One of the most effective cardio workouts is jumping rope. While other workouts may require multiple pieces of equipment, driving to the gym for class or a lot of room in your house, jumping rope only requires a pair of tennis shoes and an inexpensive rope. Jumping rope is a safe and effective workout for new exercisers, elite athletes, and virtually everyone in between. Because it can be high intensity compared with other forms of cardio, it is an ideal workout for those who are short on time or looking to increase their cardiovascular endurance.
What to Look for
There are so many options to choose from when considering what kind of jump rope to buy. There are ropes for single and double use, health and fitness, speed and performance. Ropes come with longer and shorter handle lengths and are made from woven cloth and more resilient plastic beads. Given the amount of variety, it can be hard to make a decision about what kind of rope to purchase. If your goal is to use to rope for health and fitness purposes, then you may want to buy a speed rope or beaded jump rope. The advantage of using a speed rope is that they are slightly heavier than a standard jump rope, thus increasing the intensity of the workout. The beaded rope is also an ideal choice for all jumpers because of its durable design and adjustable length.
The best way to see if your jump rope is the proper height for you is to stand in the center of the rope with both feet with the handles at the height of your armpit. Ropes can be purchased anywhere from your local sporting goods store to jump roping websites such as www.jumprope.com.
Common Pitfalls
While jumping rope is one of the most effective cardio workouts, it is not without some potential concerns. If you are just beginning an exercise program, either for the first time or after a long layoff, it is important to talk with your doctor prior to your first workout as jumping rope can be an intense activity. Also keep in mind that jumping rope is high-impact and if you have any past history of injury, you want to slowly ease your way back into your workouts to prevent any future problems.
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