So it is the weekend and you are thinking about taking a break from the gym. You've been good all week and now its time for a break, right? (Do I even need to say it?) WRONG! You of course can take a day or 2 a week off from working out hard core - your body needs it. BUT if you take the whole weekend off, what happens Monday? It is much easier to get off track when you have had a number of days off inbetween workouts. So here is your weekend challenge:

Jump Rope!

I live in NYC so space is limited. But I have recently found that I have roof access. So, my plan is to head up the 7 flights of stairs to the roof (a good start to my workout right there) and spend 5- 10 minutes jumping. Try it with me - 5 minutes?! Everyone has a spare 5 minutes to get the heart pumping and blood flowing.  I found the below information very helpful and motivating:

Trainers and coaches alike have used jump roping to condition athletes for years. Most of us haven't thought about a jump rope since grade school, but times are changing and healthy people are beginning to 'rediscover' the jump rope. Here are a few of the benefits as well as some tips to get you jumping.

Benefits
Inexpensive: a good jump rope is usually around $10.00.
Improved cardiovascular endurance, hand / eye / foot coordination, agility, and timing Easy to incorporate children into your workout, as they are sure to love it as well.
Terrific weight bearing exercise, which helps combat osteoporosis.
Great way to burn calories. Fifteen minutes of jumping rope burns about 200 calories.
Great total body workout, which utilizes almost every major muscle group.
Little space needed: only an area 4-feet by 6-feet.
Perfect for traveling, no matter how stuffed your luggage is, a jump rope is sure to fit.
Tips for jump roping

So,start small- 5 minutes and report back to me. I will let you know how it goes for me as well!