The Benefits of Skipping

If you’re tired of the treadmill and bored with the gym it’s time to grab yourself a rope and get skipping. It might sound like an easy option at first but you’ll soon discover that it’s a lot tougher than you think. Continuous skipping will give you a high intensity workout, and it’s great for the muscles of the upper and lower body. Just 20 minutes skipping will burn 250 calories.

High Energy Workout

Skipping is an excellent cardiovascular workout and is comparable to running at 12kph when you consider the number of calories burned per minute. Skipping targets the calves, thighs, bottom, and shoulders, helping to keep these areas toned. It is a lower impact activity than running, is kinder to the joints and consequently, carries a smaller risk of injury.

Exercise On The Move

Skipping is a convenient, great value for money workout. It requires very little room and even less storage space. You can carry your rope with you for a workout anytime, anywhere! Skip in the park, inbest weight loss help your garden, or any room with a high ceiling – it’s an exercise for all-weathers.
Correct Rope Length

The length of the rope should be right for your height. Stand on the centre of the rope, and lift the handles upward. The point where thehandles meet the rope should be level with your armpits. Some types of rope allow you to cut them down to size but if your rope is the wrong length don’t despair! Tie knots near the handles to make alterations – a good idea if more than one person is going to be using the same rope.
The Basics- Guidelines

Wear soft-soled shoes. Jump on softer surfaces where possible (e.g. wooden floor would take preference over concrete)

The Basics on How To Skip

1. Stand tall but relaxed – breathing naturally
2. Elbows remain at waist level with arms extended sideways at about a 90 degree angle
3. Use a circular wrist motion to turn the rope
4. Hold the rope loosely, using thumb and index finder for control
5. Jump on the balls of the feet landing softly
6. Jump just high enough for the rope to pass under the feet

Sixty to seventy turns per minute is a good starting pace (roughly 1 turn per second).
Skills & Tricks

Cool Down

March on the spot for thirty seconds before performing stretches for the quads, hamstrings, and calves, holding each for thirty seconds.

(extracted from healthandgoodness.com)