(Courtesy of Jump Into Shape) Jump Into Shape, one of Bergen County’s men’s fitness programs, has started its first father-son beginner classes in Bergenfield. The class takes place on Sundays, from February 24 to March 31, at Congregation Beth Abraham at 7:00 p.m.

The six-session beginner program, designed and led by Bergenfield’s Russell Moskowitz, is for fathers (or grandfathers or uncles) and sons with no prior jumping experience and covers the four fundamental jump roping skills: bounding, wrist placement and movement, posture and rope movement. The program has three goals: build a healthier guf for our neshama, create a unique bonding experience for fathers and sons and have fun. The classes are for men of all ages, however the sons need to be at least 4’7” to use the smallest size rope. The 35-minute classes use low intensity interval training and weighted ropes to increase the benefits of jump roping—boosting fat burning, improving cardio and improving mental sharpness. Men who join the class can also jump in Jump Into Shape’s Tuesday men’s classes for no additional charge.

The idea for the class came after Russell’s son, Matan, wanted to come to a men’s class. The late start time prevented him from going but sparked the idea for a father-son class at an earlier time. Jump Into Shape’s innovative father-son program seems to be a unique fitness experience in a community with numerous adult and child sports programs.

Rabbi Tanchum Cohen, assistant rabbi at Congregation Beth Abraham and member of the father-son class said, “I’ve enjoyed Jump Into Shape’s introduction into vigorous exercise through jumping rope. The avos u-banim class adds a whole new element—adds motivation and excitement for both generations!”

There are still a few open mats for father-son pairs to join this unique class. To join, contact contact Russell Moskowitz at [email protected] or 973-476-7356.