Jumping Rope. It's Not Just For Kids

For many people, staying motivated to exercise is not an easy task. The monotony of the gym can make a 30 minute workout seem like hours. If you find yourself dragging yourself to the gym day after day, something may be wrong with your exercise routine. Try mixing up your boring workout by trying new, fun things that will keep you motivated to stay in shape. Instead of struggling on a treadmill or stationary bike, give jump rope a try. Jumping rope can be a fun and effective way to lose weight, and it won't cost you a gym membership or hundreds of dollars of fancy equipment!

There's a reason why professional boxers choose jump rope to keep themselves fit out of the ring. Jumping rope is a solid way to get the cardio training your body needs by providing a high intensity, complete body workout. While running targets your legs above all else, jumping rope can tone your upper and lower body at the same time. The jumping targets the legs and butt while the constant arm motion works the arms, shoulders, and back. This makes jumping rope a flexible exercise that can be added to an existing routine or make up an entire workout.

Whether you're just beginning to get in shape or have been working out for years, you can benefit from jumping rope. The low cost and easy learning curve make this a great exercise for beginners. Just 20 minutes a day of jumping rope can make a difference in the way you look and feel. If you find yourself tripping over the rope at the beginning, don't give up! As you get better, your timing and coordination will improve, allowing you to learn new techniques to keep the workout challenging and interesting.

If you're already in good shape, you'll be able to jump faster and for a longer amount of time. You can even start adding in rope techniques when desired to create your own jump rope choreography. Don't think of jump rope as an exercise for beginners. There are many options to explore when jumping rope, and taking advantage of them is a fun way to challenge yourself and vary your daily routine. For a more advanced jump rope workout, give High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) a try. This high cardio workout is designed to give you the most effective workout in the shortest time possible. The idea is to alternate between high and low intensity intervals of jumping. For example, you may jump as fast as you can for two minutes followed by one minute of easy jumping or walking in place. After a workout like this, your metabolism will rise, burning fat long after you've stopped spinning the rope.

Jumping rope is an easy, inexpensive way to get in shape. Some of the finest athletes in the world stay lean and toned by jumping rope, but it takes no special talent to get started. The beauty of this workout is that almost anyone can do it. If you're unsatisfied or bored with your time on the treadmill or elliptical, ditch the expensive equipment and pick up a rope. Your body will thank you later.


------

Cinergy Health & Life Insurance Agency is dedicated to providing quality health and life insurance plans for people in a variety of life situations. For more information on a selection of health and insurance topics, visit the Cinergy Health & Life Learning Center at http://www.cinergyhealth.com.