Rope skipping is a very old activity. In fact, most skip rope researchers agree that rope skipping
dates back to 1600 B.C., when ancient Egyptians used vines for skipping. Other researchers claim
that rope skipping originated in ancient China, but the Western version of rope skipping is likely
from Egypt. In one form or another, rope skipping eventually spread all around the world.
Although rope skipping now is considered as a girl's activity, back in the 1700's Europe, this view was different. Rope skipping back then was mainly a male activity. This is because the culture of the era did not encourage girls to participate in physical activities, in case they hurt themselves. However in the 1800's the view towards women somewhat changed encouraging both girls and boys to play outside.
In the early 1940's and 1950's North America, many childeren living in cities played with skipping rope; only things that rope skipping require is a rope and a small empty space.
Children stayed at home, away from rope skipping from the late 1950's to 1970's due to the rapid development of electronics such as televisions and radios.
In the 1970's, an increased interest in improving physical fitness and general health, brought the popularity back to rope skipping.
Nowadays, rope skipping is commonly used by boxers and wrestlers as a training method to improve rhythm, footwork, body coordination, and to strenthen wrist muscles.
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