Stories

Do you want to know why we jump?

We all have our own motivation. For some, it’s health; for others, fun and community. Some love new challenges, while others want to escape the daily cycle of responsibilities. There are those for whom jump rope brings inspiration and space for creative play. And many of us go for a jump just to recharge with positive energy, refill ourselves, and clear our heads.

Why do I jump?

My name is Majka, and I’m a former football player, a mom of 4 kids, a programmer, a musician, a great wife, highly sensitive, creative, a good friend, irresponsible, colorful... But for the last 9 years, I’ve mainly been that mom, and I just couldn’t find time for myself, until I burned out and sank into the shadows.

And then I discovered jump rope.

• That it can have beads and be beautifully colorful.

• That I can pack it into my backpack, have it with me all the time, and jump absolutely anywhere. For example, at playgrounds while the kids climb around and build sand castles, in the town square while they splash in puddles, on the football field while they train, or even in the forest while they chase each other with friends.

• That jump rope keeps me warm in the harsh Orava winter.

• That I can jump together with my kids too, for example in a castle courtyard when we can’t sit still through a theatre show anymore, or at the train station while we’re waiting for a transfer.

• And that I can jump together with my husband too, but he’ll write more about that himself (as soon as he learns how to jump) 😁

It drew me in so much that I sometimes forget to clean or cook at home. But I honestly feel so much better — physically and mentally — and my family and the people around me benefit from it too. It’s not just thanks to the jumping itself, but thanks to a whole new world that jump rope opened up for me. I’m discovering new values, learning not to compare myself, not to try to be better than others. I’m learning to be authentic, to be myself, to grow at my own pace, and that it is enough exactly as it is.

And yes, one day it can become more. But thanks to jump rope, I’m discovering that the journey doesn’t have to be sweat, grind, criticism, and guilt. On my journey, I exercise only as much as I want to, for as long as I feel it fills me up. To my surprise, after a year I suddenly have strong arms, muscles in my legs, visible abs forming, and a greater desire for healthy food.

And I’m not alone in this 🤗

I discovered an amazing jump rope community — in Slovakia and abroad — that, besides sharing online, also meets in person. It’s open to everyone who enjoys jumping, and your level doesn’t matter at all. You can even come without a jump rope and borrow one.

If you want to get to know us, look up hashtags like #jumprope, #jumpropetricks, #jumpropecommunity, #svihadlo on social media, check the Meetups tab on this website, or follow my Instagram @maykabriska and other Instagram accounts: @thehighjump_, @zaskoczonapolska_

Why LAMALU?

Because if LLAMAS can jump, then so can we, right? 🤗

Because it’s completely okay that we are where we are in life. But it’s also okay to move higher (LU - Level Up) if we feel ready for it. And it’s the very best when that progress comes as a side effect, effortlessly, just by jumping a little with joy 🤩

Because people on the street kept asking me where they could buy a jump rope like that, and I had no answer for them.

Because of the joy in children’s eyes and their excited cheers when I let them borrow the rope...

Because I wanted the people around me to start jumping too, so I’d have someone to talk about jump ropes with all day long 😇

And for all the reasons of all the people who start jumping, “Because Now” (LU)...

Why does Alica jump?

With two children and an age that would suggest it’s time to “grow up,” I rebelled and decided that I can still learn something fun and “cool.” And so began the era of “new semester = new hobby.” Roller skates didn’t have the right space, I enjoyed longboarding but felt embarrassed to ride during the day, and the kids didn’t take to skateboarding. Music was interesting, but it didn’t have the right physical effect either.

That’s when I noticed the first “švihej” ads and started watching different videos, and together with the jump rope I got for my son for PE, I bought my own first one too — a simple one with bearings. I jumped with it a little, but I didn’t give it much attention, and it gathered more dust than actual use. Then that magical word appeared: “BEADS.” I convinced myself that with beads I would definitely start training properly, so I bought that “magical jump rope.”

I started practicing my first tricks. At the beginning it didn’t go well — I kept getting tangled up — but little by little I started getting better. Tricks that once seemed impossible are becoming part of my regular training. My fitness is improving, and I can run around with my kids and have fun even at the playground, while waiting around...

I always have my jump rope with me.

It’s been more than a year now, and I don’t need to look for another hobby anymore 🥰 Now I just need to find a place for all my jump ropes 😅