Which is better for weight loss: jumping rope or running?

Jul 14, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, I have been trying to lose weight. Besides controlling my diet, exercising more is also important for weight loss. I would like to ask the doctor: which is more effective for weight loss, skipping rope or running?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Both rope skipping and running are excellent aerobic exercises that are highly effective for weight loss. The choice between the two should be based on individual conditions, personal preferences, and practical circumstances. 1. **Rope Skipping**: Rope skipping can rapidly increase heart rate and burn a large amount of calories in a short time. It not only helps with weight loss but also promotes balanced and strong muscle development throughout the body. Additionally, it enhances respiratory function, as well as the heart and cardiovascular system. 2. **Running**: Running requires more space but is also an efficient way to lose weight. During the first 20 minutes of jogging, the body primarily burns carbohydrates. After that, fat becomes the main source of energy. Therefore, running for weight loss should be sustained for a longer duration, and it is generally recommended to run for more than 30 minutes per session. 3. **Combined Effectiveness**: The most effective way to lose weight is to alternate between different aerobic exercises—for example, alternating between rope skipping and running—allowing for more comprehensive fat burning. Regardless of the chosen exercise, it must be combined with a healthy diet to ensure that calorie intake is less than calories burned in order to achieve weight loss goals.