jump rope

Whether you're an exercise newbie or a fitness buff, jumping rope is a great option for fun, quick, and effective cardio. Though a jump rope is one of the simplest pieces of equipment available, shopping for one isn't easy because they come in various lengths and the quality can differ depending on materials used.

You'll find that ropes differ in handle size and cord weight; I recommend staying away from ropes made of cloth or leather. Generally, beaded ropes are supposed to give you the best aerobic workout. Speed ropes are the lightest type of rope, but I've found they can be difficult to control when you're a new jumper. I prefer slightly heavier ropes made of plastic.

See some jump rope options and learn how to determine the proper length of your jump rope when you read more

It is not uncommon to be driving to your destination this holiday season, which means more time sitting in the car and less time walking or exercising.

One thing that I always make sure to have in my trunk for long car rides is a jump rope. My family tends to stop frequently while on road trips, so at each rest stop I like to do a mini jump-rope session (five minutes or so). Now that I have kids, I bring jump ropes for the girls too, so that they can burn some energy while mommy is burning calories. Plus, then I won't feel so bad indulging in a piece of pie (or two) once I get to my destination.

Fit's Tip: Jessica Simpson got great results from jumping rope, so it's worth a shot!

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Jumping rope is all the rage these days. It is a quick way to burn some calories! Sugar user EllaBella shared this great music video full of fanciful jump rope moves! I watched it and was so inspired. Hopefully it will get you moving too! So get out your jump ropes and practice your moves!

If one dog jumping rope isn't impressive enough, how about six dogs at a time? Or how about a pink-tailed poodle who can double dutch in fast forward? It may sound like a stretch, but it's a hop, skip, and a jump for these coordinated canines. Where are they from? Japan, of course.

Jessica Simpson shows off her hot bod on the upcoming cover of InStyle. She has been working hard in her workouts with trainer Harley Pasternak, creator of 5-Factor Fitness and Diet Plan. She has managed to tone up her entire body, but maintain her feminine curves. Here's what she had to say about exercise and diet.

• On her rope jumping skills: I am not a good jumper, all right? I’m horrible at skipping rope. I can’t get the rhythm of it. And it makes me so darn out of breath. It’s so hard, it kills me. When we do interval training, Harley makes me do six sets of 100 throughout a 45 minute workout. It gets your heart rate up real quick.
• On food, dieting and indulgence: I let myself taste what I want. I have a couple of indulgent bites, and then I’m satisfied. I don’t want to say I cheat because that is so annoying – to say that having a piece of bread is cheating. That’s such a bad word when it comes to food. Just eat it! And do an extra mile on the treadmill.

To learn more about the 5-Factor just read more

Chances are high you jumped rope as a kid and here's a chance to workout with your inner child! Seriously, jumping rope is a great way to get some serious cardio action.

Here's a routine to try, it builds on itself and the changes up in time will keep you interested and your body guessing what is coming next. Timing yourself when you are jumping rope will motivate you to compete with the time. How many jumps can you jump in 30 seconds? See if you can top that number in the next round.






To see the workout, just read more

I'm sure you all used a jump rope in your junior high gym class, and the idea of picking one up now may seem pretty lame. Let me just say that jumping rope is a great way to get your heart pumping, work on your coordination, your balance, and your agility. It also burns calories beautifully since you're moving your own body weight against gravity. Plus it tones your calves, thighs, back, abs, shoulders, arms, and bum. Jumping also helps to strengthen the bones in your lower body (which is so important for women). All that and it requires no electricity, so it's good for Mother Earth.

So now that you're anxious to start jumping, I have some moves for you to try, so read more

I am always looking for ways to keep exercising interesting and it's not always been too easy but with the explosion of group classes, there are so many options.

My latest favorite is Punk Rope, a cross between third grade recess (double dutch y'all) and boot camp. Punk Rope combines conditioning drills, rope jumping and core and flexibility training for a very creative, effective, edgy workout. Been years since you picked up a jump rope? No worries, since rope jumping experience is not necessary for this class. Jump ropes are provided so that means one less thing to carry in your gym bag. Pig tails optional.

Right now Punk Rope is available at Healthworks, Boston's own group of women-only fitness centers. Don't live in the Boston area? Check your local gym for similar jump rope combo classes.