Fit Friday:

I have been really lazy lately and a bit down hearted about my weightloss. I've lost most of the weight but I am finding the last stone impossible to shift. I know I wont lose that amount before I go away but have decided to up the ante on my exercise efforts.

One thing I have rediscovered a love of is my skipping rope. My skipping rope is from the Davina Mc Call range in Argos.

I've been sneaking outside in the evenings and I had forgotten how much fun a skipping rope could be! But is there any merit to it as effective exercise? Here’s what I found out:

• Skipping helps with weightloss. I’ve started slow trying to skip for 5 minutes at a time a few times throughout the day.
• It enhances your coordination and rhythm between hands and feet movements.
• It tones your muscles in arms, legs and abs.
• It strengthens your bones and increases your stamina and endurance.
• I helps in the battle against Cellulite.

I also found what the best exercises are for helping with toning and weightloss.

The twister
As you jump, twist to the sides, alternating left and right. This is meant to help with tummy toning.

Sidesaddle
As you skip, open and close your legs, so one skip is with your feet together, and the next is with your feet about 30cm apart. I have found this a tricky one to get a handle on

Knee lift
As you skip, alternatively lift one knee high; but beware that will hurt if you do it too fast!and you may end up moving backwards like me.

Cross over
Try crossing your arms/wrists in front of you, so you make a loop in the rope and jump through it. Alternate with normal swings – much harder than it looks! This was a childhood favourite for me.

Skipping backwards
Rotate arms in a backwards motion. Step backwards instead of forwards.

Are you a fan of skipping?