How to “Jump” Start Cardio the Playful Way

In my opinion, the most regrettable aspect of growing up is forgetting how to play. Remember sprinting around the jungle gym all afternoon as a kid…heart pounding…lungs burning…legs aching…yet never losing steam?

For me, those childhood memories can be summed up in just one word: freedom.

Who says there’s an age limit on playtime? Why, as adults, are we expected to trade in our muddy sneakers for sensible penny loafers? At what point, did the arbitrary expiration date on “fun” expire?

The youthful you viewed physical activity as a source of enjoyment, while the mature you  considers it a necessary evil. Au contraire, I say! You’re never too old for recapturing that boundless energy and free spirit.

But, where to start? That’s the million dollar question.

Enter: TKO Sports, a workout equipment company who’s tagline Whatever It Takes reflects a deep-rooted commitment to wellness and healthy living. Plus, TKO recognizes the importance of P-L-A-Y. (Your younger self would definitely approve!)

So, without further ado…introducing TKO Soft-Grip Jump Ropes, a revolution in cardio fitness that puts the excitement back in exercise. 

Gotta love that cheery yellow and lively blue!

First, let’s talk quality assurance:

• Lightweight, non-slip grips for speed training
• Smooth swivel design for agility training
• Metal ball-bearing for tangle prevention
• Smooth tubing for consistent swing motion
• 9-foot solid PVC rope for maximum durability

Next, fast meets effective:

• TKO’s 15-minute jump rope cardio workout burns 170 calories.

The box doesn’t lie. Impressive? Well…duh!

Simply hop and skip your way to optimal heart health with the following easy-peasy regimen:

Staying in shape shouldn’t be a chore. Working up a sweat shouldn’t feel like torture. Nope, fitness should be fun! Unleash that inner child who’s begging to go outside and play. Give yourself permission to embrace movement, enjoy exertion and reap some groovy health benefits along the way. (Yeah…I said “groovy.” Sorry, not sorry!)

Who’s got jump rope swag? Oh, that would be me!

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 Special thanks to Lipton Publicity and, of course, TKO Sports, for sharing this product with me.

50 Ways to Turn “Train Time” into “Play Time”

Burn excess fat, build lean muscle, and get that heart rate pumping without even feeling like you put forth the effort. These enjoyable (and shockingly effective!) physical activities take the “work” out of “working out.” No heavy lifting…it’s all fun and games over here!!!

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 1. jumping rope

2. paddle-boarding

3. pole dancing

4. kayaking

5. gardening

6. playing Wii Sports

7. hula hooping

8. rock climbing

9. ice skating

10. fencing

11. strolling the beach

12. roller blading

13. kickboxing

14. geocaching

15. doing aerial yoga

16. putt-putt golfing

17. playing beach volleyball

18. bowling

19. playing D.D.R.

20. walking the dog

21. spinning

22. acting out charades

23. swimming

24. shooting hoops

25. relay racing

26. doing obstacle courses

27. playing tennis

28. primal moving

29. housecleaning

30. trampolining

31. horseback riding

32. shopping

33. cross-country skiing

34. hiking

35. playing laser tag

36. volunteering

37. bicycling

38. painting the house

39. scuba diving

40. body-surfing

41. building a tree fort

42. dancing

43. throwing darts

44. swinging

45. mowing the lawn

46. banging on drums

47. washing the car

48. stretching

49. doing martial arts

50. skipping

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So, yeah…staying in shape can be MUCH easier than you realized. Capiche?!

15 Reasons to Get Active in the Great Outdoors

In recognition of today as summer’s official start-date, say hello to the limitless playground that is Mother Nature!

Go on, get out there…here’s why you should:

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1. Increased exposure to fresh air allows the respiratory, cardiovascular, and circulatory systems to function at their optimum.

2. Being surrounded by nature – particularly plant life – has been proven to reduce anxiety, stress, and clinical depression.

3. Healing powers in both the ground and atmosphere build immunity toward chronic illnesses, such as cancer or diabetes.

4. Regular doses of natural sunlight boost the body’s production of Vitamin D, which supports bone growth and density.

5. The green pigmentation found in leafy foliage stimulates energy, elevates the mood, and sparks a burst of creativity.

6. Both holistic medicine and modern science show that walking barefoot on grass fights insomnia, leading to peaceful sleep.

7. Nature’s abundance of sensory stimuli improves concentration, memory, alertness and other cognitive functions.

8. The average person is more likely to exercise outside than at a gym, so even 10 minutes in the backyard triggers movement.

9. Exploring the wonders of this planet promotes adventure and taking chances, which is vital for personal development.

10. Unplugging from technology and greeting the new day improves eyesight, since staring at LCD screens strains the pupils.

11. Even a stroll around the block is ideal for stretching tight muscles and lubricating stiff joints – especially those knees.

12. Any amount of time spent engaging in recreational activities or relaxing outdoors naturally heightens self-esteem.

13. The simple act of leaving those 4 walls behind encourages face-to-face human interaction, connection, and community.

14. A daily retreat from urban pollution – in a park or by a lake, for instance – boosts the body’s white blood cell count by 50%.

15. Another reason to go barefoot outside, walking on earthy, rough terrain activates reflex points that ease physical tension.