Running Jump
Hello, jump ropers!  The jump to learn this week finalizes the four basic jumps. If you dominate these four you will find that learning all the other ones will be quite easy. This new jump is the running jump.  The running jump is not complicated, but I’ve been surprised how many people struggle to do it smoothly. It is extremely essential towards expanding your list of jumps in your repertoire, so do not underestimate it.  This jump also opens a lot of fun to be enjoyed with your jump rope because it now allows you to move around and even go for a jump rope workout session around your neighborhood. Yes, I’m not joking. It’s almost like jogging, but supercharged! It gets your entire body involved, and also saves your knees from harsh impact! Your neighbors will think that you are crazy, but we jump ropers think that it's crazier to go for a dull jog or walk on a treadmill while watching TV in a basement… No thanks!  So, what's this running jump all about? If you practiced the simple two-foot jump, now you just alternate your feet and get it to a running motion in place. Once you can do this smoothly, try moving forward and backward. It may be difficult at first, but after some tries, you will see that all it takes is a simple adjustment in your movements. If you practiced the figure-8 and the side-swing, you can smoothly transition into these two resting moves without a break in your stride.  The running jump will also allow you to combine your life as an athlete with your life as a dad or a mom or as a son or daughter. What do I mean by that?  Well, as a father, it means that now you can take your 3-year old son for a tricycle ride while you get a killer workout, jumping rope and running behind him, at his pace. Or maybe your mom is in her 70s and her idea of a workout is to go for a walk around the block. Now you can join her while getting a killer workout by speeding up the jump rope pace while traveling at her walking speed.  Jumping rope while running also allows you to do a nice and easy pace, or you can push and explore your limits to become a better athlete. Heck, you can even go do a 10k race while jumping rope! Yes, I’ve done a couple of those and it’s more fun than just running.  And don’t forget to bring your favorite tunes and even sing. Let them laugh!  Who knows, mom may see you are having a blast, and she’ll want to start jumping too!  Keep practicing because the fun is just beginning!  Jump on!
