by Henrique

Created on: March 24, 2009   Last Updated: March 31, 2009

During the last twenty years, skipping rope has gained reputation for an athletic efficient and easy activity, and also being credited by many as one of the most efficient and complete exercises.

Actually, rope skipping can improve co-ordination, balance, and agility.

And it is also fun, because there is an infinite number of combinations and movements, that is also very versatile in terms of intensity of training and also in terms of the conditions in which skipping rope can be executed.

Skipping rope is also recommended as a vigorous activity that can be a alternative to regular aerobic exercises. Not only does it provide a quick way of burning calories, but it is also an exercise that should support the weight of the body, important to prevent osteoporosis.

Each jump strengthens the bones and scientists discovered that the pressure practised on the human structure stimulates bone producing cells.

Skipping rope also strengthens the muscles that support the knees, preventing those from sustaining injuries.

From these muscles, the anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL), are the most important specially for athletes, since that repairing these ligaments that tie the femur (the long bone of the thigh) to the shin bone (the bone of the inferior part of the leg) means surgery and up to six months of physiotherapy.

But this is not and an exclusive problem to professional athletes. An ACL injury may occur for anyone who participates in such common activities such as friendly soccer matches, summer picnic or even catching a frisbee!

In order to minimize the risk of ACL injuries, skipping rope, at least once a week, is of great help.

Medical research has shown that stability at knee level is obtained using the quadriceps.

The quadriceps move in angle on the knee, "warming up" first, and the ligaments are flexed. The tendons of the posterior part of the knee direct to the posterior part of the hip, contracting firstly or at the same time as the quadriceps.

This balanced movement protects the knees from pressure. Skipping rope disciplines the leg muscles, warming them up in the appropriate order, making the tendons of the posterior part of the knee to contract first, thus being an excellent way of working the legs like a whole. Superior and inferior muscles of the leg get used to jump, thus enhancing the natural resistance of the body, helping it to be free of injuries,

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