According to the latest research, skipping should no longer be considered the exclusive purview of children; it offers substantial health benefits for adults as well - and not only that, can be a terrific mood-booster.
"Grownups who've been holding back and walking sedately on sidewalks in the interest of not appearing too frivolous should be skipping for joy right now," said Dr. Harvey Wellstein, a sports medicine doctor living in Los Angeles. "In other words, you don't want to skip this study, folks!
And skipping is not merely a form of gratuitous movement, emphasized Dr. Wellstein; like bicycle-riding and rollerblading, it can also serve as an effective, eco-friendly form of transportation to many, although not all, destinations. "Depending on where you're going, your skip may be need to be supplemented with a hop and a jump," he explained. "But whatever your destination, skipping will get you there in gleeful style."
Dr. Wellstein noted that these days, thanks to devices like the Fitbit, many Americans are obsessed with "getting in their steps." This groundbreaking new information about skipping, however, means that there might be an easier way. "After all, aren't we Americans all about shortcuts and taking the easy way out? This new research indicates that we can skip not just a step, but all steps - and just skip!"
And, in addition to its cardiovascular benefits, the new research shows that skipping can offer a adults a real psychological edge. "If you're serious about reducing stress and skyrocketing your mood," said Dr. Wellstein, "you might consider skipping out on everything - especially obligations."
Dr. Wellstein could not be reached for further comment regarding the skipping study; his autoreply email stated that he had skipped out of town.