Jumping rope has been a sport for thousands of years. Today, it shows up, in the form of synchronized jumping rope, in the Olympics, on TV, and in gyms everywhere. But the reason to jump rope and the reason to do it well are pretty much the same: it’s great exercise! Jumping rope is a great aerobic activity, and it’s fun. It’s fun because it’s a great stress reducer.
When your body is under stress, it releases hormones that help you cope. They make you feel good. When the stress is gone, the hormones go away, and you feel lousy. So, by distracting yourself, jumping rope can encourage you to face stress head-on, and give you the boost you need to get through it. And, as a bonus, it makes your heart stronger.
As the chances go, few people are as high up on the athletic food chain as an Olympic-level jumper. To go from an amateur to a professional takes a lot of dedication, discipline, and commitment. But one pretty important ingredient is time, and anyone can benefit from jumping rope for fitness. The exercise combines the cardiovascular benefits of running and jumping, and it’s also a good way to develop core strength and improve balance.
To jump rope properly, you’ll need a jump rope, a pair of sneakers, and about 30 minutes a day. Set aside some time for exercise every day, and jump rope for 30 minutes at least three times a week. A jump rope requires a bit of coordination and practice, so it’s a good idea to start with a friend, and even raise the stakes by competing to see who can jump rope the longest.
Next thing you know, you’ll be jumping rope with one foot and then the other, alternating legs and continuing to jump high. Eventually, you’ll be jumping rope at a rhythm of one to two feet per second, and before you know it.
