Skipping Ropes

What a fantastic, flexible, portable and cheap way to exercise! No wonder boxers swear by it.

Using a jump rope will develop cardiovascular and muscular endurance, plus agility, co-ordination and muscular strength.

It is great to add to your existing exercise regime, but if you are new to exercise or are not fit, then you should gradually ease into it.

This may mean alternating 30 seconds of jumping with 30 seconds of jogging on the spot for a few weeks.

This is a high impact exercise, so is great for building bones and firming the hips, thighs and bottom!

Tips for starting

• Be relaxed before you start.


• Look straight ahead while jumping, not at your feet.


• Ensure you land on the balls of your feet, not your heels.


• Keep your knees slightly bent.


• Try to keep your arms reasonably still.

Jumping rope is fantastic for burning calories. Depending on your weight and the exertion level you will burn between 70-110 calories in 10 minutes!

Here are some different jumps to use, to add some variety:

Skip Jump – Hop on one foot and kick the other foot to the front (or behind) the body, alternate legs.

Jog Jump – Alternate your feet in a jogging movement.

Hop Jump – Hop on one foot for several jumps, alternate legs.

Jack Jump – Do jumping jacks as you jump.