Jump Start Your Weight Loss Plan

Want to lose weight and keep it off? You don't need to get on some fancy diet plan or spend every free moment at the gym.

Brad LaTour, 38, of Annapolis, Md., learned that the hard way. As his career progressed and he entered the world of parenthood, he had less free time to spend on himself. Before he knew it, he was 50 pounds overweight. "I must have tried just about every diet and exercise plan out there in my effort to lose weight, and none of them worked," says LaTour.

After his last attempt to lose weight failed, LaTour decided it was time to go back to the basics. "I did a lot of research on exercise and all of it pointed back to the fact that jumping rope was the best way to burn calories and lose inches," he says.  

LaTour's research showed that 30-minutes of jumping rope was more effective for burning calories than a half-hour on the treadmill, an elliptical trainer or stationary bike. He was especially impressed by strong endorsements from the U.S. Olympic Committee Sports Medicine Council which recommends jump roping as an excellent cardiovascular exercise, and the American College of Sports which recommends it for aerobic conditioning.

"I figured if it's recommended for Olympic athletes, it's good enough for me, ," says LaTour. But he quickly learned jump roping also has some drawbacks. "I tripped so often on the rope it became frustrating, and I was not able to receive the full benefit of the exercise," he says.

Rather than giving up, he came up with a way to make jumping rope work for him. LaTour invented a device that simulates the experience of jumping rope, but takes the physical rope away. JumpSnap offers all the health benefits of jump rope without limitations or challenges.

All the user has to do is hold onto the ergonomically designed handles and start jumping while rotating their arms in a way similar to a jump rope. The device simulates the sound of the rope hitting the floor so the user gets the full experience and can develop some timing with the exercise, but that's not all it can do.

There's a computer chip inside that keeps track of the amount of time spent exercising, the number of jumps made and the number of calories burned. Users can also set an alarm that will alert them when the length of time they wanted to workout has expired, or when they have achieved a pre-determined number of jumps.

Want to take it up a notch from just jumping rope? Pick up one of the DVDs LaTour developed with the help of workout professionals to expand the classic exercise and create a diverse workout program.

When people ask him if it really works, LaTour is happy to pull out the pictures and show what he looked like when he was 50 pounds heavier and had another 6 inches of bulk around his waist. "I look better, feel better and I am living better," says LaTour. "My passion for fitness and wellness has led to a successful business to boot. What more could I ask for?"

Want to see give JumpSnap a try? Click here to access the company Web site where you can place an order. Before starting any exercise regime you should consider consulting a qualified fitness or sports adviser to ensure the regime is suitable for you. If you have a medical condition, are taking medication or have related concerns, consult your doctor as well.

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