10 Reasons to Hop to It

10 Reasons to Hop to It and Jump Rope

Jumping rope. Some of us haven't done it since schoolyard days.

But here are the top 10 reasons you should jump rope like you did in third grade -- besides the fact that it will make you feel like a kid again! Do it to warm up. Do it to cool down. Or make a whole workout of it. Just do it.
Jumping rope . . .

1. Burns up to 1,000 calories per hour. (Find out how many calories your other physical activities burn.)
2. Tones your entire body -- arms, legs, trunk, and back.
3. Is easy to learn (master’s degree in Pilates not required).
4. Improves your game, whether you golf, swim, ski, or play tennis.
5. Is totally cheap (ropes can start at $3.99) and portable (a 4-foot by 6-foot area is all you need).
6. Looks cool . . . check out those boxers at the gym who know what they’re doing.
7. Can be a solo or group workout.
8. Is gender neutral.
9. Is family friendly. Give your kids a rope, too!
10. Can be a blast. Make up some jump rope tricks, and have fun with it.