I’m too old to have taken part in the Jump Rope for Heart campaign that’s celebrating a mighty 30th anniversary this year. Thirty years ago puts me in my 20s and long past skipping. But, when my 2013 Year of Sweat began, I rushed out and purchased some equipment; nothing grand or large, just small stuff that included a skipping rope.
Sometimes, stray thoughts occasionally emerge while I write, and this is one of them … is there a reason why some call it a skipping rope and others a jump rope? A quick internet search later and the British routes of my Australian heritage are on show. Apparently, it’s an American thing to call this entwined piece of lunacy a jump rope.
“Lunacy” because how can something so simple and ubiquitous bring so much joy and laughter?
There is a rule to the implementation of skipping (OK, jumping) into my routine, and it revolves around a pair of shoes. Joggers seemed the most practical in my wardrobe, with a bit of cushioning for my older (but not exactly old) bones. The problem is that I’m not going to put the shoes on just to spend 30 seconds wearing myself out. Instead, the rule is that whenever, WHENEVER, I put those shoes on I must grab the rope and give it a right royal try.
I’m up to 30 jumps – maybe that’s only 15 seconds!
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Interesting newspaper article recently: For those with healthy bones, the suggestion is to contribute to their ongoing health by surprising them occasionally. So, hopefully my attempts at skipping and tennis will have additional benefits.
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Where does skipping fit in the Sweat Cards?
I first believed that skipping belonged in the Diamond Suit, which represents the types of activities one might find in a gym, particularly in circuit work. But as I write this post, I’m wondering if the Heart Suit is its true home. Nothing to do with the Heart Foundation co-opting the activity as a fund raiser while secretly/supposedly getting kids healthy. The Heart Suit in this deck of cards represents those memorable activities from times past that deserve to return to life’s stage.
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Links
Sydney Morning Herald, “Getting the jump on bones” http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/blogs/chew-on-this/getting-the-jump-on-bones-20130218-2em95.html
Hearth Foundation “Jump Rope for Heart” http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/sites/jumpropeforheart/pages/default.aspx/
Cherrie Zell 