Finding time to exercise on busy weekdays can prove to be so very tough. We often spend more time in travelling, cooking or sometimes sleeping through that one extra hour, mostly because of the stress. But what most of us may not realize is that one of the best ways to handle stress is to exercise. And exercise need not only be about hitting the gym, aerobics, or yoga class.
Got a busy lifestyle? Here's your fitness remedy
Working moms or people with busy lifestyles can find it difficult to leave home/office, just for the sake of exercise. In such cases, sticking to no-equipment cardio exercises can be a wise choice. Skipping or jump-rope is one such exercise which can be easily done at home or office. It is also a complete cardiovascular exercise that works all muscle groups and improves coordination.
Here are some of the benefits of skipping:
- One hour of skipping will help you burn about 800 to 1000 calories. This is more than what you might burn at the gym, running the treadmill, or doing aerobics or yoga. If one hour seems like a lot of time, you can make it easier by dividing skipping sessions into halves, 30 minutes morning and evening.
- Skipping is a cardio workout and hence improves your cardiovascular health. Unlike treadmills and cross trainers, it is an inexpensive method of exercise.
- Regular skipping improves the muscle tone from head to toe. It engages the legs, lower body, upper body, shoulders, and arms, and tones abdominal muscles.
- Skipping improves bone strength and increases stamina and endurance.
- Jump-rope is fun and easy to learn, can be done indoors and outdoors.
- Skipping enhances coordination and rhythm and improves your reflexes, balance, and posture.
Finding a perfect exercise routine is not very easy. If you need more variety, you can add a few crunches or stretches in between. Skipping is good for every age group, except for people with knee issues. Also, if you frequently suffer from lower body aches, consult a physician before you start jumping rope.