Jump Rope to Good Health!

If you think jumping rope is mere child's play, think again. Jumping rope is actually one of the best forms of cardio out there, not to mention the fact that it's inexpensive, ultra-portable, and fun. 10 minutes of jumping rope (at 129 turns per minute) burns the same amount of calories as jogging for 30 – great numbers for someone short on time. Jumping rope regularly will build your agility, balance, coordination, and speed. It is an intense, high-impact activity though, so it may take you a little while to master your technique. Here are some tips to get started:

•Grip the jump rope handles firmly with your elbows close to your sides, make small circles with your wrists as you jump.

•To help keep your balance, keep your gaze ahead, your head lifted, and your torso relaxed.

•Jump only high enough to clear the rope, and always be sure to land lightly on the balls of your feet.

•Lastly, never sacrifice well-formed jumping for speed.

•Once you've mastered your form, you can start trying variations like increasing your jumping speed, switching directions, and crossovers.

Warm weather will be here before you know it, but if you start working with a Fitness Together Bronxville Personal Trainer now, there's still time to welcome summer 2010 with a stronger, leaner body and more energy and confidence.

No gimmicks, no overnight promises. Just plenty of real results.

If gimmicks and fad diets worked, you'd see a lot more people in much better shape. The fact is, getting fit takes time, skill and focus. You still have time, and with your Fitness Together Personal Trainer, you'll also get the skills and focus—just like thousands of other Fitness Together clients who have already reached their goals.

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