When was the last time you jumped rope? Did you know that only 10 minutes of jumping rope is almost equivalent to running an 8-minute mile? You can also burn up to 1000 calories in just one hour. It’s possibly the single most beneficial form of exercise a person can do. It can be done just about anywhere and can easily be incorporated into anyone’s lifestyle.
Jumping rope is a great calorie burner. It’s great for your heart and also strengthens the upper and lower body. It tones muscles in the entire body, creating long, lean muscles in all major muscle groups. It is one of the best activities to help fight heart disease, obesity, type II diabetes, and osteoporosis, while providing fun for the entire family. If you have children, incorporate them into the mix and jump rope together. Your children and your health will thank you.
Learning how to jump rope is very easy. People of all fitness levels can learn in a relatively short amount of time. It’s a lot of fun and can become easily addictive. Once you get a natural rhythm going, the easy jumping takes over and soon enough you don’t even feel like you’re exercising and can easily lose yourself in the flow.
Jumping rope is probably the most inexpensive workout ever! For a mere $10-$15, you can purchase a descent rope that will last you for years, compared to other cardio equipment that can cost a small fortune. It can be done anywhere and is the ultimate workout for busy people who find it difficult to fit in long workouts. It’s a small compact item that can easily fit in your travel luggage and can be used to keep you fit while traveling.
Jumping rope to lose weight is another great reason to fit it into one’s schedule. For those just getting started, don’t focus too much on how many calories you burn, but more on a particular amount of time you want to achieve. Start out with an easy, low impact jump, for about 1 minute, then increase your duration by 30 seconds if and when you are able to.
Basic Requirements For Novices:
- A beaded rope is recommended because it holds its shape and is easier to control.
- Adjust the rope by holding the handles and stepping on the rope. Shorten the rope so that the handles reach your armpits.
- Wear comfortable cross training shoes.
- Chose a surface with some give to it, such as a wooden or gym floor in order to minimize impact to the knees. Do not attempt it on carpet or grass.
- Secure an open space that is at least 4X6 with approximately one to two feet of clearance overhead.
