Jump rope is a great cardio-workout that is good for you, it helps you burn calories while strengthening your legs, butt, shoulders, and arms. Just think about all those boxing films and the countless times they jump roped during their workout, it’s a workout that high-performing athletes do, and one that you should do more to get into tip-top shape.
5 reasons to jump rope more
1. It’s great for all fitness levels. The jump rope by looks alone can be deceiving. A mere rope but never stops being a challenge and one that always gets your heart pumping. If you rarely workout, a 5-minute session to start off with is ideal. You can add on minutes as you get better at it.
2. Feel your heart pump. If you’ve heard of active recovery in between your strength-training workouts, jump rope is one of them. It helps keep your heart rate up in between your workout sets, ideally you wouldn’t want your heart rate to drop whenever you take breaks, so this is a great way to actively rest.
3. Quickest and most effective cardio. A simple 5-minute workout can be equivalent to running a half mile, plus it’s a low-impact alternative.
4. It makes you focus on your workout. Unlike running and cycling, which at some point becomes routine and monotonous, you need to focus on jump rope. Pay attention to your reflexes, your speed, your height of jump and stay focused so you don’t trip over the rope. That focus helps to keep you in “the zone” and you feel like you’re reaping the most out of your workout.
5. It targets various muscle groups. Jump with your knees to your chest and you work out your abs, do lunge jumps and you work out your thighs. You get to target more than one muscle group and the best part is, you beat boredom with the same jump types. Tone those legs and that booty! Plus, it’s so portable and easy to carry around. You could literally jump rope anywhere you like.
Just beginning? Don’t be discouraged. Be guided through a 10-minute workout with this video:
– Cover Image: onnit.com
