jump rope 19 by Editorial Zone
Published Date: 01/09/06
When I was a young girl my favorite activity to do with my friends was jump rope. When the bell rang for recess we would run for the door, grab the jump rope and find our favorite spot on the playground. It did not matter how many people you had, as long as you had at least three people. Everyone had a turn and there were no picking teams. When I was in 5th grade the craze was Chinese jump rope. This was an interesting pass time because you had to perform several crossing patterns with an elastic rope that was sewn in a circle. I remember a girlfriend and I would loop one end around a pole and then we would take turns holding the over end. As each pattern was completed the elastic cord was raised higher above the ground.
The use of the jump rope declines as people get older. The jumping action can be hard on the knees and hips. However jumping can be a very invigorating and healthy exercise. The movements, when done in conjunction with other exercises can strengthen the knee and hip joints. The use of a jump rope also increases your heart rate and breathing, thus making it a good cardio-vascular exercise. This is why you see so many of the people that are into hard core training jumping rope. The exercise is routinely used by boxers, football players and wrestlers. The jumping also helps with agility, speed and endurance.
The use of the jump rope is also fun. At some point between elementary school and junior high we get the message that playing school yard games is no longer a cool thing to do. Instead of girls using a jump rope together they use make-up and the telephone. It would be great if we can teach our children that they can still play together even though they are maturing. One of my pet peeves is hearing a teenager, or anyone for that matter, say they are bored. I can honestly say I have never been bored in my life. I find that there are so many wonderful things to do that time slips away faster and faster each year.
I have started purchasing jump ropes at the dollar store. I carry a couple in my purse and have a stash in my car. If I hear anyone say that they are bored I hand them a jump rope and tell them to create some fun and excitement for themselves. I usually just get strange looks from the recipients of the jump rope, but my hope is that they will at least try to create their own excitement and pass time.
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