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FEEL LIKE A KID AGAIN
Put a skip in your step, America!
San Francisco, CA (April 2000) Not only does skipping have all the benefits of a good workout---it makes you happy too! What better exercise than one that actually, physically, physiologically makes you happy. Think about it...you see joggers with grimacing looks on their faces; even walkers seem to be unpleasantly completing a task. But if you ever watch someone while they're skipping, they'll be smiling!
"Skipping absolutely makes you feel like a kid again," says Kim Corbin, avid skipper and founder of iskip.com. "Your adult voice says that you'll look silly or stupid; that people will stare or poke fun at you," she continues, "But that's nonsense. Why do adults stop skipping in the first place? When I skip, I make people smile and feel good, including myself. Plus, it's incredible exercise--physically and mentally. Try to get that in a gym."
Corbin is on a mission to get adults to start skipping again. She's convinced that our world desperately needs something positive to focus on. She says, "Our news is covered with negativity....from war, to school shootings, to murder. We need something simple, free, and positive to lift our spirits. Skipping is where it's at."
According to Corbin, "There are no skipping "rules." People find their own ways to add skipping to their lives. Many don't use it for exercise, but just for fun. She also realizes that skipping is not for everyone, "I understand that there are people who will not be comfortable doing it in public. But, they can talk about skipping and recommend it to those more inclined to give it a try. Even skipping spectators end up with a smile on their faces."
Iskip.com offers a place for skippers to network and share stories as they spread the skipping word.
It lists contact information and dates for
group skipping events around the country.
Corbin began organizing group skips in San
Francisco in April of 1999 and it didn't
take long for skippers in other cities to
join the fun. "A group of us get together for Sunday skip's in the park," says Corbin. "It is amazing to see the positive effect a group of skippers has on a crowd of people. It exudes positive energy." Future skipping outings will include street fairs, concerts, and various other public events.
Corbin has some advice for new skippers. She recommends the following:
Skip tip #1: As with running, always wear a good cross training shoe.
Skip tip #2: Be sure to stretch before and after you skip. You'll be using muscles that you forgot you had.
Skip tip #3: Try skipping with a child. Children today need as much quality time with adults as possible.
Skip tip #4: Use skipping as a part of your overall workout. You can add skipping if you already have a set routine. For example, if you walk or jog, try skipping every few blocks. If you aren't used to exercising, start slowly.
Skip tip #5: Skip for the fun of it! Don't place rules or rigorous schedules on yourself. Let skipping bring out the kid in you--just enjoy yourself!
Skipping, when you think about it, is a part of our culture. It's a natural part of being a human. As children, we skip in play; we skip in dance; we skip just for the heck of it. Why did we quit skipping? Maybe for the same reasons adults quit giggling to themselves, splashing in puddles, or staying in awe of life's simple pleasures. We have much to learn from children, and a good way to start is by skipping--you'll be amazed at the kid-like thoughts and feelings that can arise as you skip along your merry way.
And, says Corbin, don't feel silly. "Why should anyone feel silly? It's not silly to get extraordinary benefits from a FUN exercise", she says, "It's not silly to make yourself feel incredibly young again. And it's certainly not silly to spread a little bit of joy as you go through life."
Kim Corbin is a San Francisco based
speaker and publicist. She has a
degree in elementary education but
emphasizes that no degree is necessary to be
a professional skipper. For more
information on her inspirational speaking
career or to schedule an interview, you can
contact her at 415-902-7737 or email kidagain99@aol.com.
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