728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Active Lifestyles › Kids Jumping Into Fitness

Kids Jumping Into Fitness

Jumping Rope for Exercise

By Sue Marquette Poremba

Pages:  1  2  3  

  • Get started. To begin, lightly grip the handles near the end closest to the rope. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your elbows close to your body. Your knees should be bent slightly. Turn the rope from the wrist and aim to keep a smooth arc in the rope as it passes over your head. Keep a long spine with your head straight up. Jump low to keep the impact on your knees and ankles to a minimum.
  • Get creative. Once you have mastered basic jumping, try getting a little imaginative. Jump backwards or vary your foot patterns. Try bringing your knees up, scissoring your legs or jumping around the perimeter of the room. If you find yourself needing a break, twirl the rope from side to side and keep your feet moving.
  • Get motivated. Turn on your favorite upbeat music to get you inspired. Treat yourself to an instructional video like Free Style Roping, where you can learn boxer shuffles, figure eights and interval jumping.
  • Get going. Like any other physical activity, you need to be consistent to see the results. You're sure to notice a marked improvement in your endurance level, which will help any other sports or activities you may do.

    • In addition, pay attention to footwork. Rope jumping is required for Katalin Zamiar Ogren's martial arts classes because, she says, it provides fundamental footwork training. "The boxer shuffle is the most efficient way to jump," she says. "It is far less impact than running." To do this, shift the weight on the ball of each foot when jumping. The feet should come high enough to get over the rope easily.


    Pages:  1  2  3  


    Want to see more?