Add Skipping to Your Routine

(Yes, skipping — like we did as kids.)

I hadn’t thought about skipping in years. Then one day, while listening to the Huberman Lab podcast episode “How to Increase Your Speed, Mobility & Longevity with Plyometrics & Sprinting,” I was struck by something sprint coach Stuart McMillan said about skipping. Later I watched his Track & Sprinting Warm-Up video and thought, “Huh… this sounds kinda fun.”

So now, when I’m out walking or jogging, I throw in a little skipping. I probably look a bit silly—but boy, does it feel good. It’s also way harder than I remember. It takes coordination, rhythm, and more energy than a jog. But that’s part of what makes it so effective.

Skipping is a gateway to better movement!

Why Skipping Works

Skipping is more than child’s play—it’s actually a plyometric exercise, meaning it involves explosive, elastic movement that builds power and coordination. Think of it as low-impact jump training that wakes up your muscles, joints, and nervous system.

According to research, skipping helps:

Boost cardiovascular fitness — It elevates your heart rate quickly, similar to running, but often with less joint stress.
Improve coordination and rhythm — Each skip requires your ankles, knees, and hips to work together fluidly.
Enhance joint health and tissue resilience — The spring-and-release motion trains your tendons and ligaments to absorb and generate force more efficiently.
Add joy to your movement — It’s nearly impossible to skip without smiling. The playfulness of it naturally lifts your mood and energy.

Getting Started

If you haven’t skipped since grade school, don’t worry—your body remembers how. You just have to remind it.

Start small. Try skipping around your house or yard first.
Ease it in. When walking, sneak in a few light skips between steps.
Find your rhythm. Add a little pep to your walk, swing your arms naturally, and let your body find the bounce.
Stay relaxed. Loosen your arms and shoulders so your movement flows freely.
Embrace the fun. Sure, people might glance your way—but they’ll probably smile too.

A Little Goofiness Goes a Long Way

Skipping brings out something we lose as adults: lighthearted movement. It’s expressive and energizing. When you skip, your body moves more fully—arms, legs, and posture working together with a sense of freedom.

If your run feels stale, try walking a few steps and then transitioning into a skip. You might be surprised how much better you feel—and how much more alive your stride becomes.

If you can’t remember the last time you skipped… maybe it’s time to bring it back.