Feature Image by Chichi Onyekanne
When someone mentions jumping rope, you probably think back to fond memories of P.E. class in elementary school or playing double dutch at recess, but the perks of this activity go far beyond the playground. According to Crossrope, “Jump rope training is one of the best-kept secrets in fitness right now.”
So pick up a jump rope and start putting some spring into your step to reap these amazing benefits.
Sharpens your mind
According to the Jump Rope Institute, “Jumping helps to develop the left and right hemispheres of the brain, to further improve spatial awareness and reading skills, and increases memory and mental alertness.”
Great cardio for any fitness level
“Boxers and martial artists have long used the jump rope to build the aerobic capacity needed for long-lasting battles in the ring,” Crossrope states. “But they’re not the only ones who can benefit from this workout. The jump rope is a great tool for building cardio and endurance, no matter what your current fitness level is.”
Calorie crusher
Who doesn’t want to burn those pesky calories in a fraction of the time? According to Science Daily, “This exercise can achieve a ‘burn rate’ of up to 1300 calories per hour of vigorous activity, with about 0.1 calories consumed per jump. Ten minutes of jumping rope can roughly be considered the equivalent of running an eight-minute mile.”
Decreases lower leg injuries
“Jumping rope regularly strengthens the calf muscles and improves the elasticity of the surrounding tendons and fascia,” ACE Fitness states. “To increase elasticity, try to land on the ball of the foot first, but let your heels go all of the way down to the ground.
Improves coordination
“Jumping rope is a cyclic activity, which means you perform it for a steady, regular cadence,” ACE Fitness states. “The steady cadence and rhythm of jumping rope can help improve the coordination between your eyes, feet, and hands.”
Ready to start jumping? Here are some fun FabFitFunTV jump rope videos you can follow.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
