Do you recall the human bodies exhibit which went around the country a few years  back? What was so cool about this exhibit was the meticulous demonstration of  the circulatory system, what seemed like an endless network of arteries and veins  in the body. Imagine for a moment a similar network called the lymphatic system.  This complex network essentially helps to rid the body of toxins, metabolic waste  and other unwanted materials.  

Signs of lymphatic stagnation include feeling sluggish, tired, bloated, experiencing  constipation, inflammation and skin issues such as dryness. To circulate properly,  the lymphatic system depends on body movements. Remote work anyone? A  sedentary and inactive lifestyle significantly compromises the health of the  lymphatic system thereby quelling itsʼ detoxification pathways. Coupled with poor  environmental and lifestyle habits yields a build up of toxins in the body thereby  increasing the risk for disease. Critical to the immune system, a healthy lymphatic  system is thus a vital component in disease prevention and health maintenance.  

How to activate the lymphatic flow and mitigate the transport of nutrients and  waste material? Walking, swimming, yoga, Taiʼ Chi and jumping jacks all work. I  prefer to channel Rocky Balboa and jump rope. The up and down motion of jump  rope helps to stimulate the bodyʼs natural lymphatic drainage resulting in improved  gastrointestinal and skin health. Additionally, jump rope improves balance,  strength, agility and flexibility. I happen to find it incredibly meditative.  

Just about any jump rope is a great place to start. My quest for the perfect jump  rope companion led me to Crossrope, the Bloomingdales of jump ropes. The  weighted jump ropes are durable and the workout app is so versatile that it keeps  things interesting. My husband and son have totally caught the jumping rope fever.  Thank you COVID for getting me off the treadmill at the gym and onto my jump  rope mat. As Rocky would say “Life’s not about how hard of a hit you can give…  it’s about how many you can take, and still keep moving forward.”