Learn the ropes: why skipping makes for a great workout

Here's why skipping is a top workout

• It builds cardiovascular fitness, power and stamina.
• It’s fantastic for intervals. Get the heart rate up by intervals of jumping, raised knee skipping, or double-unders so you make two turns of the rope for every jump.
• It works the arms, legs and core with legs and glutes getting a good toning session.
• It’s a great bone builder. Experts recommends two to five minutes every day for bone strength, as it’s a weight-bearing exercise.
• It builds balance and agility, which will improve performance in a range of other sports.
• It’s a good fat burner. Ten minutes of slow skipping burns about 280kJ while 10 minutes of fast skipping burns about 450kJ.
• It helps you develop good coordination and could even help stave off dementia.
• The boxer’s skip (where you skip lightly from foot to foot, with only one foot hitting the ground between each skip) has less impact than jogging but for the same kilojoule consumption.

For more information on smart workouts in short time frames, pick up the latest issue of Good Health magazine on sale now for only $5.50! Get a great subscription deal on Good Health magazine at magshop.co.nz.