Why Jumping Rope Makes Us Happy

A few weeks ago my son, along with his fellow second graders, performed in a jump rope showcase. I had never seen anything like it. To the tune of Van Halen’s “Jump”, the children demonstrated various jump roping tricks. They practiced their technique for months, even to the point that jumping rope was part of their homework assignment.

This special performance expanded their exercise routine and helped them learn about heart health. In preparation for the show, they raised money for American Heart Association’s spectacular fundraiser Jump for Heart. As one of the organization’s popular public health education programs to fight heart disease and stroke, Jump for Heart encourages children to learn jump rope skills, discover how their heart works, and help children who are struggling with a heart condition (special hearts).

7 Benefits Of Jumping Rope

I am thrilled that my son became so enthralled with and excited about jumping rope. It is such an easy, effective exercise choice that makes us feel happier and healthier for so many reasons.

Simple: Jumping rope does not require any large, expensive equipment. All you need is a high quality jump rope, sneakers, and some space. Jump ropes are light weight and portable, so you can take them with you wherever you go including on vacation. Best of all, you can jump rope anywhere—outdoors on your back patio or driveway, inside your house on a rainy day, at a park, or at the gym.

Relieves Stress: According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, aerobic exercise like jumping rope is a vital tool for reducing stress. It decreases overall levels of tension, elevates and stabilizes mood, improves sleep, and lifts self-esteem. Even just five minutes of physical activity can calm us down. This happens because exercise produces endorphins, the chemicals in our brain that act as natural painkillers and make us feel happier and less stressed. Jumping rope is a great way to get a quick active boost in your day. Encourage your child to take five-minute jumping breaks from homework; this will give them time to recharge and refocus before getting back to work.

Strengthens Our Heart: Jumping rope is one of the most effective exercises for improving cardiovascular health and burning calories quickly. According to the Jump Rope Institute, which was founded in 1996 by US Olympian Buddy Lee as an educational platform for redefining rope jumping as a healthy lifestyle, only 10 minutes of nonstop jumping at 120 RPMs (rotations per minute) can provide the same benefits as 30 minutes of jogging, 2 sets of tennis singles, 30 minutes of racquet or handball, or swimming 720 yards.

Improves Muscle Strength: Jumping rope provides a full body workout, as many of your muscles move simultaneously. It tones your legs and lower body (especially your calves), works your abs, and strengthens your arms with each rotation. It also increases strength, agility, speed, timing, and rhythm—all important for staying fit. It is a medium impact exercise that increases bone density, but is not as hard on your joints as running.

Increases Balance: The jumping motion improves balance, coordination, and reflexes. Your body and mind make muscular adjustments to maintain a steady balance. Continuously jumping on the balls of your feet helps guide this important process.

Develops the Brain: According to the Jump Rope Institute, jumping helps us develop the left and right hemispheres of the brain, improving spacial awareness and reading skills. It also increases memory and mental alertness. So, jumping rope can even improve your kids’ performance at school!

Fun!: Jumping rope is fun for the whole family. It makes parents smile as they reminisce about their time on the school playground. Children really enjoy jumping rope because it keeps their energy up and there are so many neat tricks to learn including alternating jumps, one foot jumps, side straddles, running in place, double under, and the arms cross. Additionally, there are so many different variations of jump roping like double Dutch, Chinese wheel, speed jumping, and endurance jumping. Finally, it can be done alone or as a group exercise, so your kids will never get bored with this exercise.

Finding The Best Jump Rope

How do you choose the right jump rope? We had the chance to try out DynaPro Direct’s jump rope, and my son absolutely loved it and won’t stop jumping! It is a top-notch jump rope for your entire family to enjoy.

Fun, Bright Colors: DynaPro Direct offers three neon jump rope colors to choose from: blue, green, and pink. The bright colors give the rope a sense of energy and gets your kids excited to play with them. With a variety of color options, now you can get a special rope for each child so they won’t fight over them or mix them up.

Easily Adjustable: These jump ropes are completely adjustable to customize the length for all of your family members. Once adjusted, you can either cut off the extra rope or wrap it around the handle securely. DynaPro Direct provides super helpful directions for adjusting the rope to the proper height. To change the length, you simply unscrew a mechanism attached to one of the handles. Once you find the size that works, just tighten the screw.

Light Weight: Made out of durable professional weight PVC cord, DynaPro Direct’s jump ropes are light weight and built for speed. The rope whizzes through the air, allowing you to keep your energy level up to move as fast as you can.

Easy-Grip Handles: One of the best features of DynaPro Direct’s ropes are the easy grip handles for maximum control. The base is made out of light stainless steel but is covered with a material that prevents your hands from sliding around. I love how the rope goes around your body so easily while holding onto these steady handles.

 Smooth Motion: Jumping with DynaPro Direct’s rope allows for a very smooth circular motion. It is built with high grade metal ball bearings paired with ring joints that makes jumping rope feel effortless. Your kids will feel like they are flying through the air.

Clever Packaging: The DynaPro Direct jump rope arrives in a nice handy pouch with an adjustable drawstring handle that you can use for storage or take with you on the go. It can be easily packed in a suitcase for travel so you and your kids can stick to your fitness routine away from home.

Teaching Proper Technique

Please take a few moments to teach your children the proper technique for jumping rope to make sure they reap all the benefits of this amazing exercise and to ensure they avoid injury.

1. Choose a good spot with open space and a flat surface that has some cushion to absorb impact.
2. Adjust the jump rope to the correct height for your child.
3. Their right posture should be a straight back, eyes looking directly in front of them, and arms relaxed to their side at 45 degree angles.
4. As they prepare to jump, their knees should be slightly bent, thumbs pointed outward as they grasp the handle, and they should be balanced on the balls of their feet.
5. Elbows should remain close to their body and shoulders relaxed as they rotate the rope with their wrists, controlling the rope so that it passes smoothly over their head.
6. As the rope nears their feet, they should hop just high enough for the rope to pass beneath them.

Check out this helpful video of a jump rope coach demonstrating how best to teach your child the art of jump roping.

Get Your Kids Jumping Today

Don’t waste any time…grab your kids a DynaPro Direct jump rope now. Looking for a wonderful birthday present for your child or their friends? One of these brightly colored, fast spinning jump ropes would make the perfect gift. Happy jumping!

How do you incorporate jumping rope into your and your children’s exercise routine?

*This post was sponsored by DynaPro Direct, a fitness company producing high-quality exercise equipment including jump ropes, resistance bands, and workout balls.