Sometimes, the activities we did as kids can endure in adulthood. Take, for example, jump roping, also known as skipping. For some, the sport of jump rope was an obsession, a competition that determined the hierarchy on the playground. For others, jump rope was just a trivial hobby used to pass the time. Either way, few kids and adults realize the health benefits that a jump rope workout can afford, even for adults.
To learn about the sport of jump rope, Generation Active spoke with Gideon Akande, one of the top fitness & wellness coaches in the country. Akande shows that skipping rope isn’t just an exercise for kids. In the video, he demoes various techniques that emphasizes different muscles in his body. Skipping is a full-body workout which uses the abdominal muscles to stabilize the body. In addition, and without stating the obvious, jump ropes primarily underscore the legs for the jumping aspect of the game. Shoulders and arms are then used for turning the rope.
Jumping rope is a great way to get your heart pumping while improving your athleticism”
Beyond strength training, a jump rope workout improves coordination, stamina, and balance. Overall, skipping is a great activity to improve your body. The only challenge? Some people find it repetitive and uninspiring. To elevate the game, Akande recommends adopting various methods to change things up. Akande demonstrates the “jumping jack,” the “high knee,” the “crossover,” the “double under,” and the “single leg.”
Akande is a boxing instructor by trade, so it shouldn’t be of surprise that he celebrates the benefits of skipping. Jump rope workouts have often been associated with boxing. From popular culture, such as the “Rocky” movies, to pregame warmups you see on pay-per-view, skipping is an essential element to boxing training.
“It’s a great way to improve your athleticism,” Akande says. Watch the video to perfect your jump rope workout technique, and see more of Gideon as he teaches you how to use the Rowing Machine.
