While you may consider jumping rope a children’s game, the activity provides a number of health benefits for all ages. Jumping rope requires the use of a number of muscles in the body, including the arms for turning the jump rope and the legs for bouncing up and down. The ability to jump rope almost anywhere–providing there is sufficient height space and room for the rope to turn–makes it a convenient alternative to weather- or equipment-driven activities.
Increased Cardiovascular and Lung Capacity
Jumping rope for 10 minutes is the cardiovascular capacity equivalent of jogging for 30 minutes, according to “Parade” magazine. Jumping rope is an exercise that involves impact, meaning the feet hit the ground and the body must leverage itself against gravity. This is a similar action to running or jogging, yet when performed properly does not place the same strain on the body.
The action of jumping translates into a raised heart rate that can strengthen your cardiac and lung capacity. By jumping rope, you will reap the benefits of a healthier heart and lungs.
Calorie Burning
Jumping rope can burn as many as 1,000 calories per hour, according to RopeSport. Jumping rope is a full-body workout that requires a number of muscles to be engaged, including back, glutes, shoulders, abs, chest and arms, according to “Parade” magazine. This makes jumping rope a highly effective exercise for weight loss.
Improve Athletic Performance
Jumping rope is an exercise of choice for a number of athletes, including those who play basketball, tennis, football, boxing, skiing, soccer, according to “Parade” magazine. In addition to the cardiovascular benefit associated with jumping rope, athletes find it improves coordination, balance and timing. Jumping rope blends these three attributes together because the hands and feet must work together to time the jumps to meet when the rope will be swinging down. If an athlete builds this skill, she can improve reaction times, be lighter on her feet and coordinate other motions that require coordination, such as the swing of a bat to meet a ball in baseball.
Inexpensive and Convenient
You can buy jump ropes inexpensively at a local sporting goods store or discount superstore. This means you can have a portable piece equipment that can last for a long time. Jumping rope also is convenient, because you can do it almost anywhere and does not take much time to learn to jump rope.
About this Author
Rachel Nelson is currently a managing editor for custom health publications, including physician journals. A writer for more than 6 years, she has written for the Associated Press and “Charleston,” “Chatter” and “Reach” magazines. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Tennessee.
