So I want to start jumping rope

**Alucard619** · Posted On: 6/13/2010 11:37pm

I've been told it is an excellent form of cardio and can help you develop greater speed and reflexes (dunno if this is true but this is what some people tell me). My question is for a beginner:

-How long should you jump rope for?
-How frequent should you jump rope? (twice a week, three times etc?)
-On days that you do jump rope should you mix in other exercises as well such as push ups, weight lifting, sit ups etc.?

Any adivce is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

**LRjiujitsu** · Posted On: 6/14/2010 12:14am

i think doing it every day is a good idea, provided you have time,, or are willing to make time

**KiwiPhil889** · Posted On: 6/14/2010 12:41am

Hi,word of caution.I know it seems silly but don't go too hard out on the skipping to start with. At my gym the biggest injury count comes from beginners skipping too much/too long. Make sure you stretch your calfs well otherwise you will probably regret it when you've got fucked lower legs.

Yes,good for cardio when you get used to it.Lightness on feet?? not sure,all the kickboxing and boxing gyms seem to use it though yeah??

**syberia** · Posted On: 6/14/2010 1:09am

How long should you jump rope for?

Depends. I like to do it for a minute or two, rest, then repeat five times. It's not a marathon.

-How frequent should you jump rope? (twice a week, three times etc?)

How often do you do anything else?

-On days that you do jump rope should you mix in other exercises as well such as push ups, weight lifting, sit ups etc.?

Yes, no reason not to. What else do you do?

Go here. Read it.

**BaronVonDingDong** · Posted On: 6/14/2010 8:19am

Get a round timer and skip for 3x3min rounds with a minute or 30secs rest between rounds.

Don't jump on a surface that is too hard or you will get shin splints and **** your knees. As long as your legs feel ok, there's no reason why you can't do this everyday.

Try not to jump too high or you'll get exhausted really quickly. When boxers jump rope they barely lift their feet and look like they are only lightly jogging. When you start, just try and jump with both feet at once. Then, when you can do that try doing this - three jumps with both feet, three with your left foot, three with your right - and repeat.

When you you can skip for an entire round without catching the rope on your feet, try things like double unders or getting a weighted rope.

**Soldiermedic** · Posted On: 6/14/2010 9:39am

Unless you have any pre existing injuries to your lower back, knees or ankles, jumproping is always a beneficial workout, its great cardio. Just make sure you stretch and avoid surfaces with no give(concrete)

If you're a little portly, be safe and take it easy so you can judge how your body feels afterwards.

**Alucard619** · Posted On: 6/14/2010 10:54am

Originally Posted by syberia

Depends. I like to do it for a minute or two, rest, then repeat five times. It's not a marathon.

Alright.

How often do you do anything else?

Weight lifting and push ups three times a week

Yes, no reason not to. What else do you do?

Lift weights, push ups, dips, sit ups and I stretch frequently.

**Lu Tze** · Posted On: 6/14/2010 11:01am

Yeah, you might be better going none stop for 10 minutes to start out. Until you get the hang of it, you'll be stopping and starting so much that rest periods will be redundant.

**Mr. Machette** · Posted On: 6/14/2010 1:51pm

"Beaded" ropes are reccomended for begginers as they maitain their curvature better than plain rope.

That said, a normal "golds gym" brand jump rope can be had for $2 at Wallmart, kicking the hell out of a beaded rope price wise. I can't think of a cheaper piece of exercise equipment.

Also, while it will probably take you a while to work up to this level, one hour of jump rope burns 1000 calories. Booyah!