Let’s not beat around the bush - sometimes working out with a skipping rope can feel like the biggest chore in the world, but it doesn’t always have to be.
Skipping, for example, is a great workout option for those of us who shiver at the mere thought of stepping inside a gym or going for a run in the park. It’s a workout that can be done pretty much anywhere, including the comfort of your own home and all you need is a skipping ropeand you’re good to go. So, there’s no excuses.
What are the benefits of skipping?
Skipping has LOADS of benefits that really make giving it a go worth it.
From just 15 minutes of skipping, depending on intensity and build, you can burn up to 200-300 calories. This is because skipping is a high intensity cardio workout, which also makes it great for cardiovascular health.
Not only is it a great aid to weight loss but skipping also helps with muscle building and helps to promote good posture.
Alongside these physical benefits, skipping is also proven to be great for mental health. A 2014 study with 30 university students found that after six weeks of aerobic exercise which included skipping, they found that their mental wellbeing had improved.
What types of skipping workouts are there?
If you’re wanting to get into skipping, then you’ll be spoilt for choice with the types of workouts there are. Skipping became particularly popular in the height of lockdown which led lots of personal trainers and fitness fanatics posting free online skipping workouts on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram.
Joe Wicks' skipping workout
We couldn’t not mention the king of lockdown workouts, Joe Wicks. He has a variety of quick workout videos, with many involving skipping. Joe focuses on HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts, that are perfect if you find yourself with 15 minutes spare and want to grab a quick, but effective, workout.
Kayla Itsines' skipping workout
For more of a quick, snappy approach, Kayla Itsines’ workouts on YouTube might be for you. Kayla keeps her workouts fun and interesting by incorporating a range of moves that will help you stay motivated.
Jump Rope Dudes' skipping workout
With nearly eight million views on YouTube, Jump Rope Dudes ten-minute beginner jump rope workout is perfect for those looking to build up stamina as a beginner. Countless comments on the video show that many people couldn’t get through the full ten minutes the first-time round, but after persistence and dedication, can now do it with ease. Some even say that they now use this as a warm-up workout, but let’s not get to ahead of ourselves.
Instagram skipping workouts
Lauen Flymen's skipping workout
For more of a community feel, Instagram is home to lots of skipping workouts.
Lauren Flymen, also known as @lauren.jumps, stated to skip at the start of lockdown and she now has over one million followers on Instagram who have all followed her skipping journey.
Opening up she's said, "Beginners should start with no more than 5 minutes every other day and increase this gradually. It’s very easy to get carried away at first when you’re trying to improve but it’s important to listen to your body and not overdo it. Overuse injuries are very common in beginners."
Lauren went on to say, "You can incorporate skipping into strength circuits or just do it as a stand alone workout. Interval training works well for skipping and once you’ve learned a few skills like side swings, crossovers and double unders you can incorporate these to challenge yourself and work different parts of your body. I personally don’t follow a particular workout but enjoy challenging myself to learn new skills and put routines together. This way, it doesn’t even feel like a workout."
Kate Edwards' skipping workou
Another account worth following is Kate Edwards, also known as @jumprope_kate, who has nearly 50k people following her daily skipping posts.
Kate has even given a fun tip for beginners, "If you're interested in learning new skills, check out the hashtag #jumprope or #skipping on Instagram, where you will find lots of inspiration and an amazing online community ready to help. I also post different tutorials and challenges every week.”
Online and in person skipping classes
If you find you lack the self-discipline to commit to skipping, this is incredibly common. So to help with this, joining a class either in person or online to hold you accountable can be the best option. This way you can also meet others and help each other stay committed and on track. This social aspect also makes the idea of working out less daunting and more of a fun social activity.
Skipping workouts at home
If the idea of following a tutorial or class doesn’t appeal, simply getting out that rope and doing a home skipping workout is equally effective. Put on an episode of your favourite TV show or blast your favourite songs to help distract you and you’ll find that the time will fly by.