What is Jump Up?
Kindergartners in Seattle are about to add a spring – or should we say a jump – in their step! That’s because for the 3rd year, Treeswing is kicking-off Jump Up, an initiative to give jump ropes to all kindergarten students in Seattle. This initiative serves to promote the importance of exercise and developing youth awareness about the importance of physical activity.
Why Jumpropes?
- More than 9 million children are overweight and 23 percent get no exercise.
- A number of studies have demonstrated that increased physical activity is linked to better school performance
- American children ages 2-17 spend an average of almost 25 hours per week watching television –that’s more than any other activity except sleeping.
- Some experts predict that for the first time in history, because of inactivity and obesity-related illnesses, children’s life spans will be shorter than their parents’.
- Rope skipping will directly contribute to maintaining or improving both health related and skill related fitness components. It is often called the most perfect fitness activity available.
Health related fitness benefits to jumping rope include:
- Cardio-respiratory endurance, muscle strength, muscular endurance, body composition (lean body mass), flexibility, as a weight bearing activity, builds strong, dense bones (osteoporosis prevention).
- Skill related fitness benefits include: coordination, timing and rhythm, speed, power, balance, agility.
- Other benefits include: easy to learn, inexpensive activity, creative, fun, enhanced self image, social skills.
Click here for information on sponsoring this event
