As a little girl, I loved jumping rope.
I used to practice by the hour to accomplish new and more difficult skills.
I got away from jumping rope when I got older. It wasn’t until I was in my forties that I got interested in it again. I am dedicated to my level of physical fitness. I am always looking for new and better ways to workout. I listen to podcasts and read the blogs of professional athletes, hoping to find interesting exercises and workout strategies. A lot of athletes jump rope. It is a great way to warm up muscles, engage the whole body, elevate the heart rate and expand the lungs. It encourages stamina and balance. Jumping burns a tremendous amount of calories in a short time and tones muscles. When I first started jumping as an adult, I’d get out of breath very quickly. It took a while to build endurance. I also stepped on the rope and got hit in the calves frequently. I kept practicing and gradually improved. I have now mastered the more difficult skills, such as cross-overs, double jumps and one-footed jumps. I sometimes run with the rope. I have switched from a basic leather jump rope to a synthetic rope with metal clasps that link to the handles. The better rope swings more smoothly and quicker. It doesn’t fray, knot or tangle. I use four ropes of different weights that each offer unique benefits. Jumping rope is my favorite type of workout. I’ve invested into a specialized rubber mat that doesn’t slip or curl.