Think jumping rope is just for CrossFit fanatics or double-dutch-loving fifth graders? No way! Jump ropes are all the rage on the fitness scene, from boxing to barre studios—and for good reason. “Jumping rope is one of the best ways to burn the most calories, and it tones the entire body as you’re jumping,” says Amanda Kloots, creator of "The Rope" and "The Dance" classes in New York City. “Since becoming an avid jumper, my entire body has completely changed—especially my arms and abs.”
Kloots’ popular jump rope-based classes focus on some fitness fundamentals: endurance, coordination, and speed. With those powers combined, Kloots guarantees, “this workout will leave you sweating and your muscles burning.”
Related: This Is the Best Exercise to Erase Your Belly Pooch, Says Science
Before you bounce: “Make sure you’re jumping with your shoulders directly over your hips, and keep your abdominal muscles in tight,” says Kloots. “Squeeze your legs together and tighten your glutes. Keep your elbows right by your waist and bent at 90 degrees, and stay low to the ground. You barely need to jump off the ground.”
Ready to get your Rocky on? Kloots designed this workout just for Women’s Health readers:
Your playlist: Find three songs that are each 3–5 minutes long. DJ’s choice! (Kloots' recs: "Gypsy" by Lady Gaga, "There's Nothing Holding Me Back" by Shawn Mendes, and "Till I Collapse" by Eminem.)
(Want more great, quick workouts? Torch fat, get fit, and look and feel great with Women's Health's All in 18 DVD!)
HOW TO PULL OFF THE MOVES
Jumping Rope (with feet together)
How to: Keep your legs together, squeezing your glutes and inner thighs (a). Now tighten your core, lifting your abs, and keeping your elbows at your waist in a bent-arm position as you bring the rope over your head, then under your feet (b).
Related: This Woman's Photos Prove That Fitness Is About So Much More Than The Number On The Scale
Plank Jacks
How to: Start in a plank position, hands under your shoulders and feet next to each other (a). Jump your feet out to a wide V, then jump them back in again (b).
Here are 10 more plank variations that'll help you mix up your workout routine:
Jumping Rope with Foot Jacks
How to: While you raise the rope over your head (as you would during a basic jump) (a), jump your feet out so they are slightly more than shoulder-width apart (b). Without pausing, quickly reverse the movement.
Jumping Rope with High Knees
How to: While doing a basic jump (a), alternate raising your left and right knee as high as you can (b).
Related: These Are The 4 Best Leg Exercises For People Who Want To See Serious Results
Lunges
How to: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your hands on your hips (a). Step forward with your right leg and slowly lower your body until your right knee is bent to 90 degrees (b). Push back to the starting position and repeat with your left leg. That's one rep.
Rope Sprints
How to: Keep your jumps small and your body tight. Go as fast as you can, raising your heart rate and torching calories!
