How to Do the Jumping Jacks Aerobic Exercise
Jumping jacks, also as the side-straddle hop and stride jump, is a simple exercise that is used by both young and old. Doing jumping jacks helps the body receive a low-stress, total body workout. Doing jumping jacks couldn’t be any easier.
- Stand in an area where you will have several feet of space around you. Also, make sure that you have proper clearance above your head so that your hands can fully extend above your head.
- Stand at attention. Your feet should be next to one another and your hands should be at your side. This is the home position. You should return to this position after each jumping jack.
- Spread your feet apart at a distance that is greater than the length of your shoulders. As you jump to spread your feet, your arms should extend above your head. The hands should come together, although it is not necessary that the hands clap each other.
- Return to the home position. One jumping jack should take about one or two seconds depending on the pace that you have set. Continue to do jumping jacks until your are satisfied with the amount that you have accomplished.
- Try variations of the jumping jack to keep the exercise fresh. You can do the normal jumping jack motion while only raising your hands to shoulder level as you do the exercise. This variant is called a half-jack and is helpful for those who have issues with their rotator cuff or shoulder muscles.