What I Wish I Knew Before I Started Jump Rope

[@tinalewis6782]

Another wonderful video! I have my own tip I'd like to share for older beginners - especially other small-boned lady beginners. Many people recommend a heavier rope (around the 1/2 pound weight) to start learning, but I found that to be too heavy for me. Older folks have less musculature in our arms (and in our legs, too.) I was struggling with a ~ 1/2 lb beginner rope when in frustration I switched to the Punk Rope and found it was so much easier to get a good wrist rotation with the Punk Rope. Lesson for older folks: What is great for a 25-year-old guy may not be ideal for an older man or woman. Listen to your body. And keep practicing. :-)

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Tina, those are great points. Thank you for sharing. Many people do say that heavier ropes are better, but they're not better for everyone. That's the truth. Everyone is different.

[@nathanthurm9409]

I love how even in the "beginner" video you're already doing DU and crosses, etc. You were far from "sucking". Love the videos. Your skills are pretty amazing for someone whose only been jumping for two or three years.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Nathan, thanks for watching. My moves were pretty badly coordinated in those clips 😂. I appreciate your support! 🙏🏾

[@toomuch9762]

Ya i was about to say the same. Not many people can skip like that as a beginner

[@Vanessa47912]

I've been jumping for about 3 months now and I'm so glad that I found this community on KZbin. I've learned so much and looking forward to learning more. Thanks JRV for all the pointers you've given me and your time/dedication to the jump rope community 💪🏾

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Joyce, thanks a lot for your continued support. I'm glad that you're continuing to come back and get after it. Keep up the great work!

[@TheBlueFernando]

I started jump rope a few weeks ago. Been living a sedentary lifestyle after my acl repair (kinda ironic since i had it repaired to have an active lifestyle). For years i was afraid to jump thinking it might hurt my knee again. Watching your videos keep me motivated. Thank you so much for these tips!

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

It's great that you're moving again. Keep up the good work and keep getting after it. Thank you for the feedback. 🙏🏾

[@jaxxon98]

Thanks for a terrific video! I love that you make a point of not being sponsored. I get so tired of YTers who seem to be shilling for companies (like Crossrope). It makes me feel like I'm not getting a truly honest review.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

I appreciate you taking the time to watch! Just to be up front and honest, a lot has changed since this video. I have several affiliate partnerships with different rope manufacturers (Crossrope is one of them). That said, in every agreement that I've made, the first stipulation was that I would always be honest about any rope that I reviewed, no matter who my partners are. Dave Hunt and the other owners I'm involved with respect that. We all have a great relationship based on transparency and honest feedback.

[@jaxxon98]

Thanks for letting me know.@@JumpRopeVeteran

[@sonyaj66]

Nice commentary, JRV! I agree with all of these, and have a few comments to add (both as an instructor across various disciplines and as someone who is relatively new to jump roping myself...so I know what it's like to be a beginner). - To tie in with your first thing about everyone starting out as a rank beginner: have patience with yourself! I think it's important to emphasize that jump roping is a complex gross motor skill (vs. a simple motor skill like running, or a complex fine motor skill, like playing the violin), with the complexity having a huge range. I've seen time and again people giving up on learning something because they struggle on the very first lesson, and incorrectly assume they therefore can't learn it, despite me telling them otherwise. Motor learning requires your brain to consolidate memories and repetitive movements. Which means practice, practice and more practice. Keep going, even if it seems frustrating and you don't seem to be making progress...you are. One day, after a good nights' sleep, you'll wake up and be able to do the thing you were unable to do the day before - our brains are simply amazing! That's how learning works: the magic happens when you sleep, in fact. - The learning happens incrementally and is not linear, and as you say, it happens at completely different rates depending upon so many factors (age, practice, genetics (probably), time, and other external variables). I remember thinking I'd never be able to do coordinated jumping between back-to-back side swings entering in and out of them...and one day, I suddenly could. Skills continue to build over time, and they stack. So, as you work on learning more complex footwork and rope handling skills, your foundation skills will continue to improve at the same time. Then, you suddenly notice it takes you far less time to learn, for example, a toad, than it did to learn crossovers. - The importance of learning proper form, and focusing on developing competency on that solid foundation before moving on to more advanced movements/tricks and/or increasing your speed, is HUGE. And, unfortunately, beginners searching YT can find the most popular channels with the most views where the instruction/tutorials are either: a) not very good; b) not always geared towards beginners. It pays to watch as many different channels as you can to observe both differences and consistencies in what is being taught, and which teaching style resonates with you best. As a specific example, I found the tutorial by the JRD channel on boxer step to be confusing and not helpful to me personally. Then, I came across the tutorial on the Crossropes channel, and it made much more sense to me, and I was able to learn the step within a few minutes (but it took me much longer to "master" it, of course). - You do not need an $80+ Crossrope to begin jumping rope! I totally agree about buying quality ropes as your skills improve, but as a beginner, a $5 PVC 5-6mm rope with those foam cushioned handles (I got my first rope at TJMaxx) or beaded rope is a low-cost entry point and those are fine for beginners) is absolutely all you need. And, if all you're looking to do is 10-15 min a day or so of jump rope for basic fitness, you likely will never need more than that. I just worry that beginners may be deterred by the heavy marketing push that the Crossrope is "the best jump rope you can buy". No doubt it's a high-quality rope, well-reviewed and well-loved, but I've gotten pretty far without owning one, or any jump rope over $15. An expensive rope cannot make up for poor technique or lack of practice. Also, if you discover at some point, like I did, that you're into freestyle jump roping, and you see what the pros are using, it's usually a PVC or beaded rope. I have many ropes, and I actually use them all, depending upon what my goal is for that day (focused cardio vs. learning or practicing tricks vs. focusing on developing speed or working on double-unders). - And, to also tie-in with your comment about the ropes at most gyms being hugely inadequate (save for maybe specialized gyms, like the former Crossfits), just save yourself the hassle and use your own rope; it will always be available and it will always fit you. The ropes at my [very nice] gym are all completely useless for me and 95% of the people who try to use them: worn-out, kinked speed ropes, beaded ropes that are way too long, or the crappy Nike rope that gets twisted up because its internal swivel mechanism is damaged. I have two ropes dedicated to my gym bag: a long-handled beaded rope and a 5mm PVC rope with short handles that I got on Amazon for $5. Both are properly fitted to me and I know exactly what to expect from each. I also have an Elite SRS long-handled rope which is excellent and that I'm using more now that my skills have improved. I'm that weirdo old lady (I'm 54) in the gym that goes in the back and jumps rope for 30-45 min while everyone else is on the boring cardio equipment ;). I cannot stand running on a treadmill for 10 min, but 30 min. can pass while I'm jumping rope and I have to force myself to stop so I don't over-do it. There's a lot more I could add, but I'll stop now because this is already quite long :). One last thing I'll say is that jump rope is awesome because there is something for everyone, depending upon what their goals are. For me, it has never been about "losing fat" or some end-goal, but about a fun, do-anywhere, complex form of cardio that will never, ever become boring - always new things to learn! Also, the JR community overall - from my experience - is very supportive and loves sharing information. Inspiration is everywhere.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Sonya, thank you for sharing. You have a great perspective. I'm really glad that you're finding inspiration in jump rope and the community associated with it. It's a great, long-term, sustainable exercise.

[@uhlsport036]

Tip number 2 is very important for a lot of people 👏👏

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

You're right, it is. It's all about perspective. 💪🏾

[@workoutdiarypr]

Please keep doing these videos. I really enjoy your videos, very helpful.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Absolutely. I'll keep doing these videos. I appreciate the feedback and your support. JRTF. 👊🏽💪🏽

[@brotherabram4855]

Great video really appreciate it, it's also very encouraging. I've been jumping for almost 6 months now. I believe I've been following you that first month I started. I'm a lot better but I still need a lot of practice. 😕 Thank you for being the best Jumprope channel on KZbin JRV 🔥👊🏿

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

What's up man. Thank you for being so supportive. I appreciate it. You bring a ton of positive energy to this channel, and I appreciate you for it. Everyone needs a lot of practice, including the best, so you're in good company. 💪🏾

[@flamingdumpster1902]

I just started for health/fitness purposes and all five tips are exactly what needed to hear. Great video. Thank you!!!

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Great! Thanks so much for watching. I'm glad it was helpful. Keep getting after it!

[@kevh2778]

Hi JRV, thanks for the reply, yeah I’ve just started shadow moves & air ropes, which seems to help, gonna be longer journey, big challenge. Thanks 👍🏻

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

You will get it, just keep practicing and taking it one day at a time!

[@sylvesterpolis8818]

All excellent points, especially the different types of jump ropes. For me personally, I wished I have known about beaded jump ropes earlier. So easy to work and learn tricks with. I would have save so much money.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Sylvester. The support is much appreciated. I agree with you regarding finding ropes that worked better for me in the beginning of my journey, but all of those experiences added to my knowledge and gave me the ability to share it here. It's all good. Thanks again for watching. 💪🏾

[@NewbieSoaper]

Started mid July; lesson 3 and 5 so appreciated. Thank you

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Awesome. I'm glad you got something from it. Thank you for watching. Keep learning and getting after it. 💪🏽 JRTF. 🙏🏽

[@johnreskusich2324]

THis is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you very much.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

John, you bet. JRTF. 💪🏾

[@jackroy9094]

Thanks for your help.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

You bet. Thank you for watching and supporting. JRTF. 🔥💯🙏🏾

[@sdrury01]

Agree 100% on Punk Rope. They are GREAT when it comes to Customer Service. Great ropes, and not expensive, great videos and, again, excellent customer service. For a fat guy, I have, like, 50 different ropes. I used to do it everyday (when I was in better shape), trying to get back into it (at 56) Rush Athletics, Buddy Lee (more $$$) and Cross Ropes ($$$$$$$$$$) are all good. I have a Duvide Jump Rope, little different, but pretty cool.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

You're right, Punk Rope is awesome! I'll check out the Duvide. I've never heard of that one. Thank you for sharing!

[@fleadoggreen9062]

That punk rope for beginners The red one, worked pretty good for me Then I got the slimmer yellow punk rope It moves a little faster, I got the one pound cross rope to kinda just do something different,or warm up pretty cool .I like to use a mat ,I’m 250 lbs so I need one, I got the cross rope mat and I got a anti fatigue mat I use the smooth side, both are great, hard to get used to but good for my toes ,thanks for the video

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Fleadog, thanks for watching and supporting. Keep getting after it. JRTF. 💪🏾🙏🏾

[@jumpropejourney5094]

I am a covid era jumper and I started with the wood and leather rope and a foam handle beaded rope that was very long. It frustrated me as well. I also wish I knew that just sizing your rope to your personal body can do wonders for jump enjoyment. I quickly got cross rope in the 4 pack bundle get fit and get strong sets. On amazon prime I also just got into PVC and just ordered some long handles and other colors of PVC for general jumping on a budget.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

You're right. Correct rope measurement and having a decent jump rope makes a lot of the difference!

[@ekubo1995]

your beginner clip on the left was doin better than my jump rope total skills XD

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

That's okay. Everyone progresses at different speeds. 💪🏽🙏🏽

[@kevh2778]

Great vids, advice, I’m an older beginner 54yrs, have lots from problems with co- ordination as I have dyspraxia, taking me a lot longer to get muscle memory logged in ! Any advice much appreciated

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Kev, respect to you for not letting a condition get in the way of getting after it. I would try shadow jumping and air ropes. Do the move you want to do, just without a rope. I warm up with shadow jumping in all of my workouts. It helps set the tone. Also, visualize yourself doing the moves you want to do. Visualization helps as well.

[@09az922]

I was convinced you had 200k subs, you are the most underrated channel going lol

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Rhodri, thanks for the encouragement! Who knows, maybe the channel will get there one day. 💪🏾

[@nemeangaming9288]

@@JumpRopeVeteran it will💪💪

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

I appreciate that. JRTF. 💪🏽✌🏽🙏🏽

[@uhlsport036]

Great thanks for your tips and insight

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Thanks Robert. You've been on the channel since day one!

[@sabilco7232]

Hi, Thank you very much for your tips. Can you please tell me what skipping rope mat would you recommend and why? Thank you

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Thanks for your support. I this mat at the moment. It's decent for maneuverability and protecting my jump ropes: amzn.to/3Th426C. JRTF. 💪🏾

[@tictac9074]

Great tips! Thanks

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Thank you Tic Tac. I appreciate your continued support!

[@mahatmaheil]

I would have learned alternating feet first day if possible. I picked it up pretty easily, but only after 3 months of basic bounce. I was self conscious about learning new tricks at the gym and only learned alternating feet when I finally went into the garage to figure it out. Wish I had picked up some Buy Jump Rope beaded rope kits right from the start. I have a lot of ropes I never use and just find these are the absolutely best for learning new tricks (except DUs) and jumping rope in the garage without a mat. I also wish I had gotten a bigger exercise mat before Amazon jacked the prices when Covid hit.

[@mahatmaheil]

I'd also be lost without a Jump Rope Online Community. Seeing people's routines, beginner to advanced, has helped a lot in figuring out what moves I want to incorporate into my routine. Sad to see some of the people who inspired me (Johnjo Riguera) move to other channels, but glad I got to see their unique style while they were there.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Jim, these are all good points. Thanks for sharing. The alternate footstep is definitely one to learn in the beginning.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Agreed Jim. Community is a great aspect of it. The feedback and sense of camaraderie is valuable.

[@1kitts]

Would be nice if you list the ropes you speak about in the description as well as provide a link if possible. Thanks for the tips.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Hi Donna. Thanks for watching and supporting. Some of my favorite ropes are in the description portion of each video, but I'll include them in this comment. for you. JRTF. 🙏🏾💪🏾 Crossrope: www.crossrope.com/jumpropevet EliteSRS Fit+: amzn.to/3GBhdba Buddy Lee Rope Master: amzn.to/3B45C3z RXSG Black Ops: amzn.to/3JgCY21

[@1kitts]

@@JumpRopeVeteran Aaaaaaawwww.... You're too sweet. Thank you. Appreciate.

[@calebcool2171]

First time I picked up a rope I was pro....not lol Type of video I wish I had when I first started. Take notes, noobies! Great video, good stuff. I appreciate the content, thanks!

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Caleb, I'm sure you were amazing the first time you picked up a rope 🤣 Thanks for your support man. Keep getting after it.

[@chitoboston5362]

when i was a begginer i never fell that i suck specialy im not wearing a shoes i just take that as big challenge to my self when jumping in solid concrete

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Chito, that's awesome that you took that view. It's a great mindset to have. I said that to let people know that it's okay to not be good at something, especially in the beginning. This applies to everything, not just jump rope. 💪🏽

[@romelmebane1323]

Great video... i been jumping rope for about 18 months now. I'm pretty good at this point, but of course i want to get better. So I'm on the fence about something, that maybe you can help me with? i am 6'2,and to my understanding. the rope length should reach from your foot to the bottom of your chest. Now the length is comfortable to me when in use. when i am free styling sometimes i feel that maybe my rope should be longer. My form do not look natural maybe i need more practice? But i feel that i have to accommodate to the length of the rope, it should be the other way around. But it does feel natural to me when doing certain techniques, such as basic, boxer skips, alternate foot jumps. But when trying to do double unders and especially continuous cross overs, i get caught up a lot. When i am jumping rope the arch above my head from my head to the rope is about a 12 inch gap.The rope that i use is a cross rope size large 1/4 lbs. When i watch your video and other people videos as well when jumping rope. I see the arch gap from your head to the rope is way larger.it seems like its a few feet larger. So here comes the question???? would you reccommrnd i use a larger rope? Or just confrom to the rope i already have? like i said the rope i have is comfortable for me. Its just sometimes i feel i need a longer rope. Especially when seeing advanced users like your self and other using a much longer rope than i do.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Romel, great question. Try practicing freestyle with a longer rope. I use the EliteSRS Fit +. The rope is measured so that when I step on the foot with one rope, the handles reach my shoulder.

[@romelmebane1323]

@@JumpRopeVeteran Thanks a lot for your response. I will definitely try that and look into the rope you mentioned. I actually been online looking for an alternative rope lately to try out.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Romel, you bet. Keep getting after it.

[@LolaJay_]

Right on! 💪

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Thank you for your support Lola Jay! 💪🏾

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

What do you wish you had known when you started jumping rope? Please share in the comment section! Be sure to subscribe and visit www.jumpropevet.com.

[@TheRealLNCR]

Clip as a beginner - "clean lines and crosses" if thats how you started then thats sick.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Ross, thanks for your support. That was a few weeks after I picked it up. Good memories!💪🏽

[@bslcrsr1]

Thanks for a great intro to jump ropes. At 82 I am just beginning to enjoy jumping. The first week was murder and I really suffered. My only gripe with your video is the awful background music. It's horrible and quite unnecessary. Stay healthy and keep up the good work!! Obrigado from Portugal.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Basil, thanks for watching from Portugal. Respect to you for starting jump rope at that age. That's amazing. Great job. It'll get easier. Thanks for the feedback on the music. Take care!💪🏽

[@sepiarain]

Very inspired by Basil's comment... I'm one day in and I'm already sort of hooked haha!

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

@@sepiarain definitely. I hope to still be jumping when I'm in my 80's. That's fantastic.

[@fleadoggreen9062]

I’m still in basic bounce camp, boxer step is slow coming along, trying thecriss cross , very slow progress some days I can’t even get one, side swing came easy for me,any one else learn a certain trick easy but struggled with supposed easier tricks?

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Even getting the Basic Bounce down consistently can be difficult. Be sure to give yourself credit. I definitely struggled with the side swing.

[@adamdimitrijevic1811]

Is there any information you can share in regards to jumping rope for long periods of time? Any risks involved and what can be done to minimise injury. I enjoy skipping hour or more each session but im not sure if this is too much or if its bad for joints etc

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Adam, great question. This is a tough one because everyone is different. I'll do some thinking on it. At first glance, an hour is a fairly long time to jump rope with no breaks. Keep getting after it. 🔥💪🏾🙏🏾

[@stephenfassioms]

Hello my name is Stephen and I’m from Belgium. I’ve been looking at your videos and I must say your technique is superb. I’ve been jumping for a few years now and at the moment I’m using a Crossrope 1/4. I’m ok with dubble unders and cross overs but I’m struggling with the dubble under cross over. Do you recommend a different type of rope for this exercise besides the Crossrope? Maybe a freestyle rope? Thanks 🙏

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

What's up Stephen, thank you for watching from Belgium. I lived there when I was a teenager. Those were great times with a lot of lessons learned, and I made friends that I still speak to today. I recommend trying the EliteSRS Pro Freestyle for Double Under Crossovers. It's a freestyle rope with long handles. You can also try the Buddy Lee Rope Master. It's also a freestyle rope with long handles. My reviews for those ropes are here kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4DOap6KoMmrqc0 and kzbin.info/www/bejne/navLZIl6et-alaM. If you haven't seen my tutorial for the Double Under Crossover, it's here kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXPciparasSWjMU.

[@stephenfassioms]

@@JumpRopeVeteran Thank you 🙏 for your answer. I might try those ropes. It’s nice to see some videos and tips from a jump rope specialist with a different kind of view. Pretty cool you used to live in Belgium 👌

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Thanks Stephen. I'm glad you like the videos and I appreciate you tuning in. Belgium was a cool place. I haven't been back since the early 2000s. I'd like to go again one day.

[@stephenfassioms]

Hey buddy as you recommended, I just received my Buddy Lee Rope Master with the long red handles. Looks like they delivered it with a black PVD rope instead of a white PVC rope like I saw in your tutorial. I already tried it a few times but it seems like it’s not spinning so wel. I suggest I have to boil it for a minute or so? Thanks

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

@@stephenfassioms Hey, I hope you're doing well. Give it a boil for about a minute. It should work better after that. Enjoy!

[@omargarcia1992]

Are you gonna test and review the velites earth 2.0 rope that's coming out soon?

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Omar, thanks for watching. I hadn't heard of that rope until you mentioned it. It looks cool. I'll check it out when it becomes available. Thanks again for your support.

[@mahatmaheil]

Is the Buddy Lee Aerospeed with Green Hornet Cable any good? I like the looks of it, but it is a more expensive rope than the Buddy Lee Ropemaster.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Jim, great question. I haven't tried the Aero Speed with the Green Hornet, although I've heard nothing but good things. The Green Hornet is on my list of cables to try.

[@mahatmaheil]

@@JumpRopeVeteran I'll be looking forward to that video. It looks like the handles are a bit shorter and I like the color better, so if it's just as good as the rope master, I'd probably be willing to pay more for it.

[@tagheuer001]

The background music is too loud in the mix to really hear your voice on an iPhone

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Thank you for the feedback. It's valuable. 💪🏽🙏🏽

[@ding174]

Only thing I kept thinking of was that everyone was a beginner once.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

That's right. No one starts off as an intermediate or expert. That's a great way to look at it.💪🏽

[@loou26]

I ordered the Rush Athletics speed rope because it was 5mm and small handles. Hopefully this rope will be decent for a beginner. New to jump rope and to your channel. Apprecite you.

[@JumpRopeVeteran]

Lou, I hope you enjoy the RA rope. Keep getting after it and stick with it. JRTF. 💪🏾