Jump To A Healthier You
This simple yet complex exercise has plenty of benefits! It is an ideal brain exercise, bone builder, and one of the most efficient ways of improving cardiovascular fitness in as little as ten minutes.
Health Benefits
- Improves cardiovascular fitness
- Burns calories
- Improves balance, coordination, timing and agility
- Increases bone density
Basic Requirements
- Adjust the rope by holding the handles and stepping on the rope
- Shorten the rope so the handles reach your underarms
- Wear properly fitted athletic shoes
You’ll need a four-by-six-foot area, and about 10 inches of space above your head. The exercise surface is very important. Do not attempt to jump on carpet, grass, concrete, or asphalt. While carpet reduces impact, the downside is it grabs your shoes and can twist your ankle or knee. Use a wood floor, piece of plywood, or an impact mat made for exercise.
How To Jump
If you haven’t jumped rope since third grade, it can be humbling. It demands (and builds) coordination. Initially, you should practice foot and arm movements separately.
- Hold both rope handles in one hand and swing the rope to develop a feel for the rhythm.
- Next, without using the rope, practice jumping.
- Finally, put the two together and jump your way to a healthy you!
To schedule an appointment, call 305-585-4564.
For more heart health articles during our Heart Month series, click here.
To read our Hearts of Jackson patient stories, click here.