1. It does not require any expensive equipment or dedicated facilities.
2. It combines elements of two well-known activities – running and jumping rope.
3. It poses a unique challenge, but improvement comes relatively fast.
4. It can be performed by people of all ages, and at various speeds over various distances.
5. It can be performed individually as well as with teams and opponents.
6. It provides an intense workout and tones the whole body.
7. It crosses cultural and ethnic boundaries.
Athletes from many sports enjoy the challenges and benefits of JumpRopeSprint racing. Here’s a brief training video to get you started on your own JumpRopeSprint pursuit.
General Philosophy
JumpRopeSprint racing involves sprinting while jumping rope once per stride. The practice of this activity improves running technique, total body coordination, and aerobic capacity. Mastering this skill teaches an athlete to remain calm and maintain proper alignment while performing under stressful circumstances.
Benefits
The combination of twirling a jump rope, controlling the centrifugal pull of the jump rope, and monitoring the position of the jump rope, while continuing to run as fast as possible, requires amplified physical and mental exertion. According to coaches who incorporate it in their workouts, the exercise forces an athlete to have front mechanics and move the hip flexors forward. Natural Running Center Director Mark Cucuzzella, M.D., emphasizes that the skill required for JumpRopeSpring racing is in fact “the perfect practice to create rhythm, balance, posture–and most importantly prevent over striding. (It) helps wake up elastic recoil and rhythm.”
Basically, JumpRopeSprint training leads to a higher level of coordination. In juggling for example, a person develops the ability to monitor the positions of the balls without focusing on any one ball. Similarly, sprinting while jumping rope compels a person to focus on timing rather than each spin of the rope. Consequently, athletes learn to get into sync and stay in a zone. Thus, running with a jump rope encourages sound running fundamentals. A person who runs with heel strikes is more likely to tangle with the rope, just as a person who excessively back kicks. On the other hand, JumpRopeSprint training fosters proper lateral alignment and overall balance while maintaining a forward lean. These imposed efficiencies lead to good technique for any runner at any speed.
Other benefits include developing composure while sustaining a maximum level of focus and understanding how to run your own race.