Remember Jumping Jacks?
Everyone knows what jumping jacks are, they are undoubtedly one of the simplest and most recognizable exercises ever conceived. For this reason they are perhaps often overlooked as a serious and worthwhile exercise. This article sets out to take jumping jacks seriously and consider the proper method involved as well as some of the great benefits of doing jumping jacks.
Jumping jacks are considered a type of callisthenic exercise, and were "invented" by Jack LaLanne. Jumping jacks are great because they are basically a warm-up exercise, but they also contribute to exercising your calves, back, thighs, and shoulders.
Now although jumping jacks are themselves a form of warm-up exercises, it is advised that you nevertheless engage in a very light warm up and stretch before going full out into jumping jacks. To perform a jumping jack begin by standing straight up with your arms at your sides. As you jump remember to spread your legs out wide and touch your hands together above your head in one motion, bringing your arms and legs together again as you land.
People often clap their hands together while doing jumping jacks but that is actually not recommended due to the potential for serious shoulder strain over long periods of time, your hands simply need to touch each other and if that even provides too much strain then simply bring them half way up. The exercise is admittedly quite straightforward, but there are certain things to keep in mind if you want to get the most out of the exercise. For one, it is important to keep the abs firm and refrain from twisting your body around as much as possible. If you've mastered the basic jumping jack and want something more intense, try bending down and touching the ground in between every single jump you make.
The benefits of jumping jacks are immense, just as with most exercises. Jumping jacks in particular really raise the heart beat and promote better circulation of blood. Over time you'll notice significantly greater stamina and endurance as well as a stronger immune system and greater flexibility. Your balance will improve and so will your entire coordination system, you'll simply feel more comfortable in your own body.
Make sure you continue this exercise regularly, doing it once a week for five minutes isn't going to get you very far; it should be done every couple of days and combined with lots of water and healthy eating before and after.
Jumping jacks are considered a type of callisthenic exercise, and were "invented" by Jack LaLanne. Jumping jacks are great because they are basically a warm-up exercise, but they also contribute to exercising your calves, back, thighs, and shoulders.
Now although jumping jacks are themselves a form of warm-up exercises, it is advised that you nevertheless engage in a very light warm up and stretch before going full out into jumping jacks. To perform a jumping jack begin by standing straight up with your arms at your sides. As you jump remember to spread your legs out wide and touch your hands together above your head in one motion, bringing your arms and legs together again as you land.
People often clap their hands together while doing jumping jacks but that is actually not recommended due to the potential for serious shoulder strain over long periods of time, your hands simply need to touch each other and if that even provides too much strain then simply bring them half way up. The exercise is admittedly quite straightforward, but there are certain things to keep in mind if you want to get the most out of the exercise. For one, it is important to keep the abs firm and refrain from twisting your body around as much as possible. If you've mastered the basic jumping jack and want something more intense, try bending down and touching the ground in between every single jump you make.
The benefits of jumping jacks are immense, just as with most exercises. Jumping jacks in particular really raise the heart beat and promote better circulation of blood. Over time you'll notice significantly greater stamina and endurance as well as a stronger immune system and greater flexibility. Your balance will improve and so will your entire coordination system, you'll simply feel more comfortable in your own body.
Make sure you continue this exercise regularly, doing it once a week for five minutes isn't going to get you very far; it should be done every couple of days and combined with lots of water and healthy eating before and after.