Running on the Spot

Question
Rick
Is this an adequate alternative to actual running outside or on a treadmill?
Its pretty cold and icy outside here,and the treadmill at the gym is always busy.I cant afford to buy one.
Last night I jogged in place,holding light hand weights, while watching TV and I worked in some jumping jacks.
I got my heart pumping and a good sweat,although I didnt get the heavy breathing.
I feel great today.What if I did this for an hour a day?

Answer
Sue,
It's hard to say how beneficial jogging in place with weights is.  I'm assuming they were 1-2 pound weights, but even then, over time, that weight could cause some issues in the shoulders & arms.  

As a substitute, I'd recommend looking into the kettlebell as a tool to use for your cardio.  The reasons why are: 1) It can raise heart rates up into your proper heart rate zones, and 2) its highly adaptable to the metabolic (calorie-burning) effects of running.  I did a 25# kettlebell swing exercise for 5 minutes continuously, and had a BioTrainer (calorie-burning estimator) on me while doing so.  I burned 100 calories, which was 20 cals/minute.  That's the same rate I burn calories at a 7 minute pace on a mile.  (I burn 140 calories in a mile at my bodyweight)  
The site GoFit.net has a selection of kettlebells to choose from, I have even seen the GoFit brand of kettlebells in Target stores & in some upscale sporting goods stores.  The GoFit brand comes with an instructional DVD to show you how its both a cardio & a strength tool for your entire body.  a 10 to 15# kettlebell is a good choice to begin with for more females. With my past personal training, I found the 15# to be better for the swing exercise to start with & begin with.  
You'll also find out with the kettlebells that your workout won't last quite as long, because of the full body demands placed upon it from the kettlebell lifts & exercises you do.

I hope this helps you well,
Rick Karboviak