What piece of exercise equipment sells for under $10, fits into a school bag, can be used by the whole family, and improves fitness and rhythm at the same time? The answer: a jump rope.

Jumping rope is a fun way to increase fitness, strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. 

Kaitiaia Abundant Life School recently made Jump Rope for Heart a buzzing success of fitness and pride.

Parents and Grandparents enjoyed seeing their tamariki skip for a great cause in raising funds for those that suffer with heart problems

Year one to four classes had so much fun working their way through three separate skipping activities including long rope skipping, single rope skipping and skipping through an obstacle course for a total time of 45 minutes.  This was a fantastic effort, lead entirely by three teachers and helpers on the day. 

For Karen Mathews, Teacher Aide at the school, being part of Jump Rope for Heart has given her more confidence in leading a session with the junior classes as she had the chance to be part of it and hear the great comments. She also loved hearing the old favourite songs like sea shells. “The way I felt on the day has cemented the importance of making this an annual event. I believe it is important to allow children time outside when they become a tad bit irritable in class, and skipping is a great option for us now.”

Teachers Mrs Esther Dickinson, Mrs Margie de Beer and Ms Melissa Atkins confidently lead the day after months of teaching the children to practice foot and arm movements separately.  Each child was encouraged to hold both rope handles in one hand and swing the rope to develop a feel for the rhythm. This was aided by some really groovy music and change of momentum and style, like criss cross and the can can. Another positive experienced at the single rope station a part from a whole lot of laughter, was teamwork and new tricks.

At the long rope station, the children had to work out the right time to run through the long rope and how to jump in without getting caught out. The boys really gave it their all, meanwhile the girls gently zig zag through all the cones at the obstacle course with ease. 

Sport Northland’s Energizer Louisa Copper talked with each class prior to the event about the importance of having a good healthy breakfast and to hydrate before, during and after their skipping with water to ensure they were prepared for the whole 45 minutes.  This resulted in children showing great initiative bringing along water bottles, because as Josh, student from the school mentions “he didn’t want to get caught in the line at the water fountain”. 

Kia mau te wehi