Jump Rope Exercises - Some Benefits

One of the best ways to get fit without the need for expensive home equipment or gym membership is to follow a jump rope exercise plan. Many of us jumped rope as children for fun and it can be just as much fun now we are adults, with all the added health advantages that regular cardio exercise can bring.  You can jump rope outside in the sunshine or inside on bad weather days as you don't need a lot of space, just enough to twirl the rope! Jumping rope exercises are great for heart and lung health and for getting both the upper body and lower body muscles working.

Benefits of Jump Rope Exercises

Jumping rope will exercise the muscles in the lowert body including calves, quadriceps, glutes and hamstrings. You will also exercise muscles in the upper body including the chest, triceps and biceps, shoulders and forearms. You can increase the effect of the jump rope exercises by using a weighted jump rope which can be bought with a range of weights so you can progressively increase the intensity of your workout. This type of exercise is also aerobic so that it improves the health of your heart as it becomes more efficient at pumping blood.

Types of Jump Ropes Available

If you think jump ropes are the same as the ropes you used as a child think again! They are sophisticated pieces of exercise equipment and come in a variety of styles to suit your exercise plan. Before you buy one think about where you will be using it for the majority of the time. Do you want one that is suitable for inside or outside? Lighter ropes will be suitable for inside but for outside you should consider a heavier ropes that wont blow about in the wind. Speed jump ropes, for fast jumping are usually light and made from cloth. They are ideal if you want a vigorous workout but won't last as long as some of the other types and are best for use inside.

Beaded ropes are suitable for outside use as they are heavier and more durable and can stand up to the elements better than speed ropes. Weighted ropes, as we mentioned earlier, can increase the effectiveness of your workout and you can buy progressively heavier ropes. They come in two types, ones with weighted handles and those with the weight in the rope. Weighted ropes can be bought at up to fifteen pounds but you will need to buy a new rope as you progress. Those with weighted handles, although they are lower in weight, from between one and five pounds, can be adjusted as your fitness improves so you won't have to buy a new one.

You will need to make sure you buy a rope that is the right length for you. The best way to do this is to place one foot on a piece of rope and measure the length needed to bring the rope up to the armpits.

You can find some good speed jump ropes for sale.

Jumping Rope Exercises

Take it easy when you first start and slowly build up as your endurance increases. Trying to do too much too soon will only give you the perception that is common that jumpimg rope exercises are too hard. There are lots of different exercises for jumping rope from the simple bounce steps jumping only enough to clear the rope and higher steps where you bring your knees up higher to more complicated exercises such as criss cross jumping. It's a good idea to buy a DVD to help you learn the exercises and keep you motivated.

Jump ropes are cheap, portable and easy to use! Jump rope exercises are beneficial to your heart and lungs and will tone all the major muscle groups in your body. What are you waiting for? Find out the benefits of jumping ropes and make it a part of your daily exercise routine. Find out more at How to Jump Rope