About Dizzy
Welcome to my jump rope journey!
My jump rope history
I started jumping rope about twenty years ago as a warm-up for kickboxing and martial arts.
Back then, my focus was primarily on getting my heart rate up, with no cool tricks aside from occasional backward skipping or attempts at crosses and only occasionally while listening to music.
When my real jump rope journey started
At the end of 2023, I discovered inspiring jumpers like @lauren.jumps, @alwaysghadi, and @kaydeejumps on Instagram and YouTube. I was entirely captivated by their ability to dance-jump to music, which sparked a newfound passion in me.
Late on Christmas Eve of 2023, I took a rope out into the driveway and jumped for too long on the pavement without warming up.
Despite constantly messing up, I had so much fun that I did it again on Christmas night. No warm-up, jumping on pavement, and ignoring my pain led to an injury.
Warm up for rope skipping, Dizzy!
I pushed myself until I could no longer jump on my right leg and resorted to jumping one-legged. Don’t be like me. This resulted in plantar fasciitis, an insanely painful condition that left me unable to walk normally for about six weeks.
I pushed myself until I could no longer jump on my right leg and resorted to jumping one-legged. Don’t be like me.
Most mornings, I rolled out of bed onto my hands and knees and crawled to the bathroom because walking was far too painful. My stepmom brought me my late father’s cane, which I used, but when she offered to lend me his walker, my pride wouldn’t take it.
I refrained from jumping or dancing for about seven weeks, during which time the pain was intense, and my desire to jump and dance was off the charts. It was all I really wanted to do.
Back to skipping rope like a maniac
When I started again, I began slowly with regular walks with my dog, followed by lower-key jump sessions with many warm-ups. I paid close attention to my body and stopped when needed.
On March 1, 2024, I started my @dizzyskips Instagram account to track my rope-skipping progress. Little did I know how important the jumping, skipping, and shuffling communities would be to me. I’ve found my peeps!
Check out my Top 11 Jump Rope Tips for Success.
I also learned how to size a jump rope to fit me, which made a huge difference in my ability to jump for longer without tripping up and enforced much better form. Rather than extending my arms to the sides, I could keep my elbows in and arms tighter near my beltline.
I quickly built up endurance and muscles through regular jumping, and now I jump for longer sessions, always warming up beforehand. However, I still occasionally take it too far and must take time off.
I’m excited that I still have much to learn and improve and can be part of this great, joyous, encouraging, elevating community. I’m happy with my progress and eager to continue improving and encouraging others.
Recently, I started making jump ropes as a hobby, based on my favorite pro jump ropes. Of course, I name them all and dance with them any chance that I get.
Join me as I explore new tricks, beats, deals, and the joy of jumping rope.
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