Jumping rope or running?

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   Rebecca2904posted 11 years ago

   Jumping rope or running?
   
   What, in your opinion, is the best exercise to lose weight? I used to do a lot of running but I've been having some problems with my hip and ankle recently. I took a bit of a break because I don't want to do any permanent damage, but now I'm finding that I'm not feeling anywhere near as fit and I'm gaining a bit of weight. Jumping rope doesn't hurt my legs the same way that running started to, but do you think it is a comparable exercise in terms of fitness and weight-loss? Are there any other exercises you would suggest? Thanks!
   
   

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   backporchstoriesposted 11 years ago

   You can do hearty walks and cause less stress to the ankles and legs and still burn calories and up your cardiovascular system.  Between jumping and running, I think jumping does more for you.  You have to use your core to make the jump, which is important body building strength and will help flatten that tummy, while running is mostly the hips, legs and arms.  Good question!

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      Rebecca2904posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your answer! I'm definitely going to give jumping rope a good go, see if it makes much of a difference. I know that walking is good exercise too, but I'm not really overweight - I've just got some stubborn bits that won't shift! haha

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   beingwellposted 11 years ago

   Running is a good way to lose weight. It's how I got to my ideal weight, in fact. Jumping rope however may also be effective, depending on the intensity of your exercise. Given the 2, I think running is safer though; and causes less impact than jumping rope. Here are other cardio exercises which you can do at home, http://goo.gl/B53Hy, in case you're looking for other workouts.

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      Rebecca2904posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your reply! I lost a lot of weight by running too, but it's not really possible to continue at the moment - I can only manage about a km before my legs start playing up. Great blog, too! Thanks for sharing.

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   DreamerMegposted 11 years ago

   Weightlifting is the best way to lose weight. It tones your muscles so they (a) LOOK slimmer and (b) they use up more energy, even when at rest, so you are constantly using up more energy. Check out your ankle and hip problems with your doctor, if they say it's ok, there are exercises you can do to help these. I used to have hip problems so painful I couldn't sit for long. I did more exercise and also did special hip stretching exercises because often it'e the tendons that have tightened and so are causing pain.

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      Rebecca2904posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for answering! I do lift some light weights most days to tone my arms, but I like to do cardio too, it seems to be the only thing that will get rid of my tummy.

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      teaches12345posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I also lift weights, not heavy-weight, just to tone the muscles and to burn energy.  It works well. I would love to hear more about the hip stretching exercises. Maybe a hub?

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   lburmasterposted 11 years ago

   I can't stand running so jumping rope would be my favorite. You can workout while watching tv. Also, any time of the year without worrying about heat or cold.

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   Virtuous1posted 11 years ago

   Good question and I have to say probably both. I just started Jogging and I jog while I am on the treadmill. But jump-rope will surely get that cardio pumping pretty fast...
   
   you could look it up online to find out which one burns more calories and then see which one works best for you..

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   Jeani Nugentposted 11 years ago

   If your hip and ankle are bothering you, have you tried the elliptical? I know that it is designed specifically to take pressure off your joints. I have just started running after having back surgery so I am pretty cautious on how my body feels afterwards. I have also created a great team consisting of a chiropractor, massage therapist and physical therapist that have been a lot of help.

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      Rebecca2904posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your answer! I do use the elliptical whenever I go to the gym but I prefer exercising outside - I find it's much more enjoyable and doesn't feel so much like hard work!

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      teaches12345posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I use the elliptical instead of the treadmill and it does cushion my knees.  I find it burns just as much if not more calories.  I agree with the therapy too, love it!

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   Gregoryyposted 11 years ago

   Running burns more calories per hour than jumping. However jumping may place more resistance on certain muscles. The treadmill has been proven to burn more calories per hour than any other type of exercise equipment. Hill Sprints are safer on your joints than running on a normal surface, and burn more calories. Just make sure to take your time when going back down hill.
   
   Riding a bike up hill is another great exercise that places minimal stress on the joints, swimming is another good exercise.
   
   Weight Lifting will increase metabolism/ calories burned at rest, and will increase various fat burning hormones. However weight lifting does not burn that many calories especially compared to high intensity cardio such as Hill Sprinting.
   
   It is better to do both

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      Rebecca2904posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for you answer! Although I think it's running up and down hill that's done my ankle and hip in - I used to live on the sea front where it was perfectly flat, but as soon as I moved to a more hilly area I started having problems.

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   Steve Hunterposted 11 years ago

   Hey Rebecca,
   
   I'll start by saying I am a professional personal fitness trainer, and I have held jobs working with physical therapists as well; I don't want you to think I'm just making stuff up, haha!
   
   I am sorry to hear that your ankle and hip are bothering you. My immediate suggestion would be to discuss seeing a physical therapist with your physician. Most issues you have could be resolved in 6-8 weeks of physical therapy if you stay consistent with it.
   
   Ok, now that the boring stuff is out of the way, there is no "best" exercise for fat loss. For all of my clients, I tell them it is a simple formula they must follow. This means doing at least 5-hours of activity per week which makes you break a sweat; it doesn't matter what it is! It could be playing basketball, hiking, volleyball; whatever you would have fun with and look forward to doing. The best workout you can do, is the one you don't skip! Also, (and this is where I lose most of them!) nutrition means everything. Fat loss is 80% what's going in your mouth and 20% exercise.
   
   Sure, you can work out a ton, but if you eat junk that puts you way over your daily calories and puts all kinds of nasty hormones in your blood stream, all of that exercise is in vain!
   
   My final recommendation for you due to your current pain restrictions would be to find a gym with a pool if you do not have your own. Swimming is very forgiving on the joints, uses every single muscle in your body, and devours calories (mostly carbohydrates). There's a reason most swimmers look lean and cut, after all! However, swimming DRASTICALLY increases your appetite for carbohydrates post-workout, so make sure you control the post-workout meal and only eat around 200 calories (half carbohydrates, the rest protein and fats).
   
   I hope this helped!

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      Rebecca2904posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great answer! Thanks so much for typing all of that! I think my diet is alright, I have some stomach problems so I have to avoid junk food as a rule (though maybe I could drink less!)

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      teaches12345posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I am going to have to swim a lot more now!  Great advice here and makes good sense.

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