DC Retro Jumpers founder Joy Jones told WTOP that for many African-American women, jumping rope doesn’t feel like a sport.
This is part of WTOP’s ongoing reporting by Stephanie Gaines-Bryant, which differs from our community. Read more of this report.
It’s easy to break New Year’s fitness resolutions. One reason may be that people choose the wrong fitness program — one that makes them feel like exercising is something they “must” do instead of something they enjoy doing.
The way the DC-area group works out seems to make cardio feel less of a chore.
DC Retro Jumpers founder Joy Jones told WTOP that for many African-American women, jumping rope doesn’t feel like a sport.
“It’s a lot of fun, and in many cases, it’s reliving childhood,” she said, adding that skipping rope has both physical and mental health benefits.
“Once you start jumping, the endorphins kick in. You’re having a good time,” Jones says.
She calls jumping rope an excellent cardio exercise because it raises your heart rate and is a full-body exercise.The portability of jumping is also an advantage — Jones says people can jump rope almost anywhere, whether at home or at work, and it doesn’t require expensive equipment
“A little space and a piece of string and you’re good to go,” she says.
Since 2004, Jones and DC Retro Jumpers Director Robbin Ebb has taught double Dutch jump rope to all ages through community-wide demonstrations and classes. Over the years, they’ve worked with after-school programs, churches and community centers to help people “jump for joy,” Jones said.
Both DC natives, Jones and Ebb met as teenagers in a circus troupe and began jumping rope as children. Their influence is widespread.
During his 2018 stint as a cultural ambassador in Russia, Eb, whom Jones described as a master teacher, even taught a man without an arm and a prosthetic leg how to jump. She said the man was so inspiring that the room was crying and cheering.
Ebb describes the experience as amazing and points to the key to her teaching success: keeping it simple by using the Bunny Hop Technique.
Through their jumping project, Jones said, “I feel like I’m pushing for joy.”
She said she likes to give people a sense of empowerment, and Ebb likes to see generations of families leave feeling like they have something in common.
Those interested in learning more about the DC Retro Jumpers event can visit the organization’s website.
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