25 Jump Rope Facts: It's Time To Start Getting Active

A jumping rope, also called a skipping rope, is a piece of rope with handles at both ends.

Jumping rope was considered a fun children's activity a while back. Right now, though, it is becoming one of the most popular fitness activities for adults.

Jumping rope is an activity where a rope is swung over the head, and when it reaches the feet, the person jumps over it. You definitely must have played with a jump rope in your PE class in school.

There are so many health benefits to jumping rope, starting from weight loss to improved cardiovascular health. This article will take you through different reasons why you should start skipping again!

History Of Jump Rope

History says that people started using jump ropes as early as 1600 A.D. Here are some facts about the history of jump ropes.

In the 1600 A.D., there are reports of tribes in Europe using vines to make jump ropes. This is probably the first reference to this sport in history.

The sport slowly spread in Europe, and young boys started taking it up largely.

Jump rope was not a woman's thing in the past. It was mostly considered a man's game because it was considered not decent for women to show their ankles.

It was only in the 18th century that girls took this activity up. They made it more interesting by adding skipping chants to it.

Skipping chants are rhymes or catchy phrases that are repeated every time the person skips.

By the 19th century, it became very common to see schoolgirls skipping ropes in school, on sidewalks, and outside their homes.

Types Of Jump Rope

There are different types of jump rope depending on the purpose of the rope. When it comes to jump rope training, there are four common types identified.

The beginner type is for adults who have just started training. These ropes are thicker, easy to jump over, and have a better grip. You can start with this if you are new to this workout routine.

The speed jump rope is for people who want to take up skipping as a part of their cardiovascular exercise. The rope here is lightweight and can be quickly swung over the head. This rope helps improve footwork too.

The weighted jump rope has additional weight in the handle, and this makes it heavier. As a result, this rope helps build stamina and is used for strength training.

Beaded jump ropes have beads attached to the ropes at regular intervals. The beads add to the weight, and this rope is used for warm-up activities.

There are different factors you need to consider before picking up the right jump rope. If all you want in a skipping rope is to help burn calories, then the basic or weighted ones work well.

For serious athletes, speed jump roping helps build body energy levels and improves focus and speed.

Physical Jump Rope Benefits

There are so many benefits to using a jump rope regularly. Check out some of the top expert accepted physical benefits here.

If you want to take up jump roping for weight loss, then you can lose up to 250-300 calories in just 15 minutes of jumping.

People can facilitate overall fat loss by using a skipping rope. The fat around the abdomen is especially difficult to lose, and jumping rope can help.

Jumping also improves heart health. Studies say that people who jumped rope regularly had lower body fat levels, an improved pulse rate, and better-regulated blood pressure levels.

Low bone density may lead to problems like osteoporosis in the future. According to experts, people who jump rope regularly have higher bone density than those who don't.

According to doctors, you can reduce your risk of osteoporosis by jumping ropes for 10 minutes a day.

People who skip regularly also seem to be more flexible. They can stay more active and have fewer body aches over time.

A warm-up is an integral part of an exercise or physical training session. Warming up right can prevent the risk of injuries.

If you are an athlete or a sportsperson for whom balance is very important, then jumping rope can help with that too. Research says that people who skip rope quickly learn balance and coordination.

Did you know that using a jumping rope for just 10-15 minutes can act as an intensive warm-up session and will increase your heart rate and get your body ready for the actual workout session?

Skipping is a great way to build your body muscles and develop endurance. Your muscles get more oxygen when you skip or jump. The extra oxygen feeds the muscles and helps them grow quickly.

When it comes to intensive fitness training, using jumping ropes with muscle and strength conditioning is a great way to achieve quick results.

A jumping rope can be used as a refresher when you exercise. Any time you are bored of intensive workouts and the treadmill, give this a try and add some fun to the fitness session.

Mental Jump Rope Benefits

If you thought a jumping rope is only to make you feel better on the outside, you could not be more wrong. Here is a list of mental jumping rope benefits you should know about.

Experts believe that training with a jumping rope can help improve concentration. It helps boost your memory and keeps your body alert.

Jumping rope can improve blood flow in the body. A lot of the time, blood flow imbalances can lead to mental health problems like stress and depression. Giving your body, this exercise can help you feel better.

Do you constantly feel exhausted physically and mentally? This form of workout can help prevent this and improve mental and physical stamina.

A lot of people go into depression because of weight issues. This workout mode will help burn calories faster and, as a result, aid in quick weight loss. This helps indirectly with depression.

Many experts say that exercise releases happiness hormones in the body, and hence people with mental health problems should be physically active. Try skipping to achieve the same benefit.

Jumping rope definitely has many physical and mental health benefits. Apart from all this, it is also a fun physical activity that you can try out with friends and family. Make it a jumping rope competition and encourage everyone you know to do it too.

FAQs

Who invented the jump rope?

Explorers who moved around Europe in the 16th century found the aborigines there playing jump rope with vines. This was probably the time this was invented.

Is 10 minutes of jump rope enough?

Just 10 minutes of intensive jumping rope can burn up to 200 calories. It can also act as a wonderful warm-up. So yes, 10 minutes is enough in the beginning. You can skip more as you develop more endurance.

Is jumping rope good for abs?

Jumping strengthens your core and, as a result, helps get awe-worthy abs. In fact, some people believe jumping ropes are so much better than crunches for developing abs.

Can I jump rope barefoot?

Experts say there are a lot of benefits of jumping barefoot. Barefoot jumping builds incredible balance and endurance and helps you increase your speed. However, if you are a beginner, it would be better to start with shoes on.

Should I jump rope on my toes?

This is one common mistake that both people who jump for fun and as a workout regime make initially. You shouldn't land on your toes. This may lead to injuries, putting all your weight on the tips of your toes. Instead, focus on landing on the balls of your feet.

Is jump rope good for muscle gain?

Yes. A lot of people who work out to build muscles do so by skipping rope. Make sure you choose the right technique, so you don't burn excessive calories, though. The idea is to build endurance and strength.