Jumping rope is for All Ages

Remember those childlike days when playing jump rope, hopscotch and climbing on the jungle gym were our our primary sources of entertainment? While hopscotching and the jungle gym may not be our current cup of tea, jumping rope has a firm place in many athlete's and gym-goer's fitness programs. Jummping rope is an intense cardiovascular workout that increases hand, eye and foot coordination as well as overall body awareness.

It takes very little time and effort to get going at jumping rope. All you need to purchase are a good comfortable pair of shoes and a good quality rope. Crosstrainer or aerobic shoes work well for jumping rope. Choose a light weight rope with foam grips so when your palms sweat the rope won't get away. Choose the length of the rope by putting one foot on the center and bringing both handles up to your shoulders. The handles should be about chest high.

Here are some key points to proper jumping technique:

* Grip handles lightly

* Bend knees slightly

* Never bend over. Keep your back straight and look ahead.

* Use the wrist and arm to turn the rope.

* Jump low to minimize impact

* Keep elbows near the body and shoulders relaxed.

It's probably been awhile since you've jumped roped but the basics haven't changed. Even basic jumping is an intense workout. If you need some new ideas try sissoring, bringing your knees up higher or varying your foot patterns. If you are still having trouble coming with new moves there are several videos on the market to try.

Jumping rope regularly, or even as part of a crosstraining program, will provide noticable improvement in your endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness, and fat loss. These physiological improvements may translate into better performance in other sports and fitness activities. Finally, jumping rope just might make you feel like a kid again.

Dr. Lanny Schaffer is an Exercise Physiologist and the President of The International Fitness Academy. For more savvy fitness ideas go to http://www.aerobics-exercise-coach.com