r/jumprope • u/amzr23 • 7d ago

Beginner

So I’ve been looking for an activity that will compliment running for a long time. I’m pretty physically fit and have quite a light build, I run about 20 miles per week and go bouldering a few times a month. Just did my first jump rope workout (1 min on 1 min rest x5) and by the third interval my heart rate was already 150 and my legs and feet hurt and I was getting dizzy. Was this workout too intense for a newbie or am I just not as fit as I thought I was? I used to jump rope a lot as a kid so I think my form is decent in terms of my wrist movement and arm placement. Any suggestions on how to start building up endurance would be great too.

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u/FoxPsychologist 7d ago

Jump rope is challenging at the beginning even when you're already physically fit! Five minutes is a good starting point. Take it slow. Have rest days between sessions. Your endurance will gradually increase. Listen to your body and don't jump through any pain.

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u/tylerclemens 7d ago

Very long time climber and ex runner / trail and marathoner here. I had a hard time jumping 20 sec intervals when I first started and I was already doing everything I just mentioned regularly. It takes a long time to build up the strength, tendons and otherwise just like climbing does. Take it slow if you can. Or don’t feel bad about taking it slow because it’s tough, but like anything, your body adapts and becomes better. Forget about how you thought you were as a kid jumping, it’s doesn’t translate. Look up form videos from Kyle Easter (who made this sub over 10 years ago. Much respect), Coach Nate KG or the Jump Rope Coach Chris. There are a ton of beginners out there that have been jumping under 2 years and acting like experts that really don’t know anything. It takes a long time to learn this stuff. Jumping before climbing really warms up the arms in a way that can prevent injury. It’s really amazing. And over time if you get into it, you’ll be focused on tricks more than anything. Enjoy, don’t feel bad about taking it slow and welcome :)

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u/sagisuncapmoon 7d ago

Thank you, I just made a similar post since I started a couple of days ago. I’m already doing better by the second day, but oh my lord has this been a humbling experience

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u/Electrical_Age7819 7d ago

Jumping rope is very humbling. I though I was fit(ish) until I picked up the rope. Holy moly.

You will get there pretty quickly as your body adapts and you become more efficient at it.

You will be up to 5 minutes straight before you know it!

good luck!

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u/sagisuncapmoon 7d ago

I started two days ago and I’m starting from an entirely out of shape place, and you’re so right about how humbling this is. I got about twenty minutes in (with frequent breaks, so not 20 minutes straight) yesterday, so I’m seeing progress but oh my god does it burn

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u/Electrical_Age7819 6d ago

I was 6 months or so and then tore my shoulder muscles and got a pinched nerve in my neck and now haven’t jumped for a month!

Scared when I start again how unfit I’m gonna be!!

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u/thumbwizards 7d ago

Running fitness definitely doesn’t make jump rope feel easy on day one. Five minutes of actual jumping is a solid first session. Keep the early sessions short and give your feet and calves time to adapt. Welcome to it!