jumping-related stories
On the Rebound? Not a Bad Thing at All
Rebounding can have a couple of different meanings. While my mind goes immediately to basketball, someone else might think about the date she had after her last break up. But, neither of those things are what this post is about.Rebounding, or jumping on a mini trampoline (rebounder), is one of the hottest ways to get in great shape. It's super beneficial -- a NASA study found rebounding to be 68 percent more oxygen-efficient than other types of cardio exercise, including running. Plus, you know, bouncing around is fun.
Perhaps even more important is the fact that rebounding has zero impact, but gives you high-impact results. And, you can do it in a class (such as Urban Rebounding), or you can do it at home with your own Urban Rebounder Folding Trampoline Workout System.
Jump Rope - 5 Reasons to Jump In
Sometimes old school is the way to go. Jump ropes aren't just a playground staple -- boxers and other athletes have relied on the jump rope to improve fitness and agility for years. Men's Health shares five reasons you should include jumping rope in your fitness routine: - Cost. You don't need to save up for a jump rope -- you can buy a decent one for $15 or less.
- Portability. Lightweight and convenient, a jump rope can go wherever you go -- on business trips, vacations, and so forth.
- Strength gain. Jumping rope is a weight-bearing activity so it's good for bone growth and muscle development.
- Improved coordination. If you're into sports, good footwork is important. Jumping rope will help you improve your timing and will increase your agility.
- Fat loss. Jumping rope is a great cardio activity and works a variety of muscle groups.
I have one more reason to add to the Men's Health list ... jumping rope is fun! And when you enjoy your workout, you're much more likely to stick with it.
Get on the rebound
When I think of the mini-trampoline, my mind jumps back to the early 80s when my sisters and I would take turns using the trampoline and later we'd all work out with the Jane Fonda record. (Wow. I really dated myself there. But I was young in the early 80s. Really young.)Now those mini-trampolines are called rebounders. While the equipment itself doesn't seem to have changed too much (though some have added features for folding and storage), the workout has improved with time. Take the Urban Rebounder system, for example. You don't simply bounce around aimlessly. The rebounder comes with a fitness DVD that will guide you through a 30-minute set of twists, squats and other moves.
The Urban Rebounder system isn't the only one available. Check out your local sporting goods store for more options, or do a quick search on the Internet for "rebounder." Want more fun fitness ideas? Check out AOL Health.
Tryo these plyos
Plyos? What are plyos? You may not have heard of plyometric exercise before, but it's something you should add to your workout routine. Plyometrics are quick, intense actions that trigger strong muscle contractions -- jumping, hopping, and bounding movements are considered plyometric. Many athletes use these exercises to boost their performance in a certain skill. For example, plyometric exercises can help basketball players jump higher. But the average Joe can benefit from plyometrics, too. In fact, Bethany recently told us how adding plyometrics can really pump up your walking workout.
Shape Magazine has a plyometric training routine you can add to your workout. Warm up your muscles with some cardio, then give plyos a try!
Daily Fit Tip: Fit for $5
What's the right sports bra for you?
Fashion and Beauty, Diet & Weight Loss, Reviews & Products
Choosing the right sports bra requires attention to a number of factors. First and foremost is your bust size. Obviously, the big busted woman is going to require a different type of support than a woman with small-bust needs.
Second, take into account what you need it for. Playing basketball or jumping rope requires a different level of support than going for a walk, and it really is important that, if you plan to do some jumping activities, you find a bra that keeps you from bouncing.
SheFinds.com came up with a comprehensive list of the Best Sports Bras using the editors' expertise as well as input from readers. There are bras for busts large and small made for all different activities. Check them out in the gallery and be sure to leave a comment sharing your favorite sports bra!
Bring your jumping rope indoors with this "ropeless" version
Jump roping really is excellent exercise. It's a great cardiovascular workout, does wonders to tone your calves and thighs, builds endurance, and even appeals to your inner child by being so much fun. But unfortunately you also need a lot of space to let that rope go flying around -- or do you? Not if you have this Ropeless Jump Rope. Now you can jump rope anywhere you can jump! It makes a snapping sound to help you keep a good rhythm, plus it tracks calories burned, jump repetitions, and how long you've been exercising. It even has a talking mode that will keep you up-to-speed as you go.Via Book of Joe
Seeking action heroes only: Parkour extreme sporting
Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment
How many times have you been watching an action movie when one of those chase scenes comes up that makes you think "yeah right!" as the hero miraculously leaps from rooftop to rooftop and hoists himself into a helicopter after dangling by just one pinky finger. Oh whatever, that is soooo unrealistic!Or is it? Believe it or not there's an extreme sport that's been gaining in popularity, Parkour, that focuses on just those types of skills (okay, maybe not the 'dangling by a pinky finger' thing), but it's all about running, rolling, jumping, sliding, and even leaping from high buildings without getting hurt. It's the stuff of Hollywood chase scenes, in real life. And Parkour has actually been used in movies -- the opening of "Casino Royale" for one.
As it gains a name for itself there's even talk of Parkour being included in the Olympics! Now that would be fun to watch.
Best Workout of the Week Award - Buddy Lee's Jump Rope Training System
Healthy Habits, Womens Health, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health
As a kickboxer and full time fitness trainer of almost 20 years I've become a huge fan of the jump rope. The benefits of jumping rope are infinite: it offers an unbelievable cardiovascular workout which offer the propensity to burn a ton of calories, can increase speed and explosiveness, it's inexpensive, light weight, travels easily. The perfect piece of equipment! I remember long ago when I began fighting, my trainer gave me a rope and told me to 'jump'. Well, I was terrible at it and struggled for a long time to become good at it. Why? I had very little guidance on the skill of jumping rope. My trainer wasn't trying to be mean, he just didn't know the techniques of teaching this skill either.
I think since we all jumped rope as a child, it's assumed we should all just be able to do it now. If you've tried it as an adult, you may have experienced the constant rope kicking, stopping, reshuffling, whipping of the legs, and frustration. How defeating! For years, I have been having my clients jump rope with only the guidance I could give from my experience. Some have had great success, some have had major struggles. Frustrating for me too.
So Friday at the fitness conference I attended, I ran into a man named Buddy Lee. He's a former Olympic wrestler and master of all there is about jumping rope. I instantly approached him because I'm in LOVE with the jump rope. I hoped he'd be able to provide the direction I needed to improve my personal skills and help me break it down for my beginners. Buddy did not disappoint.
