Nowadays, people think of exercise merely as a way to burn fat and hide the evidence of the consumption of those extra candy bars, but in reality, exercise has many more benefits such as improved coordination and a stronger cardiovascular system. All these benefits can be obtained through a simple workout that you’ve probably done before. And the best part, it can be done anywhere with a single piece of equipment that costs under $15. Jump roping is an easy workout that doubles as a calorie burner and an enjoyable exercise that stimulates the brain.

According to sources at jumprope.com, jumping rope is the best activity to help fight off and prevent heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis while also boosting strength and health. Jump roping not only helps prevent these diseases, but it also cuts down on calories. Studies from the University of Rochester show that a “150-pound person can burn 750 calories an hour jumping rope.” The same numbers of calories can be burned by playing an hour of singles tennis, or running a mile in eight minutes.

Another great thing about jumping rope is that one can get exercise anyplace with it. A jump rope can easily fit in one’s pocket or bag, and as long as there is a decent area of space, a simple but effective workout can happen anywhere. If done the right way, jump roping can also release the stress in joints and strengthen bones and muscles.

Every spring, the 6th grade mustangs take a jump rope unit where students learn new jump rope techniques or practice old ones. Coach Govea states that “We teach jump roping in the 6th grade curriculum because it not only gives them a cardiovascular workout, but also exercises better coordination. The students seem to enjoy this program because they get a chance to demonstrate their own skills and try a sport without teamwork needed.” The Wellness Education class spends one week learning various interesting jump roping techniques. Here are the most common techniques:

• The “Single Bounce”: The original workout; no variation
• The “Double Bounce”: Similar to the “Single Bounce,” but with two bounces per jump
• The “Crossover”: The classic jump where a person will cross his/her arms and then jump through the loop that the rope makes
• The “Side Straddle”: A person will do the “Single Bounce” while jumping from side-to-side.

There are many other types of jump roping as well. The classic exercise is efficient, but there are variations as well, such as jump roping in a group and the “Ball Hop.” The “Ball Hop” a sport using a plastic ball that is attached to a rope and ankle ring. The user places their foot in the ankle ring and swings the attached ball around, jumping with the other foot as the ball comes around, which teaches coordination and balance. Jumping in a group is a bit harder but also develops one’s teamwork skills and coordination.

With a simple plastic cord, you can skip the extra miles and enjoy a relaxing exercise in your own living room. Do yourself a favor, buy a jump rope and enjoy the numerous benefits of an effective workout.