It all started with a spark of curiosity and a desire to get back in shape.
During high school and my early university years, I was very sporty, but since then, I had become quite sedentary. Five years ago, I stumbled upon jump rope via the Jump Rope Dudes on Instagram as a fun and effective way to rediscover my love for movement. I began with simple jumps and quickly fell in love with the vast world of jump rope as a sport.
I initially took up jump rope to lose weight, and it quickly proved to be the most effective method for me. However, I soon discovered the endless possibilities of freestyle jump rope. About 6 months into my jump rope journey, my focus shifted from weight loss to simply enjoying the fun and creativity of learning new tricks. I was doing some basic footwork, jumps and body weight challenges. But eventually, I began to branch out and look for other jumpers.
A few years later, I discovered the world of rope flow on Instagram through Kathy and AJ (which ultimately led me to Slushropes 😊). Initially, I was looking for a low-impact alternative due to some lower back pain, but I quickly realized that rope flow offered a whole new dimension of creativity and expression. Watching others on Instagram flow effortlessly with the rope and music made me eager to learn new moves and develop my own flowing style. And soon, I too was transformed by the feeling of gliding effortlessly with the rope, guided by nothing more than the rhythm of the music.
The feeling of flow state is incredible, as if time freezes while I'm flowing or jumping. For me, it's a form of meditation where I can listen to music and get lost in the creativity of various movements and tricks. It's the moment of the day when I disconnect from the world, escaping life's problems and distractions. Sometimes I experiment with new moves, and other times I replicate combos or routines I've seen. I love that each day brings new challenges, requiring patience and perseverance to achieve my daily goals.
Aside from the physical benefits, both jump rope and rope flow have tremendously improved my mindset. I’ve noticed improvements in my discipline, dedication, and the importance of embracing new challenges. I’ve also learned how to better cope with failure. I’ve learned that it’s okay to stop, take a break, and come back later with a clear mind and renewed energy and determination. This has helped with the technical aspects of both practices, but it has also reinforced resilience and a more positive approach to life’s challenges.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been overcoming challenges and developing a more resilient mindset. Learning new tricks and routines can be frustrating at times, but the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering them is incredibly satisfying. It took me almost four years to unlock the TJ. (🤯 : added by the editor). You might be wondering how I managed to stay engaged that long and not get discouraged.
I was so inspired by the everyday people like me who started jumping later in life and found a new passion.
One of the most amazing things about jump rope and flow rope is the supportive community behind them. There are so many people out there encouraging you to unlock new tricks and constantly motivating you to keep pushing forward. Another of my favorite tricks is the frog. I never imagined I’d be doing handstands while jumping, but I persisted, and now I can, which still amazes me.
This community is so vast that you never know what other opportunities might arise. When Slush reached out to me about shooting for the Camp Slush campaign, I was beyond excited! The opportunity to combine my two passions-photography and flow/jump rope-was not one I could pass up! As soon as I received the collection, I knew I wanted to incorporate Costa Rica’s plant varieties in the shoot. I hope to continue mixing my passions in future projects.
There are several misconceptions about jump rope, including the belief that it's only for kids or that it's a high-impact exercise. In reality, jump rope is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and with proper technique, it's a low-impact activity. If you're considering picking up rope flow or jump rope, I highly recommend giving it a try. It's a fantastic way to get fit, have fun, and boost your mental health. Here are a few tips to get you started:
As I continue my journey with rope flow and jump rope, I'm excited to see where it takes me. I hope to inspire others to discover the joy of these incredible activities.