Can I jump rope if I’m really overweight?

Jump rope can be a very effective tool in weight loss due to how efficiently it burns calories, but is it safe? Can I jump rope if I’m really overweight without injuring myself?

Rest assured, the answer is yes, you can! But there are some things you should consider first.

You won’t damage your knees or feet, but you might experience discomfort if one of the following is true:

You’re completely untrained
You have muscle imbalances tightness
You do too much too soon and overdo it
You have a bad technique
You have an underlying joint problem already which could be exacerbated by exercise

Any combination of the above will lead to an injury. Being heavier in and of itself won't guarantee it. If in doubt, consult your doctor or a qualified personal trainer before starting a new exercise regime. Prevention is always better than cure.