Jump It Up a Notch

For a greater challenge and quicker benefits, increase resistance by adding ankle or wrist weights to your jumping jack routine. Adopt a pyramid style execution, a method Julia Valentour, ACE Fitness program coordinator, uses to add variety and intensity to her own cardio routine. To do this, increase the number of jumping jacks with each set in your routine, resting in between. For example, perform as many jumping jacks as possible in 15 seconds. Rest for 15 seconds, then do as many jumping jacks as possible in 30 seconds. Rest 30 seconds, then do as many jumping jacks as possible for 60 seconds. Work your way back down the pyramid to complete.