jump rope?

So I just bought a jump rope, because I heard that they can be great excercise...plus it will be a nice reminder of my youth = ) But I was wondering how to use it so its beneficial to my wieght loss. Just simply jumping rope for 30 min? or are there different strategies or excercises to do?

Thanks for the help!

Men like to call it the speed rope I use to use it more often, but I found running was much better in terms of calories burnt per hour, but it's still pretty fun to use.

If I do use the jump rope I usually do it in intervals while hitting the punching bag for 2 minutes than jump rope for a minute or more to catch my breath. You can do lots of different things like speed step which is just using one foot and alternating which one you use or doing double unders every set amount of reps. Have fun!

It's an excellent exercise. But to avoid injury, take some precautions. See this site. 

http://www.jumpropeinstitute.com/a-z_on_jump_ rope.htm

Use cross-training shoes because they are cushioned at the ball of the foot, whereas running shoes are cushioned at the heel. Jump on wood or rubber, not concrete. There are mats (but the one at the site above is too expensive. You can get a cheaper one at amazon-- search for "Daytona 24 mat.) Work on form first, not longevity or speed. It isn't the easiest exercise, but once you master the basic skills, it's a great way to help lose weight. 

Best of all, it's convenient. 

I recently rediscovered the jump rope myself after wanting to lose weight after having my baby and it has definitely been good to me! I have lost 13 pounds in three weeks by just jumping rope for 30 minutes a day (2 sets of 15 mins) along with of course counting calories and light weight training for sculpting. I read that jumping rope at a vigorous pace can burn up to 1000 calories per hour which is why it is the #1 high impact workout according to the article. I haven't gotten brave enough to really try any real footwork because I'm scared of getting smacked in the thighs OUCH! Jumping rope is definitely "whipping" me into shape, literally (I have the marks to prove it LOL). Good luck to you and keep on JUMPING! You will get results!

I really like jumping rope and typically do different intervals.  Today it was: 1 min 30 sec jumping (jumping consistently, alternating feet, doing some footwork) and then stopping for 30 sec, repeating that for 15 minutes.  Other intervals are: 1.15 on, 45 off, 1 min on, 30 off, etc etc.  Once you get used to it, you can really add in some different moves to switch it up - doing alternating high knees is very challenging.  I also do something where I alternate jumping with my R and L foot and then both together in a number sequence so: R both, RL both both, RLR both both both etc, up to a number, say 12, then back down.

I am going to start working up to jumping for prolonged periods of time (high five to those who can do 15 minutes straight!) but right now, I'm happy doing the intervals after my weight-lifting sessions. Hope you enjoy it.  I found it to be more fun and easier on my body than running, but that's just me.