Jumping Rope the Second Time Around [Spiral-bound]

Carlos Coffman (Author), Bobie Capel (Photographer), Samuel G. Coffman (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 20, 1998

"Jumping Rope the Second Time Around" is the first book written on the backward twirling style of jump roping. The book was written primarily for a busy adult audience looking for an inexpensive easy to learn and fun alternative exercise program that could be done just about anywhere and at anytime. Unlike jump roping books currently available and targeting the adult audience, "Jumping Rope the Second Time Around" demonstrates how the backward twirling and multidirectional movement techniques are safer for an older audience especially for those who have suffered from repetitive stress injuries to their wrists, or have concerns about stress and impact on their ankles, knees, and lower back. The book also demonstrates how one is able to condition all of the major muscle groups of the upper and lower body by doing exercises such as "biceps curls", "rowing", and "rope walking" - all of which are techniques using the jump rope as the only piece of exercise equipment needed.

To date, all of the books and videos on jump roping for adults teach the same technique used to teach children. Often times little consideration is given to the fact that using a "childhood" technique can be injurious to an adult body which undoubtedly has gone through many physical changes over the years. Briefly, forward twirling and stationary jumping creates premature muscle fatigue as well as impact and stress to the ankles, knees, and lower back. The backward twirling and multidirectional movement techniques virtually eliminate stress to these parts of the body.

Not only does "Jumping Rope the Second Time Around" provide the reader with a safer and more efficient workout, it is also in a user friendly format. It provides the reader with tips on stretching and on ways to reduce stress at work and at home; it provides travel tips for working out while on business travel or vacation, and it contains a letter of commitment, and several workout charts which are duplicated and perforated for easy removal. Perhaps one the most unique features of the book is that it is only 9" x 4" (approximately the size of any airline ticket jacket)and is spiral bound. Thus, the book is just as portable as the jump rope itself. Another feature included in the book are inspirational/motivational quotes from notable people such as Oliver Wendell Holmes, John F. Kennedy, Mohandas Ghandi, Vince Lombardi, and Muhammed Ali.

Without any tricks or gimmicks, "Jumping Rope the Second Time Around" provides the reader with a new look at an old pastime activity.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Carlos Coffman started jump roping at the age of 27 after injuring his knee during a routine mid distance run. At the suggestion of a friend he adopted and perfected the backward twirling and multidirectional movement techniques. What initially began as a personal challenge to overcome an injury and remain fit, gave way to the modernization of traditional jump roping into a total body conditioning program. In "Jumping Rope the Second Time Around" he combines an old childhood toy with a modern day approach to physical fitness that can be enjoyed by just about anyone.

Mr. Coffman has jump roped in several marathons including the Marine Corps, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Motorola marathons as well as countless half marathons, ten-milers, and 10K races throughout the country.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

From Introduction: Unlike the traditional forward twirling of the rope, Innovative Roping employs solely the backward twirling motion. Why? First, the backward twirling motion is less stressful on the body. The upper body automatically assumes a naturally relaxed posture by positioning the upper body weight behind the knees as opposed to over the knees when twirling forward. This virtually eliminates the harsh impact of the jump on the ankles, knees and lower back. Second, the backward twirling motion allows the jumper to move in different directions and simulate various sport specific movements as opposed to primarily jumping in place, which can become boring. Finally, twirling the rope backwards permits you to safely condition all major muscle groups of the body.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 60 pages
• Publisher: Coffman Consultants Group; 1st edition (April 20, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096658970X
• ISBN-13: 978-0966589702
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 4.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,223,830 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the only book you'll ever need to read about jumping rope, December 13, 1999

By 

Robin Y. Jackson (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jumping Rope the Second Time Around (Spiral-bound)

This is one of the best, most original exercise books I've read about jumping rope which is quickly becoming the latest new exercise craze. It's ideal for those who, like myself, haven't been seriously working out for a long period of time, as well as for those who are really fit. While the reader shouldn't expect to become an expert rope jumper on his or her first try, I was surprised to find that after, practicing about an hour over a one-week period, I was finally getting the hang of it.

Coffman obviously has a Ph.d. in jump roping which allows him to take it to another level. Jumping rope using his techniques is fun, energizing and provides a great workout for both the upper and lower body. It also has been designed to fit into almost anyone's daily regime, and is ideal for those who have grown tired of the same old exercise regimen.

Coffman has written his book in a way that is easy to read and understand and has included a few photos that are really helpful. While some of his techniques are harder to master than others, I found the most enjoyable to include rope walking and cross-legged jumping. What's even better is that jumping rope can be done anywhere, and that the only exercise equipment you'll need is the rope itself.

What was really surprising is that, after experiencing some difficulty mastering the rowing technique, I decided to call the number listed at the back of the book to see if I could somehow contact the author to ask a few questions. Needless to say, I was shocked when the author answered the phone himself. After a brief conversation, he was able to understand exactly what I was doing wrong, told me how to do the technique correctly, and even gave me a few words of encouragement.

I highly recommend this book, and hope it's followed by the release of a video!

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Having Fun the IROPE way!, February 16, 2001

By 

Tia Lee (Baltimore, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jumping Rope the Second Time Around (Spiral-bound)

Coffman's technique has changed my finess level and my view of life-after-an-injury. The book clearly defines the steps to successfuly master the IROPE way.

I've witness Coffman's technique in several races in the DC Area, (Army 10 Miler, Marine Corps Marathon, and the Susan B. Komen, Race for the Cure). As I watched with amazement, I thought I was seeing things; the rope was twirling backwards and he was moving forward! I was inspired, I wanted to learn this technique. His experise makes it look so easy.

The book is VERY SIMPLE TO FOLLOW, but it does take practice to master. When I first started, I was recovering from an injury, so I had to take it slow. The different drills kept it interesting and challanging, as my strength increased. As a distance runner, stamina is very important to me, this technique brought me to a whole new level of fitness! I WAS HAVING A BLAST! No matter how crazy my schedule got, I always had time to "rope". The simplicity and convenience made it easy, the varied drills and techniques made it fun.

A bounus Ladies; I am getting compliments on my legs now, (I've been fit before, but I've never been told that I have "great legs"). I'll be forty this year, those words were music to my ears.

Currently, I am training to IROPE my first race. I'll be starting small, a 5K for now, but one day I too will IROPE a marathon.

Thank you Carlos Coffman for changing my view of fitness and fun, I will IROPE for the rest of my life!

Sincerely, Tia

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All Around Athlete With Bad Knees, March 2, 2002

By 

"sport1411" (New Braunfels, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jumping Rope the Second Time Around (Spiral-bound)

I'm a 36 year old aerobic instructor, runner, High-school volleyball and basketball coach, K-12th grade physical education teacher, and an all around athlete who is always looking for new and exciting workouts. I was sad when I found out that I had bursitis in my knees . The condition was from all the years of pounding on the hard gym floor and running on pavement. I was elated to read the book "Jumping Rope The Second Time Around". I thought that at first my poor knees would not take the jumping. I was not thinking of the innovative jumping technique taught by Mr. Carlos Coffman. The Irope technique does not put any stress on the knees, and the backward twirling of the rope does not fatigue the arms. Therefore I have the energy and endurance to rope longer. The book is very easy to follow. It is like having Mr. Coffman right by your side teaching you the Irope techniques. My daughter, who is 11, is learning to Irope . If you have a kid that does not like traditional sports, but will jump rope, Irope is probably something you might like to try. I live in the San Antonio area and we have been labeled one of the fattest cities. So my daughter and myself Irope at least 30-45 minutes 5 days a week. And she loves it, I love it. Irope is fun and challenging and we're exercising as a family. I can think of 6 reasons to Irope:
1. Inexpensive
2. Portable
3. The whole family can do it
4. Full body workout
5. It's fun
6. It works
Look for me in 4 to 6 months doing my first Irope race.

-Teresa