Jumping rope is one of the most effective tools for increasing stamina, footwork and concentration. There is undoubtedly a direct correlation between great jump roping and great footwork on the Race 4 Eight tour – just watch 20-time WR48 champion Catriona Casey jump rope.
According to Michelle Kennedy Hogan of Lifehack (HERE), jumping rope can do more for you overall than the same amount of time jogging. Ms. Hogan cites improved coordination, a decrease in foot and ankle injuries, burning major calories, improving bone density, improved cardiovascular efficiency, making you smarter by developing the left and right hemispheres of the brain and improving your ability to stay calm as just a few of the benefits of jumping rope.
Pete McCall of acefitness (HERE) states that jumping rope can increase the elasticity and resiliency of lower leg muscles, improve your cognitive functioning, can increase the intensity of circuit-training exercises, is portable and can be done outside and that the jump rope is the only piece of home cardio equipment you really need.
Unlike the treadmill, stationary bike or other passive workouts, the jump rope requires your full concentration, as each jump is a proactive undertaking, much like playing a handball rally.
An experienced and conditioned jump roper can make 2,000+ jumps without missing. An inexperienced and less conditioned jump roper will be lucky to make 30 jumps without missing. Challenge yourself to jump rope 3-4 times a week and chart your progress. You may start with a record of 15 jumps before missing or succumbing to fatigue. Set goals. Try to break your record by 10 jumps each day you jump rope. Your handball game will reap the benefits – you will improve your footwork, your stamina, your concentration and your leg strength.
The jump rope can serve as a pregame warm-up and a stand-alone exercise. The jump rope will force you to be on the balls of your feet and keep you off your dreaded heels.
Start your jump rope routine today and send us your jump rope video to info@wphlive.tv – we’ll add your progress to the WPH Wednesday Workout!
Check out these Jump Rope Videos
10-Minute Beginner Jump Rope Workout (Jump Rope Dudes) HERE
10-Minute Jump Rope Cardio Workout (Popsugar Fitness) HERE
10-Minute HIT Jump Rope Workout (Austin Dunham) HERE
David Fink
WPH Fitness Director