Jump Start Your Exercise Routine Five Different Ways

If you’re in search of a free and fun way to maintain a fine physique,  jumping is the ideal form of exercise. Jumping works the calfs, quadriceps, and best of all, those pesky glutes. In addition, jumping up, down and over  objects is exhilarating and mentally challenging. Luckily, New York has  plenty of opportunities to jump.

1.  Jump rope.  A great exercise in both coordination, rhythm and space  management, jumping rope can be done on any sizable piece of pavement. Sing songs, have fun, avoid whacking pedestrians with the rope.  According to jumprope.com, unfortunate health conditions such as Type II Diabetes, obesity and heart disease can be prevented by jumping rope. A great cardiovascular exercise, jumping rope can burn up to 500 calories per hour, depending on your weight and rate of jumps per minute. See calorieburnercalculator.com.

2.  Jump fences: Ideal for a balanced exercise of both upper and lower body, jumping over fences is a great exercise whether in a hurry or in need of going somewhere you are not meant to go. The physical challenge is then relieved by pure elation on the way down. If particularly rushed, being  chased by the cops, or just desperate to avoid those street canvassers,  jumping a fence can also be followed by a rapid and adrenaline filled run.

3. Jump stumps: There is a huge tree stump in the middle of Tompkins Square Park. With a running start, you can practically fly off of it. Jumping off this stump will make you feel like you’re jumping in the wilderness, but better-carefree and without the danger of hungry bears. Just the danger of crazy park people.

4. Jump puddles: It’s a good idea to avoid those murky bodies of water (and who knows what else) at any cost. Jumping over them is a great way to add some uumph to your walk and keep your kicks nasty-free. Just be sure to clear the  puddle.

5. Jump creatures: For a concrete jungle, New York is full of small furry  creatures, particularly rats. Instead of screaming and freezing, jump over them. Hopefully this will confuse them, and they will leave your path.