When Priyanka Chopra admitted she isn’t a morning person, loves this cardio exercise: ‘Unless I’m literally being paid…’

Taking a cue from her love for skipping, we turned to Dr Vishal Shinde, consultant, orthopaedic surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, who told us that skipping is one of the most efficient cardio exercises because it fires up the legs, core, and upper body in one go, especially for someone with busy and inconsistent schedules. “It improves coordination, balance, and stamina without requiring a gym setup. For those who travel a lot or don’t like structured morning workouts, a skipping rope becomes an easy carry-anywhere fitness tool. Even 5–10 minutes of skipping can provide a quick surge of cardio to awaken your joints and muscles,” said Dr Shinde.

Can skipping support joint and bone health?

Skipping is considered a weight-bearing exercise that helps strengthen bones and improve body stability. “The impact of rhythmic skipping enhances the strength of your ankles and knees, provided the surface is safe to skip on, and the technique is in control,” said Shinde.

Do you like to skip? (Photo: Freepik)

Experts often caution beginners to start slow to avoid unnecessary strain.

Most people think that consistency only means doing the same workout every day. In fact, consistency can also mean finding small, repeatable habits.

What to note?

Choose the right rope length, wear supportive footwear, and warm up the calf muscles, said Dr Shinde. “Skipping in the morning energises the body while improving joint mobility; it also provides a fun option for taking cardio without pressuring yourself. For many, though, the best exercise plan is whatever one they can stick to, even if it’s just a rope in the bag and a few minutes of movement whenever the day allows for it.”

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.