A simple jump rope for beginners guide is what you might be looking for after you’ve considered adding this fun workout in your fitness routine. Don’t be shy that your searching on how to jump rope thinking that it used to be one of your favorite childhood games – you should be natural at it right?
This jump rope guide for beginners like me will help you in boosting your performance, but most of all safety. Are you ready? Let’s get started.
Get a rope
Because it is one of the most popular workout these days, there are many jump rope available. You can get in in sporting stores and online – and they’re affordable!
The question you might be asking is, “What kind of rope should I get?“. There are ropes like beaded ropes, weighted ropes, and those made from leather and those made from plastic.
Jump rope for beginners
You can ask the store for the basic jump rope or buy those made from PVC plastic. They are thicker with rubber handles for easy grip. Many of these PVC ropes have steel wires inside.
I use a UFC leather jump rope. As a beginner myself, I can recommend this type of jump rope if you see one. It costs more but more durable.
For me, weighted jump ropes are not for beginners especially if you are not that strong yet. – but a great jump rope goal! I’m looking forward to use a weight jump rope myself.
Measure and adjust your rope based on your height
The length of your rope can affect your performance. Ropes are longer by default to accommodate tall jumper. Therefore, as soon as you get your rope you have to adjust the height.
If your rope is too long, it will take long to loop over your body. Longer rope means your jump will be longer as well. I didn’t adjust my rope’s length when I started because I was still working on my coordination and rhythm.
Now that I adjusted it to my right length, it made my jump better. So how long should your rope be?
The handle end should reach your armpit. If you’re a beginner just adjust like it can reach your shoulder.
Find your jumping spot – think about surface
One of the reasons why jump rope is a great workout is how portable it is. You don’t need a big space compared to running but your jumping surface is also important.
With jumping, your knees will absorb the motion and you need a surface to aid you with that to avoid any injury and pain. Concrete floors are no no. If you can, buy a jumping rope mat. Not only concrete will make your knees hurt, it is hard to jump too.
Practice your rhythm
So how should you jump? It may seemed easy but you’ll be suprised that on your first attempts, you will always end up stepping on the rope. It takes practice and you’ll naturally get your coordination.
Here’s how to jump rope:
1. Hoop the rope over at your back.
2. Slightly bend your knees and look at the floor (for beginners)
3. Swing the rope over your head. As soon as you see the rope in front of your just before it lands on the surface, jump!
4. Continue and practice your jump.
Keep the right form
Take note of your form while jumping because just like any other form of exercise, a bad form will result to injuries. When jumping, your knees should be slightly bent and always jump on your balls of your feet. I jump like I’m mini-tiptoeing- my feet never land flat ( or else your knees will suffer).
Also look forward, you might be looking at your rope as it touches the floor. It’s ok though especially if you are still working on your coordination – but gaze forward is the right jump rope posture. The wrists makes small circles as well.
Jump in!
Jump rope let you reap plenty of rewards and it is fun – the fun side is one of the reasons why I love it. It takes some coordination and practice but you’ll get there in no time! Enjoy, sweat it out and lose some pounds!
