Jump Roping for cardio?

[Fit Chick]

I used to run a lot but that took a toll on my knees and shins especially since I like running outside. Now I kickbox indoors and found that to be better for my knees. However, I can't avoid the impact. Walking doesn't do anything for me unless I'm hiking uphill for at least 45 minutes. So, my question is, is jumping rope a good cardio? I have good timing with ropes so I can jump rope quite intensely for at least 5 minutes nonstop. I can rope for 30 minutes with a few minutes of rest here and there. Impact is still there but is it better than running? Am I burning just a lot of calories? I keep the tension with my arms so it's tight and so I'm working out my arms. I rope inside the gym where the floor is like the tracks for runners. It has some give. Not hard like tile or wood floors.

[Lady C]

Jumping rope is good cardio. Boxers have been doing it for years. Changing the speed (fast then slow) can change up the intensity more like HIIT. I would not do it every time for cardio if you have bad knees. Switch between that and stationary bike for best knee results.

[cursor]

The rope-jumping sounds like winner of a system (particularly the part about doing it on a floor with bounce)! I might have to try that.