May 18, 2011 – When people are looking to get in shape or lose weight, cardio exercises specifically running comes to mind.  Though cardio exercises are very important to any workout regime, the popular running option can actually do more damage than good.

At first glance, it would seem that running would be a good exercise choice.  We all know running burns more calories per minute than walking; but speed duration and exertion all play important roles in this equation.  In other words, running at a slow pace consistently on flat ground may actually burn the same amount of calories as power walking and burn fewer calories than skipping.  

Running is a high-impact activity and overtime can damage your joints.  Running includes repetitive pounding, in which overtime can deteriorate your knees, hips, ankles and feet.

Losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle is important, but injury prevention is just as important.  If you’re not a regular runner to begin with, then jumping into high-impact running may result in pain and injury.  And, if you don’t feel good while doing it, chances are you will eventually abandon the exercise regime all together.

So what is another alternative to burn calories effectively and maintain cardiovascular fitness?

 

SKIPPING

Skipping when executed properly can be far more effective than jogging.

Skipping engages your core muscles as well as your upper and lower body. Skipping also improves hand-eye coordination, is a medium-impact exercise, and more importantly increases your heart rate quickly to your optimum training pulse (more on that tomorrow).  As a result, your body will burn more calories in a shorter period of time.

Skipping for ten minutes is approximately equivalent to running for a mile or 1.6 km in eight minutes.  One hour of skipping will burn off about 1,300 calories! (source: www.theweightlosspills.com)

Another reason why skipping should be your new best friend?  Skipping is as inexpensive as cardio equipment can get.  You don’t need an expensive treadmill and skipping is a simple exercise that can be performed anywhere.   

Try mixing single with double bounces and skipping with your knee up to reduce the onset of fatigue.

 

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