Can You Lose Weight by Jumping Up & Down?

Jumping rope, exercising on a trampoline or stationary jumping are effective ways to lose weight and burn fat. Jumping is considered a high-impact exercise and can raise your heart rate significantly. Check with a physician before beginning any aerobic or high-impact routine to ensure it is safe for your health.

Jumping is an effective way to burn calories and lose weight. (Image: lolostock/iStock/Getty Images)

Your Metabolism and Exercise

Your metabolic rate is defined by the number of calories you must eat to maintain basic bodily functions. Your body burns up to 75 percent of the calories you eat simply by maintaining life. If you engage in physical activity such as jumping up and down, especially if it raises your heart rate for a period of 10 minutes or more, you will lose weight once the calories you burn exceed the calories you take in.

Calories In and Calories Out

It takes 3,500 calories to make 1 pound. In order to lose weight doing any exercise, whether jumping or skiing, you need to burn 3,500 calories more than you take in. To lose 2 pounds a week, you will need to burn more than 7,000 calories. A 155-pound person can quickly burn between 550 and 850 calories per hour jump-roping or about 250 calories on a trampoline, depending on the speed and intensity of the exercise routine. In addition to a routine jumping workout, eating a healthy low-calorie diet can help increase the number of calories burned each week.

Jumping Rope as Exercise

Jumping rope burns fat quickly. A 10 minute session can burn more than 100 calories. Jumping rope is also good for toning your legs, arms, chest and shoulders. If you don't have a jump rope, you can pretend by jumping high enough to bring your feet up a few inches and swinging your arms in a circular motion. Try to envision a jump rope in your hands as you jump.

Jump on a Rebounder

A rebounder is a mini trampoline. This is a low-impact form of jumping that can help you lose weight. The mini trampoline was built specifically for weight loss and fitness. You can increase the amount of calories you burn by jumping rope on the rebounder, shadow boxing or lifting your legs as if you were running. This can also be a fun exercise for children or teenagers.