A beaded jump rope has a core, usually of nylon, with plastic or polyurethane segments or beads strung on the core cord. The beads are in different colors to increase visibility for competitions. Beaded jump ropes provide the same benefits as other jump ropes. They improve coordination, agility, endurance, increase cardiovascular fitness and help develop long, lean muscles throughout the body.
Advantages
The beaded jump rope is resilient and versatile. It works well on concrete and other harsh surfaces that will destroy other types of jump ropes. Cold weather does not affect the performance of these ropes. Tangling is prevented by the beads, which is helpful for beginners. The sounds of the beads hitting the ground can help jumpers maintain their rhythm. The extra weight of the beads holds the arc for slow turning, which helps when you are learning basic tricks. The weight also gives a good cardiovascular workout.
Myths
The first myth is you have to be coordinated in order to jump rope. Actually, you become more coordinated by jumping rope. The second is that jumping rope is hard on your knees. In jumping rope, you should be landing on the balls of your feet, which absorb more of the impact, so the knees are not affected unlike in running, where you are landing on your heels. The third is that jumping rope is exhausting. This one is actually true; if you haven't been jumping or exercising, jumping rope can be tiring, but this will pass as you get more practice.
Benefits
Jumping rope is inexpensive. The rope can be bought for under $20, and good aerobics or cross trainer shoes are basically the only other gear you need. You can jump rope just about anywhere there is some space, indoors or out. It increases fitness in many areas such as coordination, agility, balance, speed, cardiovascular and endurance. Jumping rope also goes well with music. Music helps with rhythm and concentration. There are lots of skills to learn in jumping rope. You could stick to basic jumping, but adding some tricks can boost your fun. The more skills or tricks you master in jumping rope, the more fit people think you are. That can be a self-esteem booster.
Making Your Own
You can make your own beaded jump rope. You can buy kits or you can buy the pieces and put it together yourself. Using clothesline rope with 3/16th diameter, measure the rope so it is the correct height for you. Next, you will need to get some plastic beads about 1 inch to 1 ¼ inches long and 3/8th diameter. Thread the beads onto the rope in the color sequence you desire. Add handles, either dowel or plastic ones that have holes in them. Thread the rope through the holes and tie with a knot.
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