Back when I first started training clients at Bally's I was seriously burned out on cardio machines, aerobics classes, and cardio dvd's. I had been doing all types of traditional cardio workouts for nearly 18 years including: stair stepper, stationary bike, treadmill, versaclimber, stepmill, elliptical, step, spinning, kickboxing, rowing, aerobics, etc.
A co-worker told me to try jump rope exercises, and I looked at him as if he was insane. The same way that my boot camp clients look at me when I hand them a jump rope. Little did I know I would get hooked!
Jump rope workouts are incredibly fun, super effective for fatloss, and even uncoordinated people can do them. If you're tired of cardio workouts that feel robotic, linear and boring then jump rope exercises are exactly what you need. Here's what you need to know to get started.
Find The Right Workout
There are 4 basic types of jump rope workouts you can try including boxing inspired, plyometric, fitness/bootcamp, and specialty. Find a style that fits your personality and your fitness goals. Fitness/bootcamp type jump rope exercises are appealing to most people but if you're looking to boost athletic skills then plyometric workouts are better and if you want to build serious coordination and endurance then look for boxing and specialty workouts.
Buy The Right Rope
When you shop for a rope you will be blown away by the variety of jump ropes out there. Leather, pvc, nylon, beaded, ropeless ropes, ropes with gadgets, weighted ropes, rolling ropes, monster ropes. The options can be overwhelming. Check out my jump rope exercises guide to see the difference between all these and watch videos of different workouts. I've tried every rope out there and prefer the pvc but many of my beginner clients prefer the nylon.
Get The Right Mindset
Every person including myself thinks they're too uncoordinated to do it right but like any other workout you get it with practice. The key is staying positive, having fun with it, and taking breaks often to prevent frustration. If you were good as a kid you'll get it faster and even those with joint issues can get in on the action with rolling ropes a new type of rope workout that is great for cardio, endurance, balance, and core workouts but requires very little jumping.
Burn serious fat and get in incredible shape with RopeSport: The Ultimate Jump Rope Workout
or get started with the jump free jump rope workout Intro to Rolling Ropes
