
Let the revolutions begin…
It’s funny. In the past few months, I’ve noticed that I keep reverting back to “childhood me” to find the things that consistently brought me joy, in hopes of reintroducing them into my adult experience. Here are a few, in no particular order (but this order is pretty spot-on, actually):
Cereal. Naps. Jump ropes.
I thank Mr. Diehm, my elementary school gym teacher, for my love and appreciation of jump ropes. (And parachutes, but I’ll save that for another story.) I loved them because I never associated them with exercise per se -- instead, I zeroed in on the challenge that was getting through 20, 30, 100 hops without stumbling. Wobbly legs and heavy breath, no matter. And the slappy sound of those little plastic tubes against the gym floor became a sort-of rhythmic metronome guiding my practice, which became strangely meditative and allowed my focus to shift inward.
Luckily, since skipping around on the playground way back when, jump ropes have seen considerable upgrades. My go-to these days is by RPM, who has just released an exclusive design in collaboration with FP Movement. (Say hi to the sweet signature buti on the aluminum handles!) It’s easy to store, lightweight. The cable moves quickly and smoothly, thanks to the dual-axis hinges on RPM’s handles.
So though I’m nowhere near perfecting my double-unders, I sure feel like a pro jumper these days. The kid in me is psyched.
Speaking of pro… We asked fitness instructor Aubre Winters to share a quick and (relatively) painless workout, starring her RPM. Consider it a jumpstart for your everyday. No matter what jump rope you’ve got handy.
Cereal. Naps. Jump ropes.
I thank Mr. Diehm, my elementary school gym teacher, for my love and appreciation of jump ropes. (And parachutes, but I’ll save that for another story.) I loved them because I never associated them with exercise per se -- instead, I zeroed in on the challenge that was getting through 20, 30, 100 hops without stumbling. Wobbly legs and heavy breath, no matter. And the slappy sound of those little plastic tubes against the gym floor became a sort-of rhythmic metronome guiding my practice, which became strangely meditative and allowed my focus to shift inward.
Luckily, since skipping around on the playground way back when, jump ropes have seen considerable upgrades. My go-to these days is by RPM, who has just released an exclusive design in collaboration with FP Movement. (Say hi to the sweet signature buti on the aluminum handles!) It’s easy to store, lightweight. The cable moves quickly and smoothly, thanks to the dual-axis hinges on RPM’s handles.
So though I’m nowhere near perfecting my double-unders, I sure feel like a pro jumper these days. The kid in me is psyched.
Speaking of pro… We asked fitness instructor Aubre Winters to share a quick and (relatively) painless workout, starring her RPM. Consider it a jumpstart for your everyday. No matter what jump rope you’ve got handy.
Aubre Winters’ Quick 15 Minute Cardio + Toning Jump Rope Workout
1st Move: 45 Seconds // Cardio Rope
Quick chat on form: Make sure your elbows are in at your sides at 90-degree angles; this will engage your entire upper back and arms. Additionally, soft bend in the knees when you land. Maintain a heavy tailbone throughout while engaging your core!2nd Move: 45 Seconds // Curtsy Lunge To Oblique R + L
Using the Jump Rope, fire up your quads while sculpting your obliques and arms.3rd Move: 45 Seconds // Cardio Rope
Time to get your heart rate up!4th Move: 45 Seconds // Squat Alt Twist W/ Overhead Reach
Combo move that works your ENTIRE body. Reminder to keep your knees in line with your ankles while you squat. Explosive exhale as you drive the knee up!5th Move: 45 Seconds // COMBO 10 JR's + 10 Climbers
Combo Cardio Push. Complete as many rounds as you can within the 45 seconds.6th Move: 45 Seconds // Combo Abs
Use the rope to create upper body resistance while toning your core.7th Move: 45 Seconds // Cardio Rope
FINAL CARDIO PUSH! You got this! Repeat 1st Move 4X through. Recover for 30-45 seconds in between rounds.