Skipping will put spring in your step

SKIPPING is not only for the school playground or boxers in training.

It is one of the cheapest and healthiest exercise routines around, but you may need to check that your body is up to it. Here are a few tips before you start:

Ask your doctor if skipping is a safe exercise for you as although most people can skip without any problems, if you have leg or knee problems, it might cause too much stress on the body.

It may also be too strenuous, depending on your current weight and physical condition. Your doctor will help you determine whether skipping should be part of your weight loss programme. Alternatively, if you are a member of a gym, then consult the staff who will help you to tailor a programme to suit your needs.

Set up an exercise schedule that includes skipping. Skipping is a good aerobic exercise because you can raise your heart rate and work up a sweat while doing it. Your schedule will vary depending on your weight and physical condition, but in general you should exercise at least three times each week. You can include skipping in every session.

Do your skipping routine consistently. You may start off with great enthusiasm, but it's easy to slack off from regular exercise even when you're doing something fun like skipping. Force yourself to exercise according to your schedule, even when you really don't feel like doing it. Skipping can help you lose weight if you do it often enough.