Jumping for Your Heart
Jumping jacks are a form of aerobic exercise. Your heart is challenged to pump harder to meet the increased oxygen demands of your muscles, according to a May 2011 article published …show more content…
As part of her Weight Loss Challenge program, she prescribes 100 jumping jacks done three times daily as an effective method for burning an additional 60 calories. If you are trying to lose a pound a week, that 60 calories can go toward the 500 calories you need to cut daily to meet your goal.
Jumping Jacks in a Flash
The real beauty of jumping jacks is that, for all the health benefits, you don't need to invest money in equipment or devote a great deal of time to reap the rewards. You know the drill: Spread the arms and legs as you jump, then jump again, bringing the arms to the sides and the legs together. Brown recommends 60 seconds of jumping jacks to begin, gradually increasing by 10-second increments as your endurance improves.
Jump It Up a Notch
For a greater challenge and quicker benefits, increase resistance by adding ankle or wrist weights to your jumping jack routine. Adopt a pyramid-style execution, a method Julia Valentour, ACE Fitness program coordinator, uses to add variety and intensity to her own cardio routine. To do this, increase the number of jumping jacks with each set in your routine, resting in between. For example, perform as many jumping jacks as possible in 15 seconds. Rest for 15 seconds, then do as many jumping jacks as possible in 30 seconds. Rest 30 seconds, then do as many jumping jacks as possible for 60 seconds. Work your way