If you enjoy running, more power to you. If you hate the thought of running, join the club. Running can be a monotonous, drawn-out, dreadful workout. Not to mention painful, thanks to shin splints, bad knees, and sore feet. If you’re running to burn calories, I have great news for you: there’s a ten-minute workout you can do instead, and it burns more calories than 30 minutes of running! You only need one thing: a jump rope.

Here’s Why You Should Add A Jump Rope To Your Workout

1. It Burns Calories

Studies suggest that ten minutes of jumping rope is just as effective as 30 minutes of jogging. In fact, it’s an effective way to burn calories and improve your endurance and cardiovascular health. As a result, then, jumping rope can help you burn fat and build muscle! (1)

2. It’s Versatile

One of the best parts about a jump rope workout is that you can do it anywhere! It doesn’t require a lot of space or time. Seriously, this workout only takes ten minutes! But the versatility is in the jump, too. There are different jumps you can put together to make an effective workout. (2)

3. It Works Your Whole Body

Jumping rope doesn’t just tone the muscles in your legs. Your arms, legs, back, abs, and shoulders are all getting a great workout while you jump! You’re able to tone muscle while burning stubborn fat. Not only that, you’re building endurance and working your heart and lungs, too. (3)

jump rope workout

4. It Improves Your Coordination

You may have been a pro at jump rope when you were little, but if you haven’t skipped in a while, you might find that it’s not as easy as it looks! Jumping rope improves your coordination, balance and reflexes. And it doesn’t hurt that you’ll have calves of steel over time. By using good form, you’ll build a strong core and improve posture, too. (4)

Tips To Keep In Mind

  • Make sure you choose the right jump rope for the job. Purchase one in a sporting goods store where you can ask an associate for advice on choosing the right length, handle and material. (5)
  • Consider wearing shoes without padding or jumping barefoot for comfort.
  • Keep your head straight and look ahead while you jump.
  • Keep your torso straight and your knees slightly bent.
  • Your elbows should be kept close to your body.
  • Grip the jump rope handles with your fingers instead of your palms.
  • Use your wrists to spin the rope, not your arms.
  • Use the front of your feet to propel you and to land. Make sure your heels don’t touch the ground while you’re skipping.
  • You don’t need to jump very high, just high enough to cross the rope.
  • Once you’ve mastered the basic jump, try other rope techniques. If you’re feeling bold, shoot for the double turn, single leg hop or crossover!

Watch the video below for a 10-minute fat-burning jump rope workout!

Looking for other ways to skip the run? Check out these 5 Simple Exercises that beat running by a mile.