June Stead skipping on the beach at St Brelade: Picture: Poppy Larbalestier

Estate agent June Stead explains why she’s hooked on skipping.

What’s your obsession?
‘Jump Rope – single rope skipping skills, speed skipping and Double Dutch skipping (long ropes).’

What got you into it?
‘I was struggling to drop a bit of weight and was looking for a cardio workout. I had tried to go back into running but found it hurt my knees. I read about jump rope in an American fitness magazine and with the help of books and videos I started to teach myself. I then went to the UK and trained with the British Rope Skipping Association, where I gained a BRSA coaching qualification.

How often do you do it?
‘As often as I can, but usually every other day. I confess I’m somewhat addicted.’

Where do you do it?
‘In the gym, in the house or in the garden. I particularly enjoy working out on the beach. I’ve jumped at the water’s edge early in the morning in St Brelade’s Bay and watched dolphins swim close in. Nothing beats cruising with the rope to some fabulous music on a clear still morning.’

Is it easy to get into?
‘Very. But there is a technique to be learnt that allows you to jump safely and energy efficiently. Most people jump too high and too hard. It’s five jumps – miss (catching the rope on your feet); ten jumps – miss. And on it goes. They end up disillusioned and exhausted and never get the rope out again.’

What skills do you need?
‘A basic level of fitness, though even that isn’t necessary as long as you are prepared to take it slowly. Age or weight is no barrier either. Practised correctly, it’s a low-impact exercise that’s a total body movement, much gentler on the knees and back than running. You don’t need to have rhythm or co-ordination, those skills develop as you go along. Tenacity when developing skills definitely helps.’

What do you like about it?
‘Athleticism and grace combined, it is extremely versatile and can be as gentle or as tough as you wish to make it. The learning curve is very steep. Beginners are generally unable to string together five steps at first. Ten is very good. The use of rope turns, which act as resting moves, in between building up the amount of straight skipping, really allow you to progress.

With a little practice, performing 100 jumps without a miss would be normal at the end of two weeks. Boredom is totally eliminated as there are over two thousand skills to keep you challenged for a lifetime.

It is unequalled for weight loss and burns between 12 and 15 calories a minute depending on how much you weigh, even more if you choose to step up the pace.’

What do you need to do it?
‘A sturdy plastic speed rope costing no more than about £7 and a pair of cross trainers are all that’s required. Expensive ropes with ball bearings quickly fly to pieces and are not worth the money. I know, I’ve tried them all.’

How do I get into it?
‘Get yourself a rope and just give it a go. But always take it gently and slowly. Look out for workshops that will be coming shortly.’

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