Should You Try Jump Rope Exercising?

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Jump ropes exercises are excellent for improving overall fitness and strength by working all the body’s major muscle groups. Although many people are aware that jump rope exercises tone the lower body including the glutes, hamstrings, calves and quadriceps it is less well known that they also work on the upper body.

Types of Jump Ropes

Before you start jump rope exercising you will need to consider which type to buy. They’ve come a long way from the simple ropes you may have used as a child! Speed ropes are made for fast jumping, are lightweight and usually made from woven cloth. Jump ropes made from cloth are soft enough not to cause damage if you hit yourself but don’t last as long as other types of ropes. They are also better used inside as they may be too light to use outside if there is any wind.

Weighted jump ropes have extra weight either in the handles or distributed through the rope. Weighted handles may be fixed or adjustable so that you can increase the weight, usually from one to four pounds, as your fitness improves. The types with weighted ropes offer higher weights, up to fifteen pounds, and provide extra resistance as you swing the rope. They are not adjustable however so increasing the weight will mean that you will have to buy a new rope.

Beaded ropes are heavier than cloth ropes and suitable for use outside as they will not be blown about in the wind as much as a lighter rope. They are also more durable and will last longer if used outside.

How long should your jump rope be?

It’s important that you buy a rope that is a suitable length. You can use a length or ordinary rope or twine to find out how long your new jump rope should be before you buy one. With one foot stand on the rope and hold each end up straight up so that it reaches your armpits. This is the length you will need.

Choosing a speed rope

For maximum benefit many people prefer a speed rope. Speed ropes are suitable for both younger and more mature users and are designed with the correct thickness and weight for fast jumping. Speed ropes can achieve up to three hundred revolutions per minute and will give you the maximum training effect.

Jump rope exercises

Many people have the perception that jumping rope exercises are too hard but if you use the correct technique you will find it easy to learn. Try to get a good DVD to learn the right way to jump rope and take it easy at first, don’t try to do to much too soon. Basic exercises include a simple bounce step where you will jump just enough to jump over the rope, high step where you will jump higher bringing the knees up towards the waist and a jogging step jumping with alternate feet in a jogging motion. Once you master these basic steps you can move on to more difficult exercises such as backward jumping, arm criss cross and twister jumps.

Advantages of jump rope exercises

Jump ropes are inexpensive, portable and easy to use. You won’t need expensive exercise equipment and you can exercise anywhere you have a sufficient space, inside or outside. This is a great form of cardiovascular exercise, exercises your whole body and is great for burning fat. Take it slowly at first and gradually buildup to twenty to thirty minutes a day for maximum benefit.

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