Monday, July 6, 2009

Jumping rope for the long haul

Jumping rope is an outstanding cardiovascular activity and, because it's portable, can be done almost anywhere. Depending on how fast you jump, you can burn 5 to 15 calories per minute. Not only can jumping rope improve your agility, balance and coordination, it's fun and engaging.

Wear a good pair of supportive athletic shoes to minimize the impact on your feet and joints.

Use a jump rope that is heavy enough for you to hold a steady rhythm and long enough for the ends of the rope to reach your armpits when you stand on the center of the rope.

Maintain good posture while jumping rope by pulling your shoulders slightly back, bracing your abdomen and keeping your shoulders pulled down away from your ears.

Look straight ahead while jumping (not down), keep your knees slightly bent and take off and land on the balls of your feet.

Relax your arms by your sides, and turn the rope by making smaller circles with your wrists rather than making bigger circles with your shoulders.

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