jumping rope

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

Back in the day, when we played double-dutch on the playground (or some simpler incarnation of that), we hardly cared about the value of the workout.  All we cared about was having fun. It turns out that jumping offers a lot more than a good time: in fact, depending on the type of jumping exercise you choose, you can get a cardio and strength building workout simultaneously.

From jump roping to squat jumps to trampoline classes, for regular gym rats and even Hollywood A-listers, jumping is the new black.

I. Jump Roping

Celebrity trainer Marco Reed — who authored upcoming book The Get Beyond Fit 3+1 Diet based on his lauded nutrition programs — integrates jumping into the majority of his personal training and popular outdoor workout classes.

In fact, jumping rope is one of his favorite exercises to incorporate.  "It's been around for a long time with athletes, but I think it's become more popular with everyone else lately.  I even see jump roping classes popping up."  Reed is right, if celebrity fans like Katy Perry are any indicator and classes like Aerojump at NYC's Aerospace. Read on to find out why Reed thinks you should be jumping.

We rely on our eyes so much when we exercise that if you take your sight away briefly, it forces your body to tap into its senses of hearing and touch, which can help you become more aware of your body and how it's moving. Doing certain exercises with your eyes closed is also more difficult when it comes to balance, not to mention a little scary, so it can bring new life to boring exercises you've been doing for years. While certain types of exercise are too dangerous to try blindfolded, here are three you should try "in the dark."

Yoga
Since yoga is very visually driven, it's easy to get caught up in what a pose is supposed to look like. Closing your eyes allows you to ignore your preconceptions of how straight your leg should be or how much you can arch your back, and it helps you tap into the true meaning of yoga, which is to connect your breath with your movements.

Try this: Step onto your mat and move through one Sun Salutation A with your eyes open. Then close your eyes and try moving through the same series. Focus on grounding your feet and moving slow enough to keep your balance. Become aware of each breath you take, linking your inhales and exhalations with each controlled movement. At first you'll feel extremely unstable and stressed at not being able to see what your body is doing since you're used to your drishti (focal point) helping you stay balanced. After becoming comfortable with this technique, you might prefer practicing yoga with closed eyelids. I find it has such a calming effect on my mind and really helps me connect to my strong and even breath.

Keep reading to see the other two exercises to try with your eyes closed.

Who didn't love recess back in the day? Shoot, I still love recess! A kid at heart, I still enjoy some of the pastimes from the blacktop era that used to get my heart pumping. With school back in full swing, I'm ready to get into my old physical education mode and fire up some elementary workouts from the schoolyard.

• Hoola hoop: Get the hips working and the quads engaged with a little hoola activity.
• Tetherball: If you can find a tetherball post, you'll remember how much fun it is while working out some arm muscles.
• Hopscotch: Break out the chalk and whip up a pattern on the driveway for a fun, heart-pumping workout.

Check out the rest and add your favorite to my list in the comments!

Jumping rope burns about 200 calories in 20 minutes, but throw in an extra jump rope, some push-ups, squats, somersaults, cartwheels, and fancy dance moves, and not only does that number go up, but so does the fun. Check out this inspirational video of an activity that isn't just for kids.

Tell me, have you ever tried double dutch?

Join the ranks of Katy Perry and get your heart rate up with a little jump rope. Common in elementary schools and boxing gyms, jumping rope is a great cardio workout that also challenges your coordination, balance, and agility. Also a great calorie burner — you're moving your own body weight against gravity — jumping rope tones your calves, thighs, back, abs, shoulders, arms, and bum. It'll strengthen your bones.

You might not love jumping rope yet, but maybe you're ready to give it a try. So check out some moves to try, when you read more

The secret to Michelle Obama's slim waist? Hula-hooping! The first lady hosted a Healthy Kids Fair on the White House South Lawn this week to promote her ongoing message that Americans need to get healthy.

Among the attendees were chefs and nutritionists who prepared lunch while also passing along the valuable lesson of healthy eating. Afterward, the kids and Michelle completed an obstacle course, hula-hooped, and tried double-dutch jump rope. 

The first lady managed to swivel the hula-hoop around 142 times before it fell!

Katy Perry looks amazing in her various bikinis. What's her secret? According to a recent interview with Cosmo, her favorite way to exercise is jumping rope. Not only does it burn calories — 295 per 30 minutes — but jumping rope also helps build bone-mineral density and makes your body stronger.

It's a simple and inexpensive way to get your heart rate up; use it as your main form of cardio or to warm up before strength training. Katy even jumps rope as a warmup before shows. Since this little gadget is so portable, you can pack it in your gym bag, suitcase, car, and even your purse and always have a way to get in a good workout.