If you are looking for an uncomplicated full-body workout, which literally takes minutes, then the skipping rope is your best friend. It targets all your muscles while not being too tiring or time consuming. According to the Daily Star, a new study has found out that skipping is one of the most effective cardio exercises. After six weeks of monitoring, it came to light that 10-minute jump-rope sessions a day were more efficient than 30-minute jogging sessions. Participants demonstrated improvement in their cardio-vascular health. It turned out that jumping up and down is a more efficient workout than hitting the pavement. The research further stated that skipping burns more calories per minute and engages more muscles than rowing or swimming.
Selecting the rope
For a proper workout, you need the rope to be of the right length. A rope too long or too short will mess things up. The classic test is to stand with the rope under your feet and pull the handles so that they’re reaching your armpits. This is the perfect length.
Land on the balls of your feet
Now that you’ve a rope the next step is to start skipping. Make sure that you’re jumping on the balls of your feet, which is the area right under the toes and not your heels. Jumping on your heels can lead to injury and also prevent you from working your calves properly.
Focus on your arms
Remember that skipping should only involve your wrists moving and not your elbows or arms. Using your arms and shoulders will widen the diameter making it a harder activity that won’t last as long and that just isn’t a good thing. Also the position of the hands is of extreme importance. Make sure they are slightly above your waistline and are comfortably bent.