Punk Ropers skip to funkier beats

LYNN – Punk Rope gives skipping class a whole new meaning.The concept is simple: You skip rope, but instead of listening to the usual Euro or techno beat, the instructor cranks up the punk rock music. The class lasts about 55 minutes. Special jump ropes are provided. But this isn’t the kind of jump roping you might see schoolgirls engaged in on the playground during recess.Punk Rope is the brainchild of Tim Haft, a certified personal trainer and running coach, who began listening to punk rock music in 1976 and spreading the gospel of punk roping since 1998.”While rope jumping is relatively gentle on the joints, Punk Rope does include some running and other aggressive movements,” warned Haft. “If you’re recovering from an injury it’s always best to check with your physician prior to embarking on a new physical activity.”That said, Haft is ready to hop, skip and jump while listening to some of his favorite tunes. Typically, each class consists of 15 songs and 15 intervals.”You’ll only be rope jumping for six songs and there’s ample opportunity to catch your breath,” he said. “The rest of the time you’ll be doing fun conditioning drills, games, and relay races. Just bring your sense of humor and a willingness to participate.”Last Wednesday, Punk Rope made its debut at the Greater Lynn YMCA at 20 Neptune Boulevard, where fitness director Sharon Dobbyn was eager to explain the benefits of such a workout. As she put it, Punk Rope combines rope jumping with a wide array of creative, solo, partner and group conditioning drills. It also leads to improved aerobic and anaerobic capacity, coordination agility, balance, timing, bone density and body composition.Although it may sound grueling, Punk Rope is for everyone, from grade-schoolers to grandparents.”It attracts a diverse audience, from kids to 60-somethings, including those who don’t like gyms,” said Dobbyn, adding that classes are composed of a wide range of students, from competitive athletes to veteran couch potatoes.Punk Rope classes are being held at the YMCA on Wednesdays from 5:15-6:15 p.m.”It’s a way to spice up your routine with a playful workout to funky music and enjoy recess all over again,” said Dobbyn, noting the class is ideal for those who have avoided working out because it just isn’t fun anymore. “Stop by and try it out because why should the kids have all the fun?”Haft, whose Web site www.punkrope.com offers a glimpse at how far and fast the Punk Rope trend is spreading, said the rope skipping concept has a big heart, developed as a school-based program to combat childhood obesity. More so, the ropes used in class are made by mentally and physically challenged workers, he said.”Through interactive games and drills, the class helps build community,” said Haft, stressing that the outcome is consistent with the YMCA’s core values. “It’s intergenerational. You get kids. You get adults. Sometimes you get families. If a family exercises together, the habit is more likely to stick and the parents end up serving as role models. And the music is a nice change of pace from the same old techno mixes.”Although classes can vary by instructor, Haft said most typically play punk, ska, metal, classic rock, psychobilly, rockabilly, surf rock, garage rock and zydeco. Featured bands include the Ramones, Green Day, the Clash, Rancid, Dropkick Murphys, the Queers, the Bouncing Souls, Buzzcocks, and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes.”Punk Rope is about obliterating sedentary lifestyle, building community, providing fitness options to the underserved, and celebrating rock and roll,” Haft said. “It’s also one of the best ways to get fit quickly, even for beginners.”Classes are free with a YMCA membership, jump ropes included.