I've noticed a few people on these forums have asked what a good alternative cardio activity is to running. Jumping rope is an obvious answer. I'm recovering from a tibial stress fracture (due to running, not jumping rope), so even the jumping motion is a bit too high impact for me. I love jumping rope and it'll get you into shape FAST! It's lower impact than running and also works your upper body as well. Not to mention it's cheap and portable. I'm looking forward to getting back to it in the next few weeks. If you work your way up to 20 or 30 minutes, you'll have a fantastic work out.
So here's some tips:
* Ropesport (http://www.ropesport.com/) produces some good videos, but don't bother with their ropes. They're cheap and don't work well.
* Get a rope with ball bearings (a speed rope). Something like this: http://store.everlastboxing.com/everlast-professional-plastic-speed-rope.html. The 8' length is good if you're under 5'5". Get a 9' if you're over 5'5". You will have to cut the rope (you just take one of the handles apart to do this, it's very easy) to size the rope correctly. If you hold an ends of the rope in each hand, and stand on the middle, the ends should reach your armpits.
* Don't jump on a hard surface like concrete or asphalt. Use a rubber mat or any old mat or rubber or foam flooring (like the interlocking sections you can get at Home Depot).
* Make sure you wear the same type of shoes you would for running to avoid any foot or leg problems.
Here's a good article on getting started. And check at the video at the bottom of the page!! http://www.rossboxing.com/thegym/thegym26.htm
This is also something fun you can do with your kids.
It's a great alternative to any cardio activity!
So here's some tips:
* Ropesport (http://www.ropesport.com/) produces some good videos, but don't bother with their ropes. They're cheap and don't work well.
* Get a rope with ball bearings (a speed rope). Something like this: http://store.everlastboxing.com/everlast-professional-plastic-speed-rope.html. The 8' length is good if you're under 5'5". Get a 9' if you're over 5'5". You will have to cut the rope (you just take one of the handles apart to do this, it's very easy) to size the rope correctly. If you hold an ends of the rope in each hand, and stand on the middle, the ends should reach your armpits.
* Don't jump on a hard surface like concrete or asphalt. Use a rubber mat or any old mat or rubber or foam flooring (like the interlocking sections you can get at Home Depot).
* Make sure you wear the same type of shoes you would for running to avoid any foot or leg problems.
Here's a good article on getting started. And check at the video at the bottom of the page!! http://www.rossboxing.com/thegym/thegym26.htm
This is also something fun you can do with your kids.
It's a great alternative to any cardio activity!
