Sometimes old school is the way to go. Jump ropes aren't just a playground staple -- boxers and other athletes have relied on the jump rope to improve fitness and agility for years. Men's Health shares five reasons you should include jumping rope in your fitness routine:

• Cost. You don't need to save up for a jump rope -- you can buy a decent one for $15 or less.
• Portability. Lightweight and convenient, a jump rope can go wherever you go -- on business trips, vacations, and so forth.
• Strength gain. Jumping rope is a weight-bearing activity so it's good for bone growth and muscle development.
  
• Improved coordination. If you're into sports, good footwork is important. Jumping rope will help you improve your timing and will increase your agility.
• Fat loss. Jumping rope is a great cardio activity and works a variety of muscle groups.
  

I have one more reason to add to the Men's Health list ... jumping rope is fun! And when you enjoy your workout, you're much more likely to stick with it.

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Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hey Fitz. I blew it! I am going on vacation with a bunch of my college buddies and some hot girls in four weeks. I've totally slacked off on my workouts since school ended and now I'd like to get ripped again before we head to Mexico. What can I do at my gym to shred a bit of fat and get buff quick before the trip? I know I'm a dork for slacking, but I also know you can help me improve. I'm willing to do the work! Jason

A. Familiar story Jason! You're not the only one who's taken some time off from their fitness training only to have it blow up in your face. You're also not the first person to try and undo the damage quickly. Four weeks is a pretty decent amount of time, so if you are really clean with your eating habits and start training intensely ... I think it would be safe to take off at least 10 pounds before you see Mexico, and all of those hot girls see you!

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I talked with my kids' PE teacher the other day about how my boys are doing at their physical education tasks. He told me he used seven-year-old Joey to demonstrate a push-up recently -- he keeps his back straight and perfectly parallel to the ground, which is what "Coach" wanted the other kids to see -- and how five-year-old Danny is getting better and better at jumping rope. Then he prompted Joey, who was standing by my side, with a very important question: "What are The Big Four?" he asked.

Joey was quick with his response: "Push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and jumping rope."

No need for a fancy gym, says Coach, when you've got your own body and a few essentials, like a pull-up bar and a jump rope. He's right, you know. We've got the tools to work our bodies right at our disposal. We just need to get working.

The Big Four. Are they part of your exercise routine?

One of the most common questions I'm asked is, "how do I get in shape quickly?" Well ... I'm sure as you read that question you might have thought ... impossible! Yeah, kinda. But, there are some things that will get you in shape quicker than others. The key is to challenge yourself, work most areas of your body, and make sure you do both cardiovascular and strength training. These are my favorite five moves that I believe will have the greatest impact on your fitness level, and help you see results sooner rather than later.

Check out the Summer Slimdown Guide -- it's loaded with tips to help you make the best of this summer and that fine body you're living in!

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Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Fitz, I have a small kidney-shaped pool in my back yard. My preteen kids will be in it all summer and I'd like to kill two birds with one stone by spending time with them and getting in some exercise. What things do you recommend I do for a workout in a small pool? Andrea

A. Hello Miss Andrea. Thanks for the fantastic question. I love questions that pertain to a lot of people, and this one certainly does. I imagine there will be tons of moms and dads in pools over the next few months, trying to make the most out of their outdoor time. Here's the best news. Playing with your children and doing all of the things they do will prove to be a tremendous workout in itself. Kids are cuckoo in the water, and that requires lots of energy. So, at minimum, you could just play copycat.

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Want to know what professional trainers like me wish for, for Christmas? Sing along!

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, one water-based heavy bag.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, two boxing gloves.

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, three ropes for jumping.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, four Body Buggs.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, five Versa Steps.

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We all know it can be difficult to sneak healthy practices into busy workdays and hectic schedules. Sometimes the chore of working out and eating right becomes so overwhelming we let these tasks fall off our priority lists. Ditching good nutrition and physical fitness is never a good idea, though, and with a renewed commitment and a little creativity, these routines can stay right where they belong – at the top of our to-do lists. Here's how:

• Stash fiber-filled snacks like almonds and dried fruits in your desk drawer. Drop the same treats in your purse, briefcase, or car for days when you're on the go.

• Carry a water bottle wherever you go. Sip on it throughout the day, especially when tempted by a trip to the soda machine.

• Keep sneakers on hand for quick power walks during lunch.

• Strategically place a few hand weights so you can grab them when the baby is sleeping, when the boss is out to lunch, when your kids are playing quietly on their own.

• Drop a jump rope in the back of your car and jump your little heart out at rest stops during that long family car ride.

• Don't forget the old stand-by exercises that require nothing but your trusty body. Think push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, and squats and do them wherever and whenever you get the chance.

For more ideas on how to work in fitness, check out this resource.

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Jump roping really is excellent exercise. It's a great cardiovascular workout, does wonders to tone your calves and thighs, builds endurance, and even appeals to your inner child by being so much fun. But unfortunately you also need a lot of space to let that rope go flying around -- or do you? Not if you have this Ropeless Jump Rope. Now you can jump rope anywhere you can jump! It makes a snapping sound to help you keep a good rhythm, plus it tracks calories burned, jump repetitions, and how long you've been exercising. It even has a talking mode that will keep you up-to-speed as you go.


Via Book of Joe

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There will be a shortage of toys this coming holiday season due to underestimated demand and the whole toy recall thing -- you know, because of the lead paint and toxic plastic used in the production of some children's play things. "Say it isn't so," you might be saying. Me? I say this is the best news I've heard in a while.

I'm always looking for excuses to not buy toys. We already have a house full and in my opinion, they are a grand waste of money. Most toys, with the exception of imagination-builders like blocks, puzzles, and games, have a shelf life of a few hours for my two guys. I can't begin to list off all the trinkets we've brought home that ended up swiftly stuffed into some toy bin without a second thought. So yes, I like that the toys shelves may be a little bare this year. "See kids, no toys, sorry."

Now don't think I'm a Grinchy old mom or anything. I love presenting my kids with gifts that make them happy, and Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. Learning about this trouble with toys just gives me more motivation to be creative, to purchase items for my kids that have a little more staying power and really matter in the long run. I'm thinking physical fitness here. Just imagine the possibilities.

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Looking to burn a ton of calories? Lose some weight without much wait? Run, don't stroll to try out these workouts. Weight loss comes from a caloric deficit which means.....you burn more than you consume. If you're eager to move up the pace of weight loss or just get in incredible shape, schedule some of these workouts into your week. You'll be shopping for smaller jeans in no time.

Calories listed are for a 155 pound person exercising for one hour*

Cross Country Skiing max effort: 1161

Boxing with partner/opponent: 844

Running Stairs: 1056

Cycling @ 20 mph: 1126

Jump Roping Fast: 844

As a kickboxer and full time fitness trainer of almost 20 years I've become a huge fan of the jump rope. The benefits of jumping rope are infinite: it offers an unbelievable cardiovascular workout which offer the propensity to burn a ton of calories, can increase speed and explosiveness, it's inexpensive, light weight, travels easily. The perfect piece of equipment! I remember long ago when I began fighting, my trainer gave me a rope and told me to 'jump'. Well, I was terrible at it and struggled for a long time to become good at it. Why? I had very little guidance on the skill of jumping rope. My trainer wasn't trying to be mean, he just didn't know the techniques of teaching this skill either.

I think since we all jumped rope as a child, it's assumed we should all just be able to do it now. If you've tried it as an adult, you may have experienced the constant rope kicking, stopping, reshuffling, whipping of the legs, and frustration. How defeating! For years, I have been having my clients jump rope with only the guidance I could give from my experience. Some have had great success, some have had major struggles. Frustrating for me too.

So Friday at the fitness conference I attended, I ran into a man named Buddy Lee. He's a former Olympic wrestler and master of all there is about jumping rope. I instantly approached him because I'm in LOVE with the jump rope. I hoped he'd be able to provide the direction I needed to improve my personal skills and help me break it down for my beginners. Buddy did not disappoint.

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Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. How much does age play a factor in fitness? I understand that the older I get, the harder I may have to work to keep my figure. But is it possible to have the body of my 20s again, without working out being my career! Janice.

A. Hola chica, great question! There are a few factors that change you body as you age, but I see no reason you couldn't have an even better body than you had in your 20s. For the most part, you are what you are, and your structure only varies slightly over the years. . Hips may widen during pregnancy, but for some girls that may be a lovely thing! Skin may change do your environmental choices and elasticity loss, but your body is what it is.

If you're looking to be thinner, you'll always have the ability to burn more calories and consume less. If you're looking to be more curvy or strong, you can always strength train. Stretching is a great option for creating super posture. I love my job as a fitness trainer, because as I tell my clients, "short of crushing bones...there's nothing we can't accomplish". You too, can create your best body once again. Working out does not have to be your life, but if you want to look great it has to be a priority. Let me know how it goes! Fitz

Q. Dear Fitz. I can't afford to buy a treadmill or even a weight set to get in shape at home. Can I use stuff around the house as a substitute? Not a lot of cash but a lot of commitment. Dave

November 26th I broke my left foot. I broke it bad. In fact, I broke two bones in the foot, and tore both a muscle and ligament. When I do it, I do it right I guess. Sentenced to crutches for 10 weeks, I was given a grand opportunity to practice what I preach. Being Miss. Fitzness Trainer, I'm constantly telling others to 'find a way' to make it happen. Stop making excuses I say. Now it was my turn to find a way.

Going 10 weeks without working out was not an option. Sure I could lift weights, but cardiovascular workouts are a definite must for me. Now what? I absolutely could not partake in my favorite workouts; kickboxing, running, jumping rope. I couldn't even swim! So I had to search around the local gym. Fortunately I am a member of the Gainesville Health and Fitness Center which is probably one of the most beautiful and complete gyms in the country. If it weren't.....I would have been screwed. GH&FC has two kayak machines. Whoopee! I mean that both seriously and sarcastically. Grateful to have something to do to make me huff & puff without putting pressure on my boo boo, and annoyed because it's one of the most boring and tedious things I've done in my life.

First day I lasted 10 minutes and cursed like a sailor. Second day I begrudgingly conquered 20 minutes. Argh! Of course it was also the ONLY machine in this monstrous gym with no television attached. It was awful! Nonetheless. Because I felt obligated to all those nice folks I told to find a way, I stuck it out....and cursed a lot. I'm glad I did.

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