The Diet Diary

I was trying to figure out how to burn more calories and improve my cardio fitness. I don’t like running. Walking is too slow. And, for better or worse, I find I really don’t can’t get very energetic on the recovery stations at “Curves”. So, decided to add jumping rope to my cardio.

Jumping rope is great! It’s much easier on the knees than running, and depending on how quickly you jump, you burn calories somewhere between the rate you would jogging or flat out running. Estimates I’ve read suggest I’ll burn roughly 200 calories in 15 minutes (but I assume this is for jumping rather briskly.)

And you know what else? Jumping rope is a weight bearing aerobic exericise. That means it helps prevent osteoporosis.

Anyway, I noticed there was a nice free corner at my Curves and the ceiling is nice and high. So, I thought: let’s do this!

I bought a jump rope at Walmart. They had a nice weighted one for about $12 bucks. There were cheaper unweighted ropes and more expensive leather ropes there; but this one seemed about right to me. Right now, I’m using the jump rope without the weights; I’m doing two sets of 5 minute jumping intervals. I figure it’s always best to add new exercises in bits so that I don’t overstress any small muscles. (Or so I can detect problems before I have a big problem.)

I plan to add the weights and increase time next week!

I should be burning calories like mad soon!