Have you ever considered Jumping Rope?

[TagUrIt]

I've always heard of using a jump rope as a warm up, but I've actually been doing it as a workout ever since the gyms shut down. For the past two and a half months I've been doing HIIT jump rope workouts (It's a combination of jump rope footwork patterns/moves with body weight exercises). I have to tell you, I'm faster, lighter and have much more endurance on the tennis courts. There are lot's of different workouts to choose from to be better on the courts, I'm just sharing my experience. I bought a set of CrossRopes (look them up, they're pricey, but worth it) and I haven't regretted my decision to use jump rope as my workouts.

 

[shamaho]

Lack of quick responses just shows how much easier it is to discuss rackets and string setup ad-nauseam then just freakin' DO something about fitness !

 

[shamaho]

I would first need to get past the 2 or 3 cycles ... lol I'm very incompetent at jumping rope... never neally commited to get good at it, even though KNOWING full well how good that is for me

 

[Turbo-87]

I have been thinking about adding this to my regimen since I don't enjoy jogging all that much. Roping was part of my routine when I was a lot younger and I am not sure why I dropped it. Ah, the good old days working out to a Rocky mix tape.

 

[TagUrIt]

Lack of quick responses just shows how much easier it is to discuss rackets and string setup ad-nauseam then just freakin' DO something about fitness !

Oh it’s cool and I agree with you. This forum would rather argue about the best racquets, string setups, GOATS, etc, etc. I was just sharing, I’ve seen a huge difference in my game and footwork.

I have been thinking about adding this to my regimen since I don't enjoy jogging all that much. Roping was part of my routine when I was a lot younger and I am not sure why I dropped it. Ah, the good old days working out to a Rocky mix tape.

Yeah I don’t like running either, jumping rope has become my new favorite form of cardio.

 

[troyparsons]

LOVE jumping rope. I also have a full set of the crossrope and it's the best investment I've ever made.

It's really improved my tennis/footwork/fitness/endurance and is a lot more enjoyable than running....honestly is like meditation to me.

Check out the YouTube channel "Jump rope dudes" they have some great workouts and tutorials.

 

[TagUrIt]

Check out the YouTube channel "Jump rope dudes" they have some great workouts and tutorials.

Yeah that’s actually the workouts that I’m doing. JRD workouts are awesome.

 

[shamaho]

That promise of better footwork did it !! I'm re-starting today !!

 

[1stVolley]

I recommend forgetting about jumping rope. It is hard on your spine and there are better exercises for cardio and balance. The exercise I recommend is agility ladder drills--and you don't even need an agility ladder. Some of these movements resemble those you make on the court when you need to change direction quickly. I find that they improve my balance and leg strength and are a great pre-match warmup, too.

 

[blablavla]

I recommend forgetting about jumping rope. It is hard on your spine and there are better exercises for cardio and balance. The exercise I recommend is agility ladder drills--and you don't even need an agility ladder. Some of these movements resemble those you make on the court when you need to change direction quickly. I find that they improve my balance and leg strength and are a great pre-match warmup, too.

indeed, the agility ladder is a good training and warm-up.
I also do the rope jumping when I train the agility ladder and part of pre-match warm-up.

 

[TagUrIt]

I recommend forgetting about jumping rope. It is hard on your spine and there are better exercises for cardio and balance. The exercise I recommend is agility ladder drills--and you don't even need an agility ladder. Some of these movements resemble those you make on the court when you need to change direction quickly. I find that they improve my balance and leg strength and are a great pre-match warmup, too.

You’re certainly entitled to your opinion, however I respectfully disagree. Jumping rope when done with good form is not hard on your spine. Truthfully to jump rope, you don’t even need to jump that high One to two inches is adequate. What I’ve learned about jumping rope is that it’s important to wear good shoes and also use a mat when you can. I’m not disagreeing about ladder drills making you faster or a better tennis player. I’ve done ladder workouts, they’re amazing and challenging. I suggested jump rope because I’ve seen the results in my own game and also to make a suggestion to members on the forum. To each their own, do what works best for you.

 

[1stVolley]

You’re certainly entitled to your opinion, however I respectfully disagree. Jumping rope when done with good form is not hard on your spine. Truthfully to jump rope, you don’t even need to jump that high One to two inches is adequate. What I’ve learned about jumping rope is that it’s important to wear good shoes and also use a mat when you can. I’m not disagreeing about ladder drills making you faster or a better tennis player. I’ve done ladder workouts, they’re amazing and challenging. I suggested jump rope because I’ve seen the results in my own game and also to make a suggestion to members on the forum. To each their own, do what works best for you.

I think appearances are deceiving. Years ago I watched a presentation on the physics of tennis and the body. The presenter said that an average weight male hitting a forehand ground stroke put about 400 pounds of force on the leading leg as he stepped into the ball. The stress on the back by raising the entire body a couple of inches has to be at least as great as that of hitting a forehand drive, and probably greater. Compounding this is the number of high repetitions typical in a jump rope session. However, negative effects may take decades in becoming apparent.

Regarding agility, jumping rope is a statically directed motion--basically just vertical movement. Tennis requires movement in all directions and this involves quick weight shifting which jumping rope really doesn't address but agility ladder training does. Jumping rope is certainly good cardio and it does strengthen, principally, the lower legs though.

 

[shamaho]

The stress on the back by raising the entire body a couple of inches has to be at least as great as that of hitting a forehand drive, and probably greater

from my perception it's not even close! my fh puts 10 times more pressure on body than skipping...

If I was to become worried about skipping rope, then I'd be severely worried about serving, forehands, fetching a drop-shot and breaking hard, hitting an overhead, etc, etc, etc

I understand your concern but to me, it doesn't make much sense in light of the agression we make to our bodies with tennis in general...

 

[1stVolley]

from my perception it's not even close! my fh puts 10 times more pressure on body than skipping...

If I was to become worried about skipping rope, then I'd be severely worried about serving, forehands, fetching a drop-shot and breaking hard, hitting an overhead, etc, etc, etc

I understand your concern but to me, it doesn't make much sense in light of the agression we make to our bodies with tennis in general...

When I quoted that 400 pounds of force on the leading leg during a forehand, I was talking only about the vertical force on the body. When you state that your are putting "10 times more pressure on body than skipping..." I suspect you are talking about the total stress on the body, much of which is horizontal torque. Of course horizontal torque is not without danger too and that is why joint injuries are so common in tennis. Learning and practicing good technique, like avoiding certain wrist motions, can reduce the danger. With jumping rope I think it isn't so much a matter of good technique as in wearing the right shoes and practicing on grass or a cushioned mat.

As we reach middle age the soft cartilage between the vertebrae in our spine loses some of its durability and ability to cushion and separate these vertebrae. That's a good time to start thinking about avoiding activities which may prematurely damage or increase the rate of degradation of spinal cartilage. Basketball is a prime example. A neighbor friend of mine continued to play basketball until his early 50s. He wound up with crippling sciatica, had a back operation and took months to get back to a livable state. This case is instructive in that it shows you that some people can abuse your cartilage for a long time before they run into problems. Others may not be so lucky.

I'd say the bottom line here is that if agility ladder exercises give you the cardio, balance and footwork exercise that you desire with less risk of injury than jumping rope, why bother with the latter unless that particular activity lights your bulb.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

I once considered it. But then I took a nap and the urge passed..

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

Unless one has a particularly damaged or sensitive lower back I wouldn't worry about skipping rope putting undue stress on it. Ditto for hips, knees, ankles or feet.

Jumping rope is it supposed to be a low-level plyometric exercise. If you find that it is high-impact or overly stressful to the the lower body, there's a good chance that you are doing it incorrectly. According to WebMD, how you jump will determine the impact on your body. With proper technique, skipping rope should produce significantly less stress to the body then jogging.

Health & Fitness

From weight training to healthy exercise programs, find health and fitness information for a healthy lifestyle.

www.webmd.com

Jump Rope Is A Seriously Underrated Total Body Workout

Both links above indicate that proper rope jumping, should produce less shock or stress to the body than jogging or running. It should produce less impact than high impact plyometric exercises. And it should produce considerably less stress to the body than actual tennis play. Particularly so given how much more time is spent playing tennis than skipping rope.

 

[FIRETennis]

I feel jump rope put way less stress on the joints than jogging.
I do it on a padded surface.

 

[shamaho]

That promise of better footwork did it !! I'm re-starting today !!

Ok, so I did it only today... I can barely do more than 12 or 14 cycles at a time - but for 1st time... not bad I'd say...

 

[TagUrIt]

Ok, so I did it only today... I can barely do more than 12 or 14 cycles at a time - but for 1st time... not bad I'd say...

Keep at it, it does get better and your technique will improve as well. I really suggest if you can get your hands on a set of Crossropes to give them a try. They even have open box sets which are less expensive, but just as good.

 

[Hitman]

I love jumping rope. To me, it is the best exercise for development of calves. I used it a lot when I used to compete in natural bodybuilding and muscle and fitness competitions.

Fantastic workout option for overall cardio and conditioning. Plus makes you feel like you are Rocky, getting ready to fight Apollo.

 

[troyparsons]

IMG_1800.HEIC

 

[YourHuckleberry]

thanks - used to jump rope...just ordered CrossRopes to inspire

 

[OnTheLine]

One of the pros at my club was recommending this to a few of us 40+ types to help with speed and footwork ....

I am highly intrigued.

A few of you have mentioned using a padded surface. Like on carpeting? My home is all hardwood or tile, are you putting down a mat? Would it not slip?
I cannot think of a space in my home where a jump rope wouldn't either hit the ceiling (not living in a vaulted McMansion) or would necessitate the moving of furniture.

Was thinking this would be a good outdoor activity. On the patio.

No?

 

[Ronaldo]

Used to jump rope after running and playing tennis. Never got beyond 3-4K skips.
Have a wooden deck and hardwood/laminate floors

 

[yossarian]

One of the pros at my club was recommending this to a few of us 40+ types to help with speed and footwork ....

I am highly intrigued.

A few of you have mentioned using a padded surface. Like on carpeting? My home is all hardwood or tile, are you putting down a mat? Would it not slip?
I cannot think of a space in my home where a jump rope wouldn't either hit the ceiling (not living in a vaulted McMansion) or would necessitate the moving of furniture.

Was thinking this would be a good outdoor activity. On the patio.

No?

I bought one of those heavy duty mats that people put exercise equipment under and use it as a jump rope mat outside. When I was jumping inside, I would just use a yoga mat.

I use it for interval training and pretty much just do 1000 double unders for time

 

[Ronaldo]

Never forget a guy jumproping in a gym next to a tape used to measure vertical jumps. He was jumping 38" on every skip! Showoff

 

[BER256]

So I do HIIT style jump rope workouts with a 1.5 lb heavy rope (its been shown to improve service power), and do 25 seconds on 35 seconds off for 20 minutes ( I started at 20 seconds on 40 seconds off). Its really tough, but a great workout, and my game, stamina, and footwork has improved greatly. For everyone here I recommend a heavy jump rope HIIT training

 

[Ronaldo]

So I do HIIT style jump rope workouts with a 1.5 lb heavy rope (its been shown to improve service power), and do 25 seconds on 35 seconds off for 20 minutes ( I started at 20 seconds on 40 seconds off). Its really tough, but a great workout, and my game, stamina, and footwork has improved greatly. For everyone here I recommend a heavy jump rope HIIT training

Have not used or even seen a heavy rope in over 20 yrs! Even a shoulder workout

 

[movdqa]

Jumping rope puts a lot of stress on your ankles and knees. In general, I would do jumping-type exercises if I had appropriate floor for it - something that would absorb a lot of the shock - combined with good shoes. My preference is to go to a quarter-mile track and run though. There's much less to think about when running - I just kind of get lost in my music.

 

[bobleenov1963]

Jumping rope puts a lot of stress on your ankles and knees. In general, I would do jumping-type exercises if I had appropriate floor for it - something that would absorb a lot of the shock - combined with good shoes. My preference is to go to a quarter-mile track and run though. There's much less to think about when running - I just kind of get lost in my music.

My son is currently working out every morning with a professional MMA fighter and the first thing both of them do in the morning is to do a variety of jumping rope for 45 minutes on very soft surface that absorb a lot of shock. They put a soft plastic mat on top of thick grass so that the surface is smooth while the grass/ground will absorb the shock.

They also use specialize shoe just for jumping rope exercise.

 

[movdqa]

My son is currently working out every morning with a professional MMA fighter and the first thing both of them do in the morning is to do a variety of jumping rope for 45 minutes on very soft surface that absorb a lot of shock. They put a soft plastic mat on top of thick grass so that the surface is smooth while the grass/ground will absorb the shock.

They also use specialize shoe just for jumping rope exercise.

Smart way to go. We have special surfaces at the office gyms where I would be comfortable with jumping up and down. But I wouldn't do jumping-type exercises in my basement which is just carpet over concrete. Boston College has a field house with a very rubbery surface for the tennis courts and the track that goes around it and that would be good for jumping.

You have to think about injury potential for any kind of workout these days as getting injured is a major negative, no matter what your exercise is.

 

[bobleenov1963]

Smart way to go. We have special surfaces at the office gyms where I would be comfortable with jumping up and down. But I wouldn't do jumping-type exercises in my basement which is just carpet over concrete. Boston College has a field house with a very rubbery surface for the tennis courts and the track that goes around it and that would be good for jumping.

You have to think about injury potential for any kind of workout these days as getting injured is a major negative, no matter what your exercise is.

agreed. Due to covid-19, all exercises/fitness should be done outdoor. Avoid indoor training at all cost.

 

[austintennis2005]

I think appearances are deceiving. Years ago I watched a presentation on the physics of tennis and the body. The presenter said that an average weight male hitting a forehand ground stroke put about 400 pounds of force on the leading leg as he stepped into the ball. The stress on the back by raising the entire body a couple of inches has to be at least as great as that of hitting a forehand drive, and probably greater. Compounding this is the number of high repetitions typical in a jump rope session. However, negative effects may take decades in becoming apparent.

Regarding agility, jumping rope is a statically directed motion--basically just vertical movement. Tennis requires movement in all directions and this involves quick weight shifting which jumping rope really doesn't address but agility ladder training does. Jumping rope is certainly good cardio and it does strengthen, principally, the lower legs though.

Yes but jumping rope synchronizes the upper body with the lower body which ladder does not- rope skipping is much better

 

[1stVolley]

Yes but jumping rope synchronizes the upper body with the lower body which ladder does not- rope skipping is much better

Possibly, but that synchronization isn't used in any tennis stroke I know of.

 

[austintennis2005]

Possibly, but that synchronization isn't used in any tennis stroke I know of.

Every stroke in tennis is a combination of upper and lower body

 

[1stVolley]

Every stroke in tennis is a combination of upper and lower body

Doing the tango requires a combination of upper and lower body but I don't think anyone--with the exception of a dance instructor--would recommend practicing this dance intensively as an efficient means of improving one's tennis. It is good exercise, nonetheless, and one's partner tends to be nicer looking than one's tennis counterpart.

 

[austintennis2005]

actually anything that promotes rhythm and sychonization of upper and lower body is great for tennis. why are you so against this concept?

 

[one-hand]

You’re certainly entitled to your opinion, however I respectfully disagree. Jumping rope when done with good form is not hard on your spine. Truthfully to jump rope, you don’t even need to jump that high One to two inches is adequate. What I’ve learned about jumping rope is that it’s important to wear good shoes and also use a mat when you can. I’m not disagreeing about ladder drills making you faster or a better tennis player. I’ve done ladder workouts, they’re amazing and challenging. I suggested jump rope because I’ve seen the results in my own game and also to make a suggestion to members on the forum. To each their own, do what works best for you.

Jumping 1-2 inches with good form using ball of foot is low risk to injury. The rope has become as essential as my racquet in the bag.

 

[movdqa]

Jumping 1-2 inches with good form using ball of foot is low risk to injury. The rope has become as essential as my racquet in the bag.

Not really safe to assume that it is low risk for everyone.

Is it safe if you weight 400 pounds? How about 80 years old with balance problems?

 

[one-hand]

Not really safe to assume that it is low risk for everyone.

Is it safe if you weight 400 pounds? How about 80 years old with balance problems?

Dude, I'm talking about warming up with rope jumping for a healthy group of players getting ready for a tennis match. I'm not talking about pulling people out of nursing homes and hospices to jump around.

 

[movdqa]

Dude, I'm talking about warming up with rope jumping for a healthy group of players getting ready for a tennis match. I'm not talking about pulling people out of nursing homes and hospices to jump around.

There is great variance in who plays tennis. Have you ever seen 80-year-olds playing?

There are seniors playing competitive tennis at advanced ages that don't live in nursing homes.

 

[one-hand]

There is great variance in who plays tennis. Have you ever seen 80-year-olds playing?

There are seniors playing competitive tennis at advanced ages that don't live in nursing homes.

...then those advanced age competitive tennis player should be able to jump 1-2 inches to warm up.

 

[movdqa]

...then those advanced age competitive tennis player should be able to jump 1-2 inches to warm up.

let us know how you feel when you get there.

 

[TagUrIt]

Before this thread goes off the rails. If a person is obese or has any health issues ANY and I mean ANY new exercise should always cleared by the person’s doctor. There are many alternatives to jumping rope, I only suggested it to the forum because I’ve personally seen the benefits in my own game from of it. I always say the best workout/exercise on the planet is the one you want to do.

 

[Bagumbawalla]

I was considering jumping rope until I read about the horrors of leaping up an inch.
Now, when I play tennis, I try to shuffle. To prevent some traumatic event I have a "spotter"
who follows me closely just in case I should trip or faint.
I try to rest at least 5 minutes between points because the weight of my helmet, shin guards, elbow pads, goggles, gloves, mask and
kevlar vest tires me out.
When I get home, all sweaty, I refuse to shower in the bath (where most home accidents occur)- instead I hose off in the back yard
while watering the grass- killing two birds with one stone, not that I am really killing birds or throwing stones.
Well, my fingers are tired, now, from typing- don't want to get cramps. Bye for now.

 

[movdqa]

I was considering jumping rope until I read about the horrors of leaping up an inch.
Now, when I play tennis, I try to shuffle. To prevent some traumatic event I have a "spotter"
who follows me closely just in case I should trip or faint.
I try to rest at least 5 minutes between points because the weight of my helmet, shin guards, elbow pads, goggles, gloves, mask and
kevlar vest tires me out.
When I get home, all sweaty, I refuse to shower in the bath (where most home accidents occur)- instead I hose off in the back yard
while watering the grass- killing two birds with one stone, not that I am really killing birds or throwing stones.
Well, my fingers are tired, now, from typing- don't want to get cramps. Bye for now.

Don't get cancer then. Chemo's a *****.

 

[EddieBrock]

Before this thread goes off the rails. If a person is obese or has any health issues ANY and I mean ANY new exercise should always cleared by the person’s doctor. There are many alternatives to jumping rope, I only suggested it to the forum because I’ve personally seen the benefits in my own game from of it. I always say the best workout/exercise on the planet is the one you want to do.

No health issue, but I tried jumping rope for the 1st time about a year ago and I was terrible at it. I could do the basic, but that was it and couldn't do it for very long.

What do you think about trying the motion without the rope since I don't have one?

 

[TagUrIt]

What do you think about trying the motion without the rope since I don't have one?

That’s a good question. Honestly I don’t think you would get the true benefits of jumping rope without one. It’s kinda like doing agility ladder workouts with a ladder painted on the floor. Yes you get the workout in, but you don’t really know how well you’re doing unless you have the actually ladder there to show you if you made an error or not. By that I mean, if you make a mistake the ladder moves. Same concept with jumping rope. I’m not trying to sell you on anything , but Crossropes really are the best jump ropes you can use/buy. Most jump ropes are crap, they’re too light weight and you don’t get the feed back you get with a Crossrope which is actually weighted. The rope itself has weight, which makes it easier to jump and you have less trips. I’ve learned so much about jumping rope over the last three months, the footwork patterns, the actual workouts, a supportive jump rope community group on Facebook, finding the right size rope, who knew it could be so technical. Give it another try, go on YouTube look at some jump rope tutorials as well. They help a lot, try the JumpRopeDude’s have a great channel.

 

[mb82]

I'm thinking about starting to jump rope but I want to have like a goal in building up the minutes of jumping. The goal is to have enough stamina to last a tough 3 setter played at a pretty advanced level. say like 5.0/5.5 level.

The goal is to have enough stamina to play the whole match like you would be able to play in the first few games of the match.

How many minutes in a row of jumping rope at a 120 skips a minute would you think that would take to reach that kind of stamina?

 

[TagUrIt]

I'm thinking about starting to jump rope but I want to have like a goal in building up the minutes of jumping. The goal is to have enough stamina to last a tough 3 setter played at a pretty advanced level. say like 5.0/5.5 level.

The goal is to have enough stamina to play the whole match like you would be able to play in the first few games of the match.

How many minutes in a row of jumping rope at a 120 skips a minute would you think that would take to reach that kind of stamina?

That’s difficult to answer. Jumping rope can certainly build up your stamina/endurance. My workouts include body weight exercises, so I don’t just do jump rope. If you want to concentrate solely on jump rope I would say anywhere from 10-20 minutes would help. You should learn different footwork patterns though. It helps keep the the routines/workouts from being boring.