Jump Your Way to Health

One of the world's best exercise devices costs less than $15, fits in your suitcase and will take you back to more simple childhood days.

In fact, jump ropes have long been considered "kid stuff" -- but that's changing. Professional athletes in a variety of sports, particularly tennis and basketball, are adding rope jumping to their training for the same reason boxers have "skipped it" for years. An unparalleled all-around workout, rope jumping strengthens the heart, muscles and bones, promotes leanness and improves agility, coordination, timing, rhythm and explosive power on both sides of the body.

Stephanie's Fit Tips:

• Be sure your rope is the right length. When you step in the center, the handles should just reach your armpits.
• Wear a good pair of aerobic or cross-training shoes with plenty of forefoot support.
• Jump on wooden floors, rubber tiles or low-nap carpeting.
• Keep shoulders relaxed and elbows in close to your body.
• Turn the rope with your wrists, not your arms.
• Warm up with 5 to 10 minutes of light activity, then stretch gently before jumping.

Check with your doctor before beginning any vigorous activity.

Stephanie Oakes is a fitness correspondent for Discovery Health Channel, a contributing editor for USA Weekend Magazine and the LA Times, and appears on NBC's 'Today in New York'. She can be reached at soakes@beststuff.com.