Myth: Jumping rope is not considered exercising.

Answer: BUSTED!

Jumping rope is possibly the single most comprehensive and beneficial form of exercise a person can do. People of all fitness levels and athletic abilities can learn to jump rope in a relatively short amount of time. It is an exercise that is fun, entertaining and highly enjoyable.

Jumping rope can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour, depending on the pace a person jumps and their weight at the time, making it one of the most efficient workouts possible. It tones muscles in the entire body. Jumping rope optimizes cardiovascular conditioning and maximizes athletic skills by combining agility, coordination, timing and endurance.

Jumping rope is extremely enjoyable and can easily become a fitness addiction. Once you become even modestly proficient, the natural jumping rhythm takes over and hides the fact that you are actually vigorously exercising. This might explain why many athletes, especially professional boxers and other highly-conditioned athletes are literally able to jump rope for hours on end without tiring physically or mentally.

Additional information and tips on being active can be found at: http://extension.missouri.edu/p/N388

Contributor: Maude Harris, Nutrition and Health Education Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, harrismau@missouri.edu, 573.545.3516