Jumping for Health: Does It Work?
By Genevieve Cunningham
Jumping. When we're young, we jump for fun. We jump from the furniture. We jump and skip and hop. It's a good time! As we get older, we don't feel the need to jump around quite as much since we have other ways of having a good time. But are we missing out by eliminating this fun activity from our lives? When it comes to our health, that may be exactly what we're doing. If you want a fun way to get fit, take a look at whether jumping is a good idea to help you get in shape and have fun at the same time.
Why is Jumping Good?
Jumping is a great strength and cardio workout. It burns massive calories and really challenges the muscles. If you haven't jumped in a while, you may be surprised at how quickly you get out of breath. It's so incredibly taxing on the lungs, and if you stick with it, jumping will help you build stamina. Though you probably won't have a workout that is solely jumping, it's a great exercise to put in the mix.
What Kind of Jumping is There?
When some people think about jumping for a workout, they might imagine simply jumping straight up and down. If this is your first thought, you probably aren't super excited about it. But jumping comes in many forms. Try doing jumping jacks. Try jump squats. Try jumping rope. Try lateral jumps, frog jumps, or burpees. If you do a little research and get a little creative, you can make it both effective and fun too.
Who Should Avoid It?
It's important to point out that not everyone should be jumping on a regular basis. In fact, some shouldn't be jumping at all. People who have problems with their knees, ankles, or hips should take extreme precaution before jumping. It's probably a good idea to ask a doctor before partaking in this activity. Those with certain heart conditions should also consult their doctor, as jumping can raise your heart rate very quickly. If you have any concerns about giving jumping a try in your workout, just ask your healthcare professional before diving in.
Jumping can really be helpful in the quest to get fit. It's a calorie burner, stamina enhancer, and muscle builder. Find some creative and fun ways to jump in your workout, and you can improve your fitness while having a blast every day.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Smyrna, Ga.