skipping/jump rope

[rafmark]

hi guys, i started training just for fitness about 4-5 months ago. Anyway i took a rope out to afghan with me and was training most days normally 3x3min rounds skipping warm up. I ways also doing a lot of running on treadmill getting my 5k time sub 20mins. After a couple of weeks i was getting a pain in my left shin. I thought i'd man up and get on with it but in the end was diagnosed with a stress fracture just before coming home. I've rested over xmas and new year and just started to up my training again and now i can feel the same initial pains in my right shin...

question is do i have **** technique or **** legs? Any ideas of how to beef my legs up or improve my technique to absorb impacts would really be appreciated...

thanks

[robbieboy672]

Are you jumping on pavement or concrete? I always have less pain while jumping on a soft surface like a mat.

[rafmark]

Are you jumping on pavement or concrete? I always have less pain while jumping on a soft surface like a mat.

thinking about it yeah its always a hard surface like wooden gym floor or concrete... might try on a mat or outside on the grass if the weathers good

[rochemback]

thinking about it yeah its always a hard surface like wooden gym floor or concrete... might try on a mat or outside on the grass if the weathers good

Concrete is definitely bad for the legs, wooden floor depends, those wooden gym floors are often specially designed to be softer and sink in a bit under pressure to absorb it.
Technique-wise, the only thing I can think of is that you should have the pressure on the balls of your foot while jumping rope or running, none on the heels. Using your heels too much is a common reason for shin splints.

[killsomething]

Are you fat? Or just a big dude? Because skipping is gonna eff your shins up if you are...

Also, skip in running shoes, good ones. Ones fitted for your size and gait type.

If you have shin splints or are getting them, rest for 2 weeks. No running or anything. Ice while you rest.

[rafmark]

thanks for the advice so far guys.

The gym floor is pretty old school and solid and i do wear a decent pair of runners that were recommended for my foot shape and running style. I am in a positive stance up on the balls of my feet, not heels. And lastly I'm 78kg at the min and 6'1" so not fat or a big lad!

Gameplan is to rest up a week or so and try again skipping on a mat. Also gonna do a few sets of weighted calf raises to try and get a bit more strength in my lower legs.