Calories Burned by Jumproping
Like any activity, how many calories you burn while jump roping largely depends on the intensity level and length at which you perform the exercise. Other factors, such as age, gender and weight, also play a role. But as a general rule, jump roping is an excellent way to burn calories, lose weight and get (or stay) in shape.
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Jump Rope Basics
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One of the benefits of jumping rope is you don't need to join a gym to do it. All you need is a jump rope and an area big enough to allow you to jump and twirl the rope over your head. When choosing a rope, you should aim for one that is as tall as your shoulders (or close) when it's folded in half. For instance, if you stand between 5 foot and 5 foot 6 inches, you will likely use a rope that is 8 feet long. A typical jump rope costs anywhere from $8 to $20.
How to Jump Rope
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Before you start to jump rope, grab the handles at each end and place the rope behind you. Flip the rope and use your ankles to jump. The faster you go, the more beneficial the exercise becomes and the more calories you burn. Be sure to push off your ankles (and avoid bending your knees too much). Remember, it's more of "skip" than an actual jump. Repeating the process will help your timing and allow you to jump rope quickly and for longer periods without messing up or having to rest.
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Calories Burned
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According to Healthy Weight Forum's calorie counter, someone who weighs 150 lb. and jumps rope for 20 minutes will burn 228 calories. A 135 lb. person who performs the exercise for 30 minutes will burn 307.8 calories, and someone who is 220 lb. who jumps rope for 10 minutes will burn 167.2. With that in mind, it's clear that jumping rope is one of the best exercises for people of all ages, since it not only helps with weight loss but is also a type of activity that increases endurance and coordination.
Jumping Rope vs. Other Exercises
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A 160 lb. person who jumps rope for 30 minutes will burn 364.8 calories, according to Healthy Weight Forum. The same size person will burn 321.6 calories in the same amount of time while swimming, 264 calories while jogging, 249.6 calories while lifting weights and 292.8 calories while playing tennis.
Conclusion
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Jumping rope is considered an aerobic exercise, meaning it forces the body to use large muscle groups such as the ones found in the arms and legs, causing your heart rate to increase and your body to burn calories. It also trains your body to use oxygen more efficiently and speeds up your metabolism. In other words, whether jumping rope is your lone exercise or part of a larger training routine, it is an excellent way to improve your health and even drop some weight.
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