Health Benefits of Jumping Rope
Jumping rope isn't just for kids. The exercise is versatile and often used as a warm-up or even as a key part of the workout itself.
Jumping rope is a cardiovascular or aerobic exercise that gets your heart pumping. The childhood favorite doubles as
plyometric training.
Plyometrics are explosive movements that combine power and speed. With plyometric exercises, you
challenge your muscles to exert as much force as possible in quick intervals.
Athletes often use plyometrics to train. But beginners can try moves like jumping rope to get started with plyometrics.
And numerous benefits make jumping rope a worthy addition to your workouts.
Benefits of jumping rope
- Provides a full-body workout
- Builds muscle power and strength
- Boosts your athletic performance
- Increases bone density
- Improves your heart health
- Enhances balance and coordination
- Fun and adaptable
Key takeaways:
- Jumping rope is a great form of cardio for improving heart health.
- It's particularly effective for lower-body power training and injury prevention.
- You can practice jumping rope alongside other forms of exercise and adjust your technique based on your fitness level.
Before You Jump Rope, Consider These Tips
If you haven't picked up a rope in a while, start with one that's the right length for your height .
Stand on the middle of the rope with both feet, then grab a handle in each hand and lift them to chest height with your
arms straight.
If the ends of the rope (the part where the rope meets the handle) reaches your armpits, the rope is the correct length.
Next, choose a solid surface to exercise on.
Surfaces like concrete or asphalt can work, but they can also batter your joints if your sessions are long or you have
ankle, knee, hip or lower-back problems.
Ideally, do your workouts on a dense rubber or hard
wooden surface, the kind you'd normally find in a gym, playground or tennis court.