Jumping Rope

[ladyhawk]

Does anyone jump rope?

I've been thinking about it for quite some time but was concerned about the stress on my knees. I read an article recently that said rope jumping is beneficial to preventing Osteoporosis because the shock movement of the hips stimulates the growth of new bone. I jumped rope as a kid but not in my training so I thought that I would ask for a few tips from those that incorporate it into their training. I'm 5'2" and was wondering how do I measure to get the right size rope for my height?

[YODA]

Hi

"Jumping Rope" or Skipping as we Brits call it, is an important part of my training - most of my classes start with 3 x 3minute rounds of skipping.

We measure the rope length by standing on ther middle with both feet - the handles should come up to your armpits.

[Saz]

we usually do skipping when training for tournaments. We incorporate it into a circuit of bag and weight work, which seems to work pretty well.

[YODA]

Another time I skip is during my cardio / endurance sessions at the gym. If I'm working 20min rounds on various pieces of equipment I'll do a 3 min skipping round between each one - for example...

3min skip
20min Cross Trainer
3min skip
20min Bike
3min skip
20min Treadmill
3min skip

[ladyhawk]

LOL! Skipping can also refer to a bouncy kind of walking that
children sometimes do.

I've seen ropes made out of various materials from soft plastic
to leather. What do you guys recommend?
Thanks for your input.

[Saz]

As far as I know, it doesn't really matter. We just use ordinary rope. Although I've never given the material used much thought to be honest.

[Freeform]

Stick with the rope ropes (no pun intended), the plastic ones are ok but I really don't like the leather ones because if your short like me (but still physically impressive... eh Mel ;) ) its harder to change the length because the leather just twists.

Thanx

[Melanie]

Yup...I'll go with that description Freeform :D

[ladyhawk]

Thanks guys,
I appreciate your help. A group of us used to jump/skip rope a lot
as kids doing "double dutch" with two ropes. That might be a good timing , coordination and footwork drill in the dojo.
I think I'll practice first before I mention it.

[Darzeka]

I fail to see how there is any stress involved.

You jump on the balls of your feet, utilizing your calves as shock absorbers.

i think skipping is a good excercise but it seems to more work my arms and shoulders than anything else.

[ladyhawk]

Darzeka,
I have very strong calf muscles but my knees aren't in the best
of shape. I didn't know if the impact even on the balls of the feet
would jar the knees.

[Darzeka]

try on soft grass or practise mats.
Makes it harder to jump as well - harder training

[ladyhawk]

I train barefoot but have training shoes.
Do you wear shoes while jumping?

[Darzeka]

no barefoot, on the padded mats though. The only thing that pains me is the balls of my feet slamming the ground (when done on a hard surface).

Try not to bounce per say. Jump then land, jump then land with all your leg joints easing to momentum and then lifting off again.

[ladyhawk]

Thanks Darzeka

[Chop]

Sometimes we sing little rhymes when we skip rope in my class.

[Nubius]

LMFAO at Chop!!!!:D