Most of us will remember skipping from our childhoods.
But did you know that this activity is a great calorie burner? * Skipping can see off up to four times as many calories as jogging.
* It costs less than £10 to get started.
* And it can be done in the privacy of your own garden.
Now skipping is enjoying something of a 21st century revival - and not just among youngsters.
Many adults are skipping for fitness, whether at home or at gym classes, workshops and websites.
Already big in America, skipping as a fitness workout for grown-ups has now reached Britain.
A spokesperson from the British Rope Skipping Association, said: "The skipping craze began as a fitness campaign in English schools a few years ago.
Many schools then went on to start clubs for their pupils, and some are now successful in skipping competitions held nationally and internationally.
"Because of all this the parents have then become interested.
We have had a great deal of interest from adults who either want to become BRSA skipping coaches or who want to skip to keep fit.
" It's easy to see why skipping is popular: * A 20-minute skipping workout, which burns up to 300 calories, is easy to slot into your life.
* You only a rope, a pair of trainers and a few metres of ground space.
* Skipping is great for cardiovascular strength as it gets your heart rate up * It improves flexibility, posture, balance and co-ordination.
* It increases all-round fitness, including stamina and muscle tone.
Where to go skipping: A range of skipping clubs and classes take place across the country and many have seen an increase in membership.
Aerobic sessions, such as boxercise or circuits, use skipping as part of the warm up or during the workout.
There is also a great range ofon-line skipping tutorials and videos at your fingertips if you prefer to workout at home.
Skipping is a great express fitness workout If you're short of time because of a busy job, social life or family then you'll find skipping will work for you because it doesn't take long to complete an effective warm-up.
For Erica Morven it was the warm-up skipping section of a Glasgow boxing circuit class that sparked her interest in the new way to keep-fit.
She said: "I found the skipping really exhausting to start with so I knew it must be good for me.
But I really got into it and I now do it at home at least once a week.
It's a great way to keep fit if you don't have much time.
" Mum-of-two Barbara McLean also found skipping the ideal solution to keeping fit after having her children.
She said: "With two children to look after I needed a quick workout I could do while tied to the home in the evening.
Skipping is ideal because I can do it in the back garden, it takes up just 20 minutes and it gives me an all-round workout.
" Skipping workout: How to get started * If you haven't skipped for a long time, start by trying to skip for 30 seconds continuously.
Keep your jumps small - just a few centimetres off the ground - to reduce the impact on your knees and ankles.
* Progress each day by adding 30 seconds and then extra minutes until you feel comfortable for five minutes in one session.
*Aim for three sessions a week, with a warm up that includes a few minutes of marching on the spot.
*Ensure your cool down includes stretches to your calves, quads, hamstrings and upper body.
Circle your ankles and wrists before and after each skipping session.
The skipping kit for newbies: * Skipping rope: make sure the rope is the right length for you by standing on the middle of the rope and pulling the handles upward until the rope is taut.
The handles should reach the middle of your chest.
The best ropes are made from leather or plastic.
* Footwear: cross-trainers or aerobic shoes are ideal as they provide both cushioning and stability.
* Comfortable fitness clothing such as shorts and a t-shirt or vest top.
Wick away materials are ideal as you will sweat!