Jump Rope For Heart

Many people ask me how I got my start as an athlete. The first organized physical activity I can remember doing without the help of my mother telling me childhood stories is performing with my elementary jump-rope team, The Heartbeats. We traveled all over the state to do shows for grade schools, high-schools, half-time performances at ball games and the like – I was an entertainer. We had a 20 kid group routine set to music and I also did a small group routine with my best buddies. My claim to fame was doing push-ups while jumping Double-Dutch (jumping while two people twirl ropes inward toward each other) and jumping 12 ropes at once in the Eggbeater (all ropes crossing at a central point). I only realized later in life that it was practicing, performing, and competing as a youngster at a sport that demanded such a high level of athleticism was what got me hooked on high intensity exercise and sports through high school, college, and now in my profession as a certified personal trainer here at the Athletic Club of Bend.

Jump Rope For Heart is a national fund-raising event sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). The program engages elementary students in the physical activity of jumping rope and raises funds to support lifesaving heart disease and stroke research and education through annual school events and is what teams like The Heartbeats promoted and raised excitement about in their performances. I am proud to say that this year Jump Rope For Heart celebrates its 30th Anniversary and has raised over $703 million since 1978 for the fight against heart disease and stroke. Visit the Jump Rope For Heart link for more information and to get your child’s school involved in this worthwhile program.

Happy Jumping,
Trainer Jess

P.S. For a small fee you might be able to talk me into a skills demo.