Jumping Rope Can Pay Big Dividends for Health
By Tom Herrin
There are plenty of things that can help people to enjoy better health. Diet is critical for maintaining weight, rest can allow the body to rejuvenate itself, and exercise can help to keep the body functioning as it is designed to. When looking for something new to become engaged in, people don't need to go far from their early roots to find something productive. For most, they spent some time jumping rope as children. This is an activity that may have even more value for adults than it did back then.
It Can Improve Brain Function
When they jump rope, people can develop both sides of their brain. Doing things in balance is helpful in woking the brain in this way. As people jump, they are able to increase their awareness of their body as it relates to the space it occupies. The training to remain on the balls of the feet and develop a good rhythm can help with this as well. It is believed to improve reading skills and mental alertness.
It May Reduce Common Injuries
For many people, physical activity increases the instances of foot and ankle injuries. When they jump rope, they are actually strengthening those body parts. This may be due to several reasons. As they jump, they are improving the muscles that help support those parts. Since the jumping tends to be controlled, there is less risk of the common injuries that occur when people plant and turn in other activities. Jumping also helps people to land on the balls of their feet rather than flat-footed. This may carry over into other activities by helping to form better habits regarding the way they strike the ground with the feet.
It Can Improve Cardiovascular Health
When you jump rope, you are participating in an aerobic activity. This means that you are performing work with a constant supply of oxygen. This can help the heart to improve its ability to supply the body with blood carrying needed oxygen. Breathing may become better and more productive. Since you can set your own pace, you can jump for as long as you like. Starting slow and steady can feel good for those who were previously inactive. You can increase speed and length of workout as you feel able to. Inside or out, you will probably enjoy the feel it leaves you with.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Elk Grove, Calif.