Jumping rope, brings back the good old days of the playground where kids would challenge one another to battles. It was always who could go the fastest, the longest, and do the craziest trick. Then we split into teams, look out, it was double Dutch time.

Nowadays I have grown beyond the playground, beyond the jump rope trash talk but I still have my faithful rope.

During my cardio class this year, I had to bust it out and shake off the cobwebs and start getting back into that jumping rhythm.

When you’re younger and only have fifteen to thirty minute recesses you can go the whole time without even thinking about it, and even then you’re begging for more. This time around, I found my body about ten years older, and a little more sluggish.

But ever since I have been re-introduced to my playground pastime, I ca’t get enough. The cardio is intense, and just about twenty to thirty minutes a day does the trick.

It is a great motivator, as the rope will hit you in the heels if your form is off. It also teaches you endurance, as with each minute all the muscles in your body start to twinge. Boxers do it to be quick and nimble during their fights, and it is a great simple way to stay in shape. So grab your old favorite rope and hop to it!!!

-Katie Hennessey