10 Benefits of Skipping You Should Know About
Updated on: April 5, 2023
Skipping or rope jumping, is an enjoyable activity – the multiple benefits of which can sometimes be overlooked. However, there’s even a national skipping day for the activity and in this blog, we are hoping to raise more awareness of what a great activity it is for adults and children alike!
Why is skipping so beneficial?
Here are 10 reasons why you would love your children to take part in skipping:
1. Skipping improves the entire body
When skipping, the most work is done by your lower body and core, as the majority of pressure, balancing and movement is concentrated there, but your upper body is also involved as you are dictating the pace of the exercise with it.
The more complex and inclusive your skipping routine, the more pressure can be put on all muscle groups, leading to greater involvement and gains! However, do not push yourself too hard from the start – simply enjoy skipping and let your body ask for more, as your joints strengthen once you get used to the routine!
2. Healthier heart and weight loss
Skipping will significantly improve your cardio and help with weight loss, actively promoting a healthier lifestyle. It also reduces the chance of developing heart disease. This is why it’s also perfect for kids, when obesity has turned into a bigger problem in recent years, especially escalating during the pandemic and restrictions tied to it.
Kids can skip anywhere and anytime, meaning they can stay healthy no matter what goes on around them. Did you know you could burn 10-20 calories a minute depending on your weight and routine? Losing fat and exercising regularly will strengthen your heart, help you gain more stamina and deal with physically demanding tasks with ease.
There are different types of ropes you can use too, ranging from thin to heavy, which can speed up muscle gain and weight loss.
3. Improves a vast number of skills
Skipping is a fantastic way to help pupils, as well as grown adults, train their motor skills, coordination, and concentration. Body and mind exercise in tandem when skipping, which elevates body control and makes any physical task easier to achieve with greater precision, in time.
4. Gaining better posture
Nowadays it’s very easy to start slouching, especially for kids who spend a lot of time in front of the computer, TV, or phone. With skipping, posture will improve with time as you get used to the exercise and you start assuming proper position. Centering your body properly as you jump up and down will eventually even make you look taller due to your spinal column assuming its proper position.
5. Combat anxiety and depression
When it comes to the mental health benefits of this exercise, just by the sheer amount of movement involved, skipping is one of the most effective ways of combating depression and anxiety. Since skipping requires a lot of activity and involves our entire body in the process, completion of a routine is much more likely to lead to release of dopamine, making us much happier.
Additionally, longer exercises can lead to the release of endorphins too. That can result in a euphoric state, known as “runner’s high”, which can negate, at least for a time, muscle fatigue and improve your mood even further!
6. Improves confidence and coping with stress
The satisfaction of being on the move and keeping your body healthy, will make you feel more confident. Skipping is one of the most efficient exercises to help you achieve this state of mind.
It’s fun, highly versatile, and physically challenging – impressive to show off to your peers too. Being fit and healthy will help you feel happier, more confident, and ready to deal with the challenges that life throws your way.
7. Skipping is very accessible
It is a great type of exercise for people of any age with minimal monetary investment. Gym equipment is not required and skipping can be done at any time and any place – you don’t even need a rope, although it is recommended for best effect.
8. Highly customisable skipping routines
It’s a great workout for both children and adults, with almost unlimited modification possibilities, to increase length and complexity.
Beginner, practised, or an expert? No matter how fit and healthy you are, you can always add more beneficial elements to your routine, to push, prolong or simply to enjoy yourself while doing it. Your imagination is the limit!
9. You can skip solo or with your buddies
Fantastic choice for any school playground and the development of social skills for children. Multiple kids can jump, having fun at the same time, on the same rope or they could simply take turns, dictating the pace and complexity for another friend of theirs. Prefer some solitude? It’s just as easy and healthy to do!
10. Last but not least, it’s super fun
Whether you enjoy it in a group or solo, with heavy or light rope, outdoors or indoors, skipping is one activity where children and adults alike can come up with their own routines, show them off to their friends and grab the spotlight with something completely unique and entertaining!
Check out our skip station and skip active spot playground markings.
Jess Sparks
Jess is deeply committed to supporting our mission of positively impacting UK outdoor play environments to promote healthy lifestyles in children.
With a CIM Level 6 Diploma in Sustainable Marketing, Jess channels her passion for sustainability into her marketing role, using her skills to promote eco-conscious practices and raise awareness for our initiatives.
Jess’ experience within the industry is instrumental in driving engagement and supporting connections with those who require ultra-durable, high-grade playground markings both locally and internationally.