Getting to know the ropes

Keep in mind, however, that lazy schoolyard skipping doesn8217;t count, only hardcore jumping 8212; imagine a boxer8217;s fancy footwork 8212; will get results.

Along with a good floor, the necessities are good shoes no running sneakers, a towel to mop up your sweat and music to cut the monotony and tune out would-be suitors. A woman jumping rope seems to have a mysterious draw on men: so buy a walkman.

Though many types, and in as many materials, of jumping rope are available in the market, if you want the genuine Rocky look, buy a leather rope 8212; the type boxers use. And if you accidentally slap yourself with it, you8217;ll get the bruises too. You need to know that the right length rope reaches your armpits when you stand in the middle of it. Jump only an inch high and land on the balls of your feet, then roll through towards your heels.

Keep your hands by your sides and elbows tucked in. Use only your wrists and forearms to turn the rope. Remember not to look at your feet while jumping as it stresses your neck. And please, wear only cross-trainers or aerobic shoes. Try the following jumps for six days a week for four weeks and see what happens. Then, when someone asks how you got so toned and fit, just tell him it8217;s special, post-machine age technique.