If you thought that jumping rope was just for kids then think again because there are many jumping rope benefits for adults these days. For kids jumping rope is simply a game and something which most kids do just for fun. For adults however, while it can still be great fun, jumping rope is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise. So, if you are looking for a simple piece of exercise equipment which is highly portable and can be used both indoors and outdoors look no farther than the simple jump rope.

As you will discover if you pick up the skipping rope which you were familiar with as a child and start to exercise with it now, it is not quite as easy as it looks. The majority of adults, even if they are in quite good shape, find themselves out of breath after just a few minutes working with a jump rope. For this reason it is often wise to start using a jump rope as part of an interval training program. For example, you might jump rope for two or three minutes, then walk for two or three minutes and then jump rope again, alternating activities in this fashion helps to get you back into the swing. Oh and by the way – jumping rope benefits are not just available to the ladies but can be enjoyed equally by men.

You will probably be aware that jumping rope is a favored training method for boxers and this is because it allows you to improve your co-ordination, quicken up your feet movements and burn off fat all at the same time. And don’t think that jumping rope simply exercises the legs because swinging a rope and jumping exercises both the lower and upper body. You can also increase the effects of using a rope by choosing between different types of rope (for example, braided, beaded, leather, speed etc.) and also adding weights to your rope.

Jumping rope benefits need to be acquired slowly.

Like any form of exercise, although there are numerous jumping rope benefits, there can also be risks and you should be cautious at first and begin any jumping rope training slowly. Jumping rope will have an impact on the body (especially the hips, knees and ankles) and, although the impact is generally less than that experienced while jogging, it is still something you should be aware of.

Remember however that, like any form of exercise, you should not start an exercise program unless you are happy that you and your body is up to the challenge and, if in doubt, don’t be afraid to consult your doctor for advice.