Come On And Jump Deborah’s Jump Rope Academy, Located At 2727 N. Madelia, Opened In September

The two ropes spin evenly, one sailing overhead as the other snaps against the floor.

David Huard, 44, stands just outside, hands slightly clenched, bouncing lightly in rhythm with the ropes.

Suddenly, like a tiger pouncing, he bounds into the center of the ropes and begins jumping.

Huard, a U.S. Coast Guard reserve preparing to leave on special assignment, wants to lose a bit of weight and shape up. He’s jumping rope three days a week at Deborah’s Jump Rope Academy.

“Now I can leap tall buildings in a single bound - just teasing,” said Huard. “It’s working. Jumping rope is a full aerobic exercise.”

Five minutes of jumping rope equals a mile of running, said Deborah Wittwer, who opened the jump rope studio at 2727 N. Madelia in September.

Wittwer, a certified jump rope instructor, has spent 12 years coaching Side Steps, a competitive jump-rope team that also performs for community events.

Wittwer is sold on the benefits of jumping rope.

“It helps children stay in shape for sports through the winter. It also teaches them individual and team skills and helps develop their motor skills,” said Wittwer.

The studio is located in a North Side industrial park. Wittwer’s “happy feet” logo marks the entrance.

Inside, her favorite color - deep purple - glistens on the floor and equipment. “Don’t you love it?” she asked.

Everyone jumps together in Wittwer’s classes - men, women and children.

The dress code is casual shorts and T-shirts. Tennis shoes with good foot support are the only requirement. “My husband asked if I wanted mirrors on the walls. I said, ‘Absolutely not!”’ said Wittwer.

Michelle Morgan, 22, and Amber Conrath, 18, help with the classes. They spin the ropes with skill and grace, a cross between rodeo cowboys and Olympic gymnasts.

Tara Cruse and Kristen Stolz, both 10, are best friends. They rush to jump rope class.

“I love it because it’s something we can do together,” said Cruse.

Classes cost $35 a month. Jump ropers can come to the studio up to three times a week. There’s a $20 registration fee that includes a personally-fitted jump rope.

Everyone learns to jump with a single rope or double, and some of the jumping tricks.

A long-time community activist, Wittwer plans to take her students and Side Step team members to perform at various community events.

They performed at Holy Family Hospital in the summer. They are planning shows at retirement homes, churches and schools and the STA Plaza. They’ll also take part in the American Heart Association’s “Jump for Heart” fundraiser.

The jump rope academy offers workshops for Girl and Boy Scout troops and Campfire groups.

Wittwer said a soccer team has already talked to her about setting up a program to help them stay in shape through winter.

A playpen and walker are available for parents who want to bring tots to aerobics class.

“I don’t want women to pay for a babysitter so they can exercise,” said Wittwer.

Wittwer said the allure of jumping rope is simple.

“It takes you back to when you were a kid,” she said. “We’re playing. We’re having fun.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo