In front, behind, with a double jump, an egg or just to the rhythm. When was the last time you jumped rope? Maybe it’s time to get back to it. Especially if you’re looking for a new way to move. “It’s a great return to something we all did as kids, and at the same time a challenge for your fitness,” says runner Soňa Kotulková in the podcast.
You can find the podcast about running and swinging here:
It’s ridiculously simple and similar to running. Just get up and find a suitable place where nothing will get in your way. Try to remember what you knew years ago with such certainty. Or watch a few videos on proper technique so you don’t hurt yourself right from the start.
Otherwise, jumping rope is a surprisingly effective form of exercise. “When I had a race before, I went to jump in front of our house for fifteen or twenty minutes, and it really built my fitness,” says Soňa Kotulková, a runner from the blog and founder of the Prague Walking Club, from her own experience.
Really for everyone
Do you think that skipping rope is really only good for children? Not by chance. As a movement, it is suitable for every age group. And since you are actually only overcoming yourself and progressing at your own pace when jumping, it is actually less restrictive than other sports.
All you need is good shoes and a softer surface. Then it is gentler on the joints, unlike running, for example, it is also suitable for those who are overweight, and if you don’t overdo it and do an honest warm-up, it is suitable for beginners and elite athletes.
Muscles first
A major plus is that you exercise the muscles of the entire body symmetrically. Not only hands, feet, but also the middle of the body. And muscles you probably didn’t even know you had. Which is good for everyone. “Strength training is very important, especially for women who are going through perimenopause or are already in menopause,” explains the runner. Those who start paying attention to it regularly will probably see the results relatively soon.
For the whole body
Getting stronger while burning calories very efficiently is one thing. But add to them the improvement of coordination and balance. At the same time, you improve the health of the entire cardiovascular system, and it is important not only for older age groups. Therefore, jumping also works as a prevention of osteoporosis. According to experts, it also helps calm the head. You can’t think about anything else at that moment. So now just find where you put the jump rope and you can get to work.
