Skipping v/s yoga: Which keeps you fitter?
What's the story
Skipping and yoga are two of the most popular exercises, both having their own unique benefits. While skipping is usually associated with cardiovascular health and agility, yoga is famous for its flexibility and mental well-being. Knowing the benefits of the two can help you choose the one that suits your fitness goals. Here, we take a look at the surprising effects of skipping and yoga.
#1
Cardiovascular health boost
Skipping is a high-intensity workout that boosts cardiovascular health significantly. It raises heart rate instantly, improving circulation and endurance over time. Skipping regularly can improve heart function by strengthening the heart muscles, resulting in better oxygen delivery across the body. Studies suggest including skipping in the routine can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 30%, making it an effective exercise to keep the heart healthy.
#2
Flexibility and balance enhancement
We all know yoga helps in improving flexibility and balance through different poses that stretch muscles and improve posture. Practicing yoga regularly helps in lengthening tight muscles, increasing range of motion, and reducing stiffness in joints. Improved balance from yoga also helps in preventing falls, especially in older adults. With an emphasis on controlled movements, one can achieve better coordination between mind and body.
#3
Mental clarity improvement
Yoga has amazing mental health benefits since it helps you relax and lowers your stress levels. The practice incorporates deep breathing techniques that soothe the nervous system, which in turn helps you focus better. Most practitioners feel more centered after a session due to lower anxiety levels. Regular yoga sessions have also been associated with higher serotonin production, which helps you stabilize your mood.
Tip 1
Weight management aid
Both skipping and yoga aid weight management but in different ways. Skipping burns calories fast owing to its high-intensity nature; one can burn up to 200 calories in just 15 minutes depending on the weight and intensity level. Meanwhile, certain styles of yoga such as Vinyasa or Power Yoga provide moderate calorie burning while building muscle tone, which helps metabolism over time.
Tip 2
Joint health preservation
While skipping provides excellent cardiovascular benefits, it may not be for everyone considering its impact on joints, particularly if you are doing it wrong or without proper footwear support. On the other hand, yoga provides low-impact exercises perfect for those with joint issues. The gentle stretching helps lubricate joints, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility without putting undue stress on them.