Does the mere idea of jump roping still exhaust you? Hang with us…it’s much more accessible than it may seem (after all, kids can do it, right?). Here’s exactly how to get started. “I highly recommend an adjustable rope, especially if you’re ordering a rope without trying it in person,” says Kelsey Stalter, NASM-certified personal trainer and Equinox AK! Rope instructor. “It allows you to play with different lengths and see what feels good. To check the length, step on the rope with both feet and pull the handles vertically, straight up to the sky. The tip tops of the handles should hit right above your armpit, right below your shoulder,” she says. Crossrope also sells high-quality ropes that you can purchase based on your height for the perfect fit. Make sure you’re wearing sneakers with a sturdy sole to protect your feet and ankles. Once you’re set on equipment, practice proper form before trying a full workout. You can also try out a weighted jump rope to build strength, says Witmer. Increasing and decreasing your speed and time also make jump roping a scalable workout for all levels.
