While most people have memories of jump roping with friends during elementary school recess, jump roping itself has many health benefits, including stress-relief.
According to the Jump Rope Institute, jump roping has a long, deep history dating back as far as 1600 A.D. Egypt. Today, jump roping is used as a means of a full-body workout.
Lorenzo Benesield, sophomore business administration major, said he vividly remembers the first time he picked up a jump rope.
“I was around 14 or 15. My dad took me to his boxing gym for the first time and the first thing he wanted to show me was the jump ropes,” Benesield said. “He explained the different types, textures and interests on them and the first one I used was a heavy weight one. It was just a fun time.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, jump roping as exercise encourages the brain to release endorphins, which are the brain’s “feel-good neurotransmitters” that help one relax.
Matthew Graves, junior business administration major, said jumping rope has been a great source of relaxation in his life.
“What I like about jump roping is the stress-relieving factor,” Graves said. “In the past I’ve done a lot of stress-relieving things, such as acupuncture, cryotherapy, deprivation tanks, yoga and pretty much everything else out there. There’s nothing like putting your headphones on with your favorite song and just jump roping for as long as you possibly can.”
Benesield also said jumping rope helps him relax.
“I like the peace, the sense of focus and the fact that I can just use jump roping as a way to clear my mind and focus on my breathing and my rhythm,” Benesield said.
Justin Dennis, senior kinesiology major and certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, said jumping rope activates many different muscles and gives people the ability to focus on body movement.
“Jump roping can definitely be used as a stress-reliever,” Dennis said. “There’s a lot of research that shows exercises in any capacity reduce stress and anxiety, and jump roping is exercise. I can definitely see a strong correlation between jump roping and stress-relief.”
Graves said while there are many options for stress-relief available, jump roping is a good means for coping.
“If you’re feeling stressed in college like I was my freshman year, go out and try a bunch of different things,” Graves said. “Find your niche, stick with it and you’ll live a much happier life.”
