10 Benefits of Skipping or Jumping Rope

10 reasons for you to jump rope or skip.

1. Skipping burns up to 1000 calories per hour…where else can you get that kind of result?

   Yes, I know you’ll say, but who can skip for that long? Well, maybe you won’t skip for an hour but if you watch children skipping they skip for the whole recess-taking turns, changing the pace and rhythm, between two people swinging the rope and on their own. But even if you just skip for a few minutes at a time you’ll be ahead of the game.

2. It’s low impact so you won’t end up with knee injuries like all those joggers you see with bandages around their knees.

3. Skipping is a full body exercise. It works your whole body not just your legs. Don’t believe me? Try it and see.
4. You increase your lung capacity…far better then long boring cardio on the treadmill or is that the dreadmill you’re running on?
   
5. Develops and conditions your heart muscle for a strong heart. You’ll know you’re working your heart after only 40 or 50 jumps if you’ve not skipped in a while.
6. Jumping rope or skipping is FREE apart from the cost of your rope.

7. You can skip anywhere and anytime-great if you are on the road a lot. And guys don’t be embarrassed, this is not for girls only it’s a tough workout-why do you think boxers train with jump ropes?
8. Great as a warm up or cool down.

9. Works wonders for your coordination and reflexes.
10. Is great for balance and agility.
    

One caveat though, rope jumping or skipping  can be tough on the calf muscles at the beginning so go easy when you’re starting out. Plus if you’re like me and coordination is a challenge, it may take a while to be fluid in your movements.

The first time I tried to do 100 skips I thought my lungs would burst because it took me so much effort to do them-I was a bit like a bull skipping, clumsy and without grace!

So if you can relate to me-a male, who never skipped at school, don’t get all frustrated and quit, stick with it and you’ll soon be skipping or should I say the more testosterone friendly word, jumping rope…enjoy.

Keep Strong,
Danny