Rope skipping

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

[Sandraj39]

Hi, I will follow this with interest Hidden - I would like to integrate skipping in to my fitness work. I did a little a couple of months back …not sure my knee liked it too much so had a a short break and then didn’t pick up the rope again!😂 I am on our long school holiday soon so might try once more, building up a bit more slow,y this time.I would never try skipping barefoot but just wear a comfy pair of trainers.👟🙂

Good luck on your adventure!🙂

[Hidden in reply to Sandraj39]

Have skipped with my new shoes, they feel really good. And online they were mentioned amongst the best 15 shoes to skip in of 2020. Could get them at 10 euro less, so that was good too.

Day 3 I skipped right after a hard run of 30 minutes with fartleks and that was not a good idea. I stumbled 6 times over 2x 30 seconds jumping. I guess I was just too tired. I could not coördinate my arms and legs. Will repeat day 3 today as I find I can only continue if the training went well.

[skysue16]

Ahh, thank you this is interesting. I opened the link and my laptop gave me the option to translate 😊, so I did and saved the article. I used to do a jump rope club at school, a few years ago now, and the children loved it. I wasn't very good at it! It is a really good cardio workout. Do need to wear supporting shoes though - your new ones sound good. Best of luck, will be interested to hear your progress.

[Hidden]

Have done days 1 - 2 - 3 and had to repeat day 3 the next day because I had jumped right after a hard run and I stumbled 6 times in 2x 30 seconds jumping. So I decided to just repeat day 3 the next day and then it went ok. With the very last jump the lope ended against my bare bottom leg and left a nice red mark, haha. But I did it. Yesterday was a rest day in the rope jumping, today I will jump when I come home, no running today. But I do have a free tai chi class this evening, long enough apart from each other.

[RunaroundSue]

Thanks for this. I keep thinking about trying skipping but 1.I don't know which skipping rope to buy, I assume not one from the pound shop and 2. have no idea how to get started.

So this post might be the push I need,

[RunaroundSue]

I just found this bbc.co.uk/programmes/articl...

Might be easier than signing up to Duolingo to learn Dutch

[Hidden in reply to RunaroundSue]

It looks harder / heavier though. 5 minutes? I just did today on day 5 3x 30 seconds with a minute rest between and I felt like I had ran up the Mont Ventoux! 😹

[RunaroundSue in reply to Hidden]

OK, thanks. I will look at your link- once I buy a rope

[Hidden]

As mentioned, day 4 was a rest day. So yesterday it was day 5: 3x 30 seconds jumping with 1 minute in between. And man how have I underestimated jumping! I was actually sweating after my 'training'. Maybe I jump too fast? I also bumped against the rope 2 or 3 times, my coordination is still not there. How can those boxers make it seem so easy??