Jump Rope

In my continual search to find ways of getting myself into shape, and not the pear shape I am currently in.  I have heard quite a bit about the benefits of jumping rope.  Unfortunately for me this is a seasonal outdoor activity, due to the fact that I live in Canada and the huge accumulations of snow in the winter.  Also, it is not possible to jump in the house, mostly because I don’t trust my floors enough to jump on them for any prolonged period of time, I really don’t want to end up in the basement.  Jumping jacks are a second in fitness to skipping, but I like the coordination required for skipping because you need to use your brain at the same time.

From RopeSport.com  http://www.ropesport.com/ here is a list of benefits of jump rope:

FreeStyle Jump Roping is minute-for-minute the single most comprehensive and beneficial exercise a person can do. It’s a sport that can be done as an individual or in groups and can easily be incorporated into anyone’s lifestyle. Best of all— Jumping Rope is fun and entertaining.

EFFECTIVE
Jumping rope can burn up to 1000 calories per hour, making it one of the most efficient workouts possible. It tones muscles in the entire body, developing long, lean muscles in all major muscle groups, both upper and lower. Jumping rope optimizes cardiovascular conditioning and maximizes athletic skills combining agility, coordination, timing, endurance.

EASY TO LEARN
RopeSport’s innovative training techniques and constant emphasis on “go at your own pace” allows people of different fitness levels and athletic abilities to enjoy the learning process and achieve their own level of success in an environment where they are relaxed and comfortable. Whether people want to simply swing the jump rope from side to side or they want to do double jumps on one leg, they are free to learn.

FUN
Due to the variety of jumps and movements that are taught, even at the beginning level, FreeStyle Jump Roping is fun. It encourages creativity and spontaneity, and gives people flexibility in their workouts.

INEXPENSIVE
Compared to many other popular fitness products flooding the market, Jumping rope is very inexpensive, making it accessible to everyone. (See Products for prices and product descriptions.)

PORTABLE
All you need is a 3’ x 4’ area to jump rope. A living room, backyard, office, or gym are all ideal places to jump rope. Just throw a jump rope in a suitcase, briefcase, backpack, or purse, and you have the “greatest portable workout in existence.” Jumping rope is the perfect exercise for travelers.

GREAT FOR KIDS
There has never been a generic exercise that has gained widespread acceptance among children, but FreeStyle Jump Roping is changing that. FreeStyle Jump Roping is "MTV with a jump rope" and children absolutely love it! With recent studies concluding that children in the United States are far too sedentary, FreeStyle Jump Roping is making a major contribution toward fixing this problem. Not just for the gifted or athletic child, FreeStyle Jump Roping can be learned by all, helping them to increase self-esteem and fitness levels. It’s a great activity that the whole family can do together and get fit!

These are all of the benefits that make sense to me when it comes to finding a good fitness routine.