It’s probably been many years that have passed since you last whipped out one of those neon-hued skipping ropes and hopped around. Well, it seems that we kids were on to something back then because it’s actually about time we get back to skipping again! Of course, back then we had a lot of advantages as kids, being able to eat what we want, whenever we wanted and in obscene quantities, too. In fact, it was probably because of all the hopping about and the generally active lifestyle we led that helped us keep lean back then, too! Back to the humble skipping rope – here are seven reasons you need to use a skipping rope every day… starting today!

Improved Heart Function

This one is a bit of an obvious one, but it must be said as it happens to be one of the most impactful benefits of skipping. Since it is a cardio activity, it comes as no surprise that skipping contributes greatly to heart health. But did you know it is actually one of the best cardio exercises? Enhancing your cardiovascular framework helps your heart perform its duty more efficiently and you will feel the difference by enjoying strong stamina, and no loss or shortness of breath during activity.

Tone Up

The simple skipping rope has the power to tone up both your upper and your lower body. You will probably feel this happening the day after your first skipping session if you haven’t skipped in a long time. The soreness will be there if you haven’t activated those muscles for an extended period of time, and regular skipping will tone these muscles up and have them build and get tighter and slender.

Shedding Fat

Few exercises shed fat as effectively as properly skipping rope. Skipping actually burns more calories than running or performing burpees. As per Shakti Kumar Yadav, the Head Trainer employed at Gold’s Gym in Delhi, skipping for just 10 minutes torches more calories than a 45-minute run! Now that is phenomenal – and we bet you’d rather not run 45 minutes if you can skip for 10! It has also been found that skipping is safer on your joints like your knees when compared to running.

Skin Improvements

If you remember the glow on your skin after your last workout, you shouldn’t be surprised by this one either! One of the best secrets to beautiful, glowing and radiant skin is exercise. While these days everyone’s schedule is pretty busy and there isn’t much time to fit in a lengthy workout, a short skipping routine can have you benefitting from increased blood flow to your entire body, including the skin, flushing out toxins and carrying nutrients to your skin and other organs.

Better Bones

Osteoporosis is a common condition to see in aging adults, and it occurs when the bones become fragile, less dense and susceptible to failure. This is all down to decreasing bone mass, which naturally occurs after the age of 35. After menopause, women experience more rapid bone mass loss than men. The good news is that skipping rope stimulates your bones and helps strengthen it. This being said, if you are already suffering from osteoporosis, you should not skip. Consult a doctor for clarification if you have any concerns.

Improved Agility, Balance and Coordination

Skipping rope is a very basic exercise that can have vast improvements in your footwork and functional movements, your agility, and even your balance. Many boxers, athletes and martial artists incorporate skipping into their daily workouts, and also celebrities like Kevin Hart, Kate Hudson, Justin Bieber, and Padma Lakshmi.

It’s a Full Body Workout

There isn’t a simpler way to get a full-body workout than to skip rope. You are using all the different parts of your body when you skip, as your lower body is bouncing continuously and your upper body is in constant motion. Your abdominal area is engaged as well and your back benefits from the posture. Trying out the different variations in skipping also engages some smaller, less used muscles for a real workout. Plus, they keep it fun and interesting!

When you look at a skipping rope, it really isn’t an impressive piece of equipment, when compared to say a cable machine or a treadmill. However, this misleadingly simple fitness tool is the stepping stone between where you are right now and a new, better, fitter you. It’s simple, it’s easy, and it’s fun – no more excuses!