Cardiovascular exercises such as jogging, running, biking, and skipping rope allow people to develop a stronger heart and lungs, lose weight, and have better sleep. However, people nowadays highly value efficiency even during exercising. It is imperative that we should know what is better for us, even when we are exercising.
Running with Benefits
For most people, the most ideal cardio for them is running. Running has a lot of benefits, especially if done with a healthy diet. Some of these are increased lung capacity, strengthened the immune system, stronger legs, and fuller bone density. Runners also have increased overall mental health since running relieves stress. In high-intensities, running stimulates what we call an “afterburn”. Afterburn is the term used to describe burning of fat even while resting after a run because the resting energy that you expend is still high. Scientific studies showed that runners have higher resting energy expenditure as compared to walkers. Thus, this indicates that running is more efficient as compared to low-intensity exercises such as walking.
Running convenience
The convenience of running is in no question, one of the charms of this cardiovascular exercise. Other cardiovascular exercises such as biking and swimming would require more elaborate and expensive equipment. Especially in biking, where you would have to buy a thousand dollars’ worth of gear just to have a decent cycling ride. Running is more convenient and efficient, as it really does not require more than a pair of running shoes. Although a lot of gear and accessories like GPS trackers and high-tech wearables are being sold nowadays, you wouldn’t really need them as they are optional in running itself as an exercise. Thus, running is relatively cheaper and accessible, plus you get to have sightseeing on the side especially if you maintainyour routine while traveling. Of course, you would not be able to do some sightseeing if you’re running on a treadmill.
Jumping Rope as an Exercise
Now that we have discussed the benefits of running, let us go over to jumping rope. Jumping or skipping rope is, in fact, a good cardiovascular exercise and is comparable to running. Skipping rope is a popular game for children, and you would see them skip rope in playgrounds. Who would’ve thought that jumping rope is a very good cardio for everybody? You would see high-level boxers dedicate a good hour just for jumping rope in their training. But, how good is jumping rope as an exercise?
Some Benefits of the Jumping Rope
You have probably heard rumors about how 10 minutes of jump rope is equivalent to a 30-minute jog? Well, I am glad to say that the rumors were true! Scientists discovered that jumping rope has a burn rate of roughly 1,300 calories per hour! In terms of distance, the same ten minutes of jumping rope is equivalent to running an eight-minute mile. Thus, jump rope is effective for calorie burning when combined with a proper, healthy diet. Also, jumping rope helps in the development of your mental sharpness. How? Jumping rope forces you to focus and combine your sense of timing and rhythm while keeping up with your reflex movements. Your brain constantly calculates the perfect timing based on the distance of the rope, direction, speed, and the relative position of the rope to keep the skipping continuous.
What you unlock when using the jumping rope
The cognitive effect is very rewarding and it’s just one of the bonuses when you add jumping rope to your routine. Jump rope is highly effective as an aerobic exercise, as it builds your body’s endurance. This is why for most high-intensity sports like boxing and jiujitsu require jumping rope in the routine of their martial artists to build the aerobic capacity as a preparation for their battles in the ring. Agility is also developed as your progress further in your jump rope routines since your brain allows your balance and quick coordination to improve while getting accustomed to the jumping rope. Your bone density also increases as the jumping rope is considered as a medium impact exercise but it’s not too taxing on your joints since the shock in each jump is received by both legs. Lastly, jumping ropes are very affordable. Although some jumping ropes include technological advancements, basic jumping ropes are very cheap and affordable. Good jumping rope purchases are a whole lot cheaper than having a good purchase on a pair of running shoes.
Jumping Rope vs Running
We can now compare and contrast both running and jumping rope. Running and jumping rope are both affordable exercises and perfect workout routines for your cardio. However, it is a known discovery that jumping ropes burn more calories as compared to a run. Like how ten minutes of jumping rope may replace a 30-minute jog, the energy expenditure while jumping rope is higher than jogging. This is because jumping rope works out more muscles than jogging. Also, running is a high impact as compared to a jumping rope which has a lower impact. Thus, the joint injury is less likely to happen in jumping rope. Both exercises are good for the brain since strenuous activities stimulate the body to release endorphins, which are happy hormones. These endorphins allow you to achieve a what you call “runner’s high” after a run, which is a state of slight euphoria, but it usually happens after completion of an intense exercise routine.
Who is the winner?
As you see, jumping rope is highly preferable than running. According to the Jump Rope Institute, the benefits of nonstop jumping at 120 RPM for ten minutes are the same as the following:
- Jogging for 30 minutes
- 2 sets of tennis singles
- Racquet and handball playing for 30 minutes
- Swimming 720 yards
- 18 holes of golf
Thus, you can see how jumping rope is better than running. Of course, you may still have your personal preference between the two. Regardless of your choice, the first thing you should note is your diet. If you eat more food than you burn, you are technically not losing any weight. In addition to that, exercise routines could still be modified. Who says that you can’t add both running and jumping rope in your routine?
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