An extremely versatile sport that the whole family can do, jumping rope burns about 200 calories in 15 minutes--with some variation depending on how fast you go and how much you weigh. And despite concerns that jumping rope is hard on the joints, "it's easier on the knees and hips than running," Solis says, "since you land on the balls of your feet so the calves and shins absorb and control the impact."

Some adult jumpers have been turned on to the activity by their children, with an estimated 1.9 million children in grades 3 through 5 participating annually in "jumpathons" as part of the booming Jump Rope for Heart program. The fundraiser celebrated its 20th anniversary in 1998 and has generated more than $31 million per year for the American Heart Association in recent years--while promoting jump rope as an excellent physical activity.

BEYOND THE PLAYGROUND

Other new jumpers have been attracted by the breathtaking athleticism of jump rope performers, such as the Rebel Ropers, who have appeared in numerous commercials and television programs. When ESPN broadcast coverage of the sport's national championships during prime time, "we got 300 calls in one night," says USAJRF's executive director Bud Pickett. "People wanted to know how to join clubs, how to start clubs, and what they can do to jump like that."

The sport is still in its formative years, notes Pickett, who says USAJRF started with 700 members in 1995, when several smaller groups merged. Today the organization boasts 5,000 members, about 75% of whom are under age 18. The Amateur Athletic Union gave rope jumping official sport status in 1998, and proponents hope it will eventually become an Olympic event.