Hiya,
I just started on a rope skipping 'adventure' as a cross training besides running (or rather jogging slowly). Thought to write some things here down, should it be interesting or inspiring to others.
Though I would like to lose maybe 1 or 2 kilo's (which does not happen with running), my main goal is to just become a bit fitter and to feel better in my body. I read that rope skipping can also help in toning your body a bit, including the belly area, so I thought why not try it!
I ordered a skipping rope online from Tunturi, which can be lengthened or shortened very easily. Not a very cheap rope, but there are still more expensive ones too.
Next up was a plan. I looked everywhere online for a good scheme to use on how to start my rope skipping 'adventure' and I found one which is for 30 days. You can find it here: fitnessnotities.nl/touwtje-... . It is in Flemish / Dutch, but the scheme (scroll down a bit) is understandable even if you don't know Dutch. The first day for example is 2x 20 seconds jumping with 1 minute of rest in between.
Finding a good spot to jump was the next hurdle. Originally I thought to put my car outside and jump in my garage. But the automation installation of the gate hangs too low. After a bit more thinking, I ended up in my living room, next to my dining table, which is just big enough to do some basic rope skipping.
I had just ran 30 minutes on my treadmill, so I was already warmed up. I started out with my treadmill shoes, but they proved to be too heavy and bulky. So I continued on my socks / bare feet. I'm not all too sure if my posture is correct and whether I don't jump too high, neither don't I know how fast I should jump / turn the rope. But somehow I succeeded in finishing the 2 sets of 20 seconds jumping without any problems. That is besides knocking my ankles together too often.
In any case, for today I am going to put down one of my yoga mats (I have 2) to protect the floor and to give a bit of cushioning. A bit scared that the mat might not last and get damaged by the rope shipping. I'll have to keep a close eye on it, because else I might have to invest in a real jumping mat or something alike. Also, I read that jumping barefoot can be really bad if you're not trained in it, so I am on the search for shoes specific for jumping.
Went out during my lunch break today to a sports shop and looked around. Of course there are no shoes specific for jumping, but my eye fell on a pair of Nike's which seem light and not too bulky with nice cushioning. Not having enough time in my lunch break to try them out enough, I just looked them up online and found them (or rather the men's version) amongst the 15 best shoes for rope skipping in 2020. That makes it already a bit easier to make a decision! I am still a little hesitant as the inner sole can't be taken out (in case I need to switch soles for knee reasons), but I might go buy them after work. They did feel good (I was jumping up and down in the shop like a lunatic).
And then once I get home, it's time for day 2 of the rope skipping scheme, maybe with my new shoes. Fingers crossed that I will keep it up and that in time I will feel (or even see) some difference!
Cheers, Evy
and 2. have no idea how to get started.
CHANGING ROOM CHAT...WEEK 2...COME on IN and rest those running feet!