JumpSnap And Sweat Off The Pounds!

LEESBURG, Va. (WUSA) --- Professional athletes, especially boxers have long used jump ropes as part of their routine. Few things burn calories quite like it!

The JumpSnap Sweat class at Equinox Fitness Club incorporates the JumpSnap rope-less jump rope into a high intensity cardio routine.

"As much fun as you had as a kid when you were jumping rope, it's time to bring that back and do it as an adult, and just have fun with it," says Lynette Bailey, an Equinox Fitness gym member.

Fitness dynamo Gia-Ninh Chuang says the virtual jump rope may look like no big deal but when you get going, you are bound to feel the burn!

"It's muscular strength, stability and core strength all rolled in one; it gives you that neuromuscular feedback of a jump rope without the motor skills of having to trip over your feet," says Gia-Ninh.

The JumpSnap has weighted handles to add to the intensity of the workout. For participants like Sanaz Pentze, it provides the right dose of jump roping intensity without worrying about tripping and falling.

Sanaz says, "It's crazy, because it's like a combination of step aerobics moves and cardiovascular and jumping rope without the rope!"

Gia-Ninh says the jump-less rope is great for fat burning intervals and works primarily to help your body stay toned.

"Obviously your working your calves, because you're always a little bit raised up; you're obviously working the entire lower body chain. A lot of bicep work, because you have to hold that position the entire time,"says Gia-Ninh.

JumpSnap claims when you follow instructions and keep up with a consistent workout routine, you have the potential of burning approximately 100 calories every 5 minutes.

Lynette says she uses hers with the weights; it leaves her feeling "it"" for days!

Lynette explains, "Once I knew that you could weight it, and that you could do all the rhythmic things that you can do with the basic jump rope, I fell in love."

JumpSnap also includes a small computer that works like a personal trainer. It records how many pounds you're burning, and it "snaps" to keep you on track.

To find out more, click here: http://www.equinoxfitness.com/

Written By: Lauren Vance, 9 NEWS NOW