Jump Rope: Can It Benefit You?

The use of the jump rope during exercise is most commonly used in boxing training. This is also known as “rope skipping”. Not all of us are training for a boxing event so should we be incorporating this into our daily workout regimen? What benefits can we gain for using the jump rope?

• Coordination1
• Agility1

• 

  http://tinyurl.com/muqto6v

  Footwork1
• Endurance1
• Inexpensive
• Easy for Travel

Jumping rope actually improves your coordination by making you focus on your feet. Whether or not you’re paying attention to them, your brain is aware of what your feet are doing. This practice, over and over again, makes you “lighter” on your feet. Training for one of those warrior-style obstacle course races? Jumping rope can help.2

One way to incorporate variety is by traveling frontward, backward, and side-to-side. For example, run in place with the rope while traveling around the perimeter of a square. Move forward, sideways (right), backward and then sideways (left), ending back at the starting point.

By incorporating frontward, backward, and lateral movement, you will improve footwork and agility, while simultaneously improving endurance.1

Grab a jump rope, get hopping and be amazed by the different ways your body and mind will benefit!

References

1. Enamait, Ross. (2015, March 30). Jump Rope Training. Retrieved on October 10, 2015 from http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/rossboxing4.htm.
2. Hogan, Michelle K. 9 Benefits of Jumping Rope You Probably Don’t Know. Retrieved on October 10, 2015 from http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/benefits-jumping-rope-you-probably-dont-know.html