Jump rope is one of those games that knows no age, no gender, no bounds, no rules, no wrong nor right – just good times, good fun and hopefully more than a few good memories.  Jump rope can be either simple or complicated.  On the simple end of the spectrum is one person skipping or jumping through a rope, with one end held in each hand.  To make things more complicated, twists are introduced, steps and turns completed, and faster moves incorporated. Additional people can even jump in on the fun. Activities may include two people each holding the end of a long jump rope while one or more participants jump in between. And, of course, we cannot forget the ever-so-famous “double-dutch” version (which, for the uninformed, consists of two ropes turned simultaneously in an egg-beater-like fashion.)

For centuries, humans have been jumping rope in all corners of the globe, with the first concrete evidence appearing in medieval European paintings of children jumping rope down cobblestone streets.  For a very long time, rope jumping was a male-only activity, as women were discouraged from participating for a variety of dubious reasons, from “breaking blood vessels” to the assumption that it would be uncouth for a woman to do such a thing.  As time wore on, and women became less willing to just stand on the sidelines, jump roping became an equal opportunity activity, one that eventually seemed to even be dominated by females.

Jumping rope is a fantastic source of cardiovascular exercise and is taught at the most basic levels of gym classes in elementary school.  A great warm up before a sport, and a popular exercise among boxers, (both for endurance purposes and to strengthen their timing,) jump ropes earned a somewhat gritty reputation as a result of this association.  Jump ropes, however, can certainly be fun-loving as well. A number of troupes and teams around the world showcase their talents in competitions, utilizing routines involving music and including any number of participants.  For the younger set, music has played an especially important role in jump rope activities.  Rhymes like “Cin-der-ella, dressed in yell-a, went downstairs to kiss her fe-lla” were the rallying cry of the double-dutch crowd, where chanting acted as a way to keep things perfectly in sync. Even the classic taunt “Liar, liar, pants on fire…” owes its origins to jumping rope.

This classic childhood game has even spawned a wide variety of gadgetry, from the simple jump rope with the fancy handle to the popular 80s toy invention, “Skip It,” made by Tiger Electronics.  Just slide the loop around your ankle and swing it around a jump and the counter keeps (semi-accurate) track of how many jumps you have made.

Whether you prefer a solo or group activity, whether you consider it recreational play or strenuous exercise, jumping rope is something that has always been, and probably always will be, a part of our collective culture. And giving kids (and adults) a fun way to burn off calories is something there can never be enough of. Put the joystick down and go jump some rope. Not only will it put a smile on your face - but your heart will thank you for the workout.