Jumping rope seems like child’s play until you pick one up and give it a try. You will be tired and out of breath in only a few minutes. Why do you think it’s a crucial training tool for boxers? It doesn’t exactly seem like a child’s toy when you see professional athletes dripping in sweat after just a few minutes. This compact piece of fitness gear will tone your entire body, quickly improve cardiovascular health, and fire up your metabolism.
So what exactly can this piece of rope do for your health and why should you incorporate it into your fitness routine? I am here to convince you just how amazing jumping rope is for your fitness and overall health. Here’s why you should add it to your life.
Fat Burn:
Jumping rope is so valuable because it torches a serious number of calories. We are talking over 1,000 per hour. Your heart rate is quickly elevated and maintaining a steady pulse establishes the perfect cardio burn window. High fat burning activities increase metabolism and make your body more efficient at managing energy. This increase in metabolic rate will turn your body into a fat-burning machine long after your workout has ended.
Coordination:
You probably don’t even realize how much coordination plays in a role in your daily life. Increased coordination enhances driving reaction times, typing skills, writing, and dancing among many other activities. Enhancing motor skills improves communication between your brain and the rest of your body. In turn, your reaction times will improve, you will be more agile and also learn to tap into a higher sense of calmness. Exercising the mind is just as important as exercising the body. With a jump rope, you are doing both at the same time. Learn more about jump ropes here.
With that being said, it’s good to mention that finding coordination and rhythm is not easy for everyone. The great thing about a jump rope is that it will either polish your coordination or help build it. No matter where you are a jump rope is an ideal accessory for training.
Lung Strength:
Cardiovascular activity such as jumping rope has been scientifically proven to enhance lung capacity and thus strengthen the lungs. Exercising increases oxygen which stimulates blood flow and forces the heart and lungs to work together. The stronger your lungs are the more efficient and controlled your breathing is. With stronger lungs comes a greater overall lung capacity. There is more of an oxygen reserve within the lungs ensuring more rapid breathing recovery.
Essentially this means that jumping rope will lead to stronger lungs and improved circulation. You’ll also find that you are less likely to become short of breath during normal activities and are more energized.
Total Engagement:
Jumping rope engages the entire body which strengthens all the main muscle groups at the same time. Shoulders, abs, glutes, thighs, and back are all targeted simultaneously. You know you have found a powerful exercise when it can work your entire body simultaneously. It saves a ton of time and streamlines your entire fitness routine.
Not only is it highly efficient but there aren’t too many other activities as portable as the jump rope can offer that. Making workout times effective and compact is a realistic way to stay on track with fitness goals. Also, since jumping rope is so dynamic it is a far more powerful cardiovascular activity than running.
Fun:
When looking for a new fitness routine always choose to engage in activities that you find enjoyable. Having fun is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Finding activities that are actually enjoyable and offer results will have you excited to get up and move.
Jumping rope is just good old fun so get excited and join in. You can test out different moves, practice altering your speed and create your own routines. There is so much room for creativity and personality that you will be mastering double-unders in no time at all. If you are looking for a little motivation do a quick search on YouTube for some new and interesting ways to jump rope.
Final Thoughts
As you can see there are plenty of reasons to add jumping rope to your fitness arsenal. It is a fun, effective, quick and interesting way to engage the body and mind while enhancing coordination. This exercise burns lots of calories in a small amount of time and improves agility. They are an inexpensive fitness accessory that is soon to be a favorite.
