Maximize Your At-Home Workouts with This Minimal Piece of Equipment
I loved skipping as a kid—and when I heard about Crossrope Jump Ropes, I thought, I want to feel like a kid again. Jumping also improves my runs, prevents injuries, and does more for my body in 10 minutes than a 30-minute run. That’s a win-win.
Photo: amazon.com
Over the past couple of years, my calf muscles have been overly tight. I stretch them and have even purchased calf compression socks, but I still get pains so bad that I need to take a few days or weeks off from running. No, thank you.
One of the most significant selling points of jumping rope for me was injury prevention. Jumping strengthens muscles in your ankles and feet and increases flexibility and limberness in your calf muscles. Jumping meant fewer days off from working out and adding something playful to my routine. Yes, and yes.
More for Less
Ten minutes of energy-intensive skipping is equivalent to about 30 minutes of jogging. Less time achieves more—sounds like my kind of deal. I can’t hit that 10-minute mark yet, but I’ll keep at it—it’s nice to have goals to reach again. Each time I skip rather than run, I’m working out my muscles differently and strengthening them, which helps improve my runs.
Photo: amazon.com
And in case you’re wondering if I feel like a kid again, I do. I may not be singing old-fashioned jump rope rhymes anymore, but when the electronic dance music is blasting, so am I.
Tired of Hurting Calf Muscles and Sitting on the Sidelines
I work out more for my mental health than my physical health. It lifts my mood and sets me up for the day. So, it affects me negatively when I can’t exercise for long periods.
Jumping rope (and Yoga) has decreased the number of times I need to stay off my feet because of injury. As I continue to jump and stretch, I’ll get back to a healthy running routine. It might be less aggressive, but I won’t need to take any more time off. Besides, jumping rope provides a high of its own. My heart still pounds, I’m still sweating, and I’m having loads of fun.
Weights? Um, No Thank You
I’ve tried so hard to like weights throughout the years—it’s never going to happen. Ever. I adore cardio. But I also tend to listen to what others have to say. And so many people say weights are more critical—blah, blah, blah. I’ve often stopped exercising altogether because of it.
What rocks about Crossrope Jump Ropes is that they’re weighted. I know it’s not the same as doing bicep curls, tricep dips, and upright rows—but ask me if I care. I’m working out my upper body at the same time that I’m working up a sweat. Heaven!
Photo: amazon.com
Not Just for Runners
I’ve spoken a lot about running, but you don’t have to be a runner to jump rope. I just wanted to clear that up.
You can skip during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or circuit training between strengthening sets. Or if you row, walk, dance, do yoga, play tennis, bike, swim laps, or do nothing at all and simply want to give it a try—jumping might be for you. Don’t knock till you try it, as they say.
Why Choose Crossrope Jump Ropes
Unlike ordinary jumping ropes, the weighted Crossrope jump ropes give you an upper-body exercise at the same time as an incredible cardio workout. That was the biggest seller for me. The rope won’t tangle, which makes it easier for beginners to learn. And the coating on the outside will make beginner toes happy if you do end up stepping on the rope, which doesn’t happen very often or at all. The handles also provide an excellent grip. Even though these are pricier than most other jump ropes—I totally recommend.
Get the Crossrope Get Lean jump rope set at Amazon for $99.
