero]

If you are wanting to be bouncy, I would suggest jumping rope! I can't find anything through google to suggest skipping is any greater stress to your joints than other aerobic exercises though.

As a guy I just don't know whether I'd be able to pull it off or not!

[Dirty Martini]

I used to do this when I did kick-boxing classes, as a warm-up. Is it a good way to build endurance and if so, can it be as effective as jogging or even running to build and maintain aerobic fitness?

Good tips, anyone? I don't like running, I want something that makes me work harder than walking, and I used to swim but I want something that I can do anywhere/anytime aswell.

Are you simply looking to build endurance, or are you looking for something that will help you develop a fit body?

If it's the latter, what about bodyweight exercises like lunges, push ups, planks, sit ups, squats, door pull ups, etc?

If it's the former... can't help you there. I would imagine skipping would be a good aerobic exercise, but... do it for a couple of weeks and tell me you don't find it just as boring as running after a while. ;)

[abroadinSacto]

I think it's good for mental health. You can't frown and skip and the same time.

[jAded]

Yeah, boredom would be the biggest problem with it. Which is why I'd take it to the park or something and do other things in the same session.

I'm mostly looking for something to improve aerobic fitness. I know that strength and flexibility are of equal importance but I've found what I like doing to maintain those, which is a reasonably strenuous form of yoga.

[cathytheveggie]

ok this sounds really awful, but I love skipping rope too...primarily because you can watch tv and do it at the same time.

[mrosev14]

Jumping rope is a ridiculously hard aerobic exercise. Try doing it for 3 minutes straight, and I don't mean at a sing song pace, but at a hard core pace. I want to pass out after jumping rope.
Jumping for 10 minutes is equivalent to running a pretty good paced mile.

[jAded]

I remember we did it in 3 blocks of 3 minute sessions and I was really puffed and sweaty... but wasn't going as fast as some of the others in the class!

[Mskedi]

I think it's good for mental health. You can't frown and skip and the same time.

That's true. :)

[Gita]

I thought you meant skipping, as in "little Peter cotton tail skipping down the bunny trail..." I saw you on a running track with a little basket filled with flowers and thought, "Ooh. I should take that up."

[jAded]

LOL!

I bought a rope and am not as good at it as I thought. As soon as I get into some sort of a rhythm I trip. But I'll perservere and it'd definitely a good warm up for otehr stuff.

[Eco_Jihadist]

I used to do this when I did kick-boxing classes, as a warm-up. Is it a good way to build endurance and if so, can it be as effective as jogging or even running to build and maintain aerobic fitness?

Good tips, anyone? I don't like running, I want something that makes me work harder than walking, and I used to swim but I want something that I can do anywhere/anytime aswell.
as a boxer I can definately confirm that skipping is a great endurance exercise.

However, it must be done with intensity; too many people just do about one skip every second or so and it doesnt make them breathe heavily; you have to do double jumps, rope sprints etc to really get the benefit. But yea its really good, just as good as jogging for aerobic fitness, and the intense skipping exercise help anaerobic fitness too.

[Shamandura]

I thought you meant skipping, as in "little Peter cotton tail skipping down the bunny trail..." I saw you on a running track with a little basket filled with flowers and thought, "Ooh. I should take that up."

Oh, but that's the only real way to do it! I love skipping! Especially to the Wizard of OZ. :hamster: