Skip the Boredom, thanks

So the other day we talked about muscle memory, and how to shake it.

Here’s one great cardio workout to try and it ain’t easy as you really need to be coordinated to do this at high speed.

photo credit – diyhealth.com

I’m talking about skipping, of course.

Remember how you use to do it as a kid? Everything seemed so carefree back then eh? We literally skipped everywhere. And when we met up with friends, skip rope was the best playtime activity ever. Well adults can learn a thing or two from the carefree ways of children.

Skipping is a great cardiovascular exercise which targets your shoulders, calves, thighs and bum. You can do this in the garden, the park, the gym, or in your home even. Wearing comfortable trainers or going barefoot if you like, and using a rope which is the correct length, try this new activity and see good results in no time. As a rule of thumb, stand on the middle of the rope and the handles should come up to your armpits.

• Stand tall but relaxed – breathing naturally
• Elbows remain at waist level with arms extended sideways at about a 90 degree angle
• Use a circular wrist motion to turn the rope
• Hold the rope loosely, using thumb and index finger for control
• Jump on the balls of the feet landing softly
• Jump just high enough for the rope to pass under the feet

Sixty to seventy turns per minute is a good starting pace (roughly 1 turn per second).

Skipping for 20 minutes will burn around 250 calories so grab that rope and start having fun!