Is skipping good for cardio ?

[dctopboots01]

I don't agree with all your points in the running threads but for what its worth I actually agree with you here. I like Cleverly's routine and rate his fitness.

I understood Enzo Calzaghe's point regarding skipping though and it seems that you agree too judging by your second paragraph.

I agree plodding along does nothing but that applies for everything. Heavybag work, running etc. If it works for his fighters good. What works for Bob might not work for Joe!

[Porto]

Yes it is. See if you can locate a heart rate monitor, and use it when you jump rope. Try and get your target heart rate, like was mentioned eariler.

I agree with Sugarj as far as running goes. But in situations where you can't run for distance, or do sprints, you can most likely pull out a rope and start jumping. Rule of thumb for you : 120 jumps per minute is like running a slow (8-9min) mile. Count some reps when you jump so you get familiar with the speed you jump at. Double unders, crosses, high steps will all bring the heart rate up. Good luck.

[Crushedknee]

Your heart rate will tell you when it's cardio..If your getting started or doing it intensely it might be anaerobic..Another aspect to cardio conditioning is the Vascularisation of the Muscles used in the workout..All cardio will work the heart and lungs getting them in better shape moving 02 and fuel around your entire body more..But the muscles that do the work also develop new vessels to move fresh oxygenated and fueled blood in and spent blood out. Jumping rope targets calf muscles allowing them to work more effectively than running or other cardio could do..

[Porto]

Jumping rope targets calf muscles allowing them to work more effectively than running or other cardio could do..

+1 , good point.

[outsidethebox]

Skipping does nothing for hours if you plod along, same as running. Intensity beats everything!

One additional thought based on this comment. From the book "The Ultimate Boxer" (Halbert): "Aerobic activities are defined as exercises that allow less than two seconds of rest for every 20 to 20 minutes of exercise."

I don't know how official this definition is, but if true then besides the peak intensity due to rope speed, breaks due to missed skips could lessen the cardio benefits of skipping rope. I'm not great at skipping rope, esp as I get tired, so for me I think running is a better tool to build cardio.