Rapid Network

Americans are in a major health crisis. Our luxury filled lifestyle and processed food are causing an unprecedented rise in chronic disease in both adults and children. Doctors have warned people about this crisis for decades but Americans continue to ignore the danger. Diet and exercise are the only ways people can regain health. This article will focus on rope jumping as the best and most practical exercise for everyone. I will reveal the best equipment, how long a workout should last, how many calories rope jumping burns, and its many other benefits.

A jump rope costs less than $15 at most sport stores. Any piece of rope can be used as a jump rope, but it is best to get one with handles using ball bearings to keep the rope moving smoothly without twisting. The next most important piece of equipment you need is something you might already have - supportive sport shoes. The best types of shoes to use for rope jumping are tennis shoes or cross-trainers. You need shoes that are supportive with good shock absorption and lateral stability. Running shoes do not support feet against lateral stress.

Common sense tells you to get your doctors approval before you begin this or any exercise program. Please be sure to do this before you begin this workout. Generally, you want to jump rope for 5 to 15 minutes a day every day depending on your level of fitness. Start slowly and work your way up to 15 minutes over several weeks. The speed of the rope should have you jumping at a rate of 1-2 times a second. A very important and tip here is that your feet should just come off the ground with enough space for the rope to pass underneath. It is unnecessary to lift your feet high off the ground - it just wastes energy.

Maybe you're wondering how effective this is as an exercise. While the amount of calories burned in a workout will vary depending on intensity and your current weight, most exercise physiologists put the number at between 350 - 1000 calories an hour! Beyond the number of calories burned there are other benefits to rope jumping. Two of the most valuable of these benefits are increased coordination and balance. This is why professional boxers love this exercise. The exercise strengthens and tones the entire body and is especially good for the heart and circulation. Rope jumping promotes rapid weight loss of one or more pounds per week and is less stressful than distance running. It can also be done indoors so weather conditions do not interfere with training.

What more could anyone ask of a piece of fitness equipment? A jump rope is inexpensive, is easily carried in a brief case or backpack, can be used almost anywhere, and may be more effective than a gym membership for gaining rapid fitness. I hope this article will inspire its readers begin using this simple tool to quickly reach their maximum level of fitness and health.