If you're looking for a novel way to boost your fitness, try good old fashioned skipping. I don't mean with skipping ropes; I mean the happy, carefree canter down the street reminiscent of childhood. And you don't have to be under 10 years old to enjoy this health kick.

But, be warned. There's a catch. It could also be a fast track to public humiliation as I recently discovered.

For years I have enjoyed expunging the stresses of the day with a good ol' jog round the neighbourhood, charioteered by my trusty hound dog, who has the distinct advantage of four able legs to assist her in contrast to my aging and ill-coordinated pins. Nevertheless, such is my love of shaking up the old 40-something bones that I'm always on the hunt for new ways of spicing up my routine.

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