Skipping

Skipping is one of the vital training methods a fighter can undertake and a great way to get into shape. If your new to it it will take you a short while to become efficient enough to turn it into an excellent workout, and to begin with i recommend keeping your feet jumping simultaneously and try not to kick your heels back when doing so. Also learn to keep on the balls of your feet. By doing this, if your a martial artist or boxer you'll be working your footwork the best way possible and it WILL start to show soon enough. If your pretty good with the rope but are getting bored of the same routine then try adding certain things. Hopping on one leg, crossing your feet backwards and forwards, lifting your knees alternately touching your chest, moving up and down and side to side in the room(if your have the space) and other adventurous ideas. I like skipping in rounds, starting from 1:30 secs sometimes going up to 5min and try to do as many rounds as i can. After a couple you feel like your shoulders are carrying 200kg's on them. I always finish with painful double skips where i jump up and revolve the rope twice round my body. I think this can be seen on any Rocky film! In my opinion leather ropes with wooden handles connected to ball bearing swivels are the most durable ropes. There cheap and can be found on most fitness and martial art equipment websites.