Invisible Jump rope?

hilarityensues

Hello all! I've been struggling to fit in a decent amount of cardio into my workout since my endurance level is like -4 and I need to burn off some fat, so I've taken up jump rope. However, I'm really struggling with the whole 'jumping over the rope' part, heh . I know I'll get better with time but it's still frustrating and throws off my groove. Today I ditched the actual rope and just hopped around doing the arm motions as if I had an 'invisible jump rope' and it sufficiently tired me out. I felt good about it after even though I probably looked crazy. I was just wondering if that is as good as regular jump rope, or if I should push through my frustrations?

MarieNevada

for now it's great. once you get a lot more fit, you can look into getting a weighted jump rope that the boxers use, you can pick those up in sports stores. but for now it's as good as using a real rope and nowhere as frustrating. i envy you. i can't jump. i think i've been programmed to never have two feet off the ground at the same time. lol

CharlieBarleyMom

Starting anywhere is good. If you're having a bit of a clumsy start with the jump rope, try something else. Walk. Walk in place. Can you buy a "walk at home" dvd?

Otherwise, do what you're doing and it will help. Just move, that helps.

echeindl

On Jillians 30 day shred, there is a part where you do an invisible jump rope and I do think it is as effective as if you had an actual jump rope.

JoanWill

JM's 30 day shred incorporates invisible jump rope as part of cardio. She also has double jump rope. I think it is all the same. I love doing it because it is so easy on my knees and I still sweat. And you are right, the real jump ropes actually slows me down.

hilarityensues

@MarieNevada: Thanks! I'm going to invisijump for now with normal jump roping on the side if i have time to condition myself to get weighted ones! And you'll get there one day! Right now it kinda sucks cause my belly jumps with me :P oh well! It's fun!

@CharlieBarleyMom: I can't buy anything right now, student budget and whatnot However I do try to move around a lot...when watching movies at home or playing video games i stand and sometimes march in place. Thanks for the tips!

@echeindl: Sweet, thanks!

@boneswoop: Yep, that's why I've chosen jumping over running because my knees are a little weak.

lbeasey

IF the jump rope is the correct length you will not have issues jumping over the rope....I found this out by trying to jump rope myself. I could not get the grove that the others had jumping, I just kept missing or could only get 3-5 jumps in. An instructor handed me another rope and I was then able to get in 50 jumps without missing. What a difference it made. I can now jump rope for 1 minute without messing up. That is a lot of jumping for an overweight person.
Good luck.
I do think an invisible rope works as long as you are doing the jumping.

hilarityensues

@lbeasey: Hmm. That could be it, as I am somewhat tall (5'10), but it was the longest one I could find...I'll look around some more, thanks!