Meyer, who recently completed the New York Marathon and Becker, who stars in a new BBC movie ‘Atlantis’ (due for release in December) are encouraging everyone to skip along to raise funds for the JAG Foundation, a non-profit organisation that is committed to making a difference to young people’s lives through value and community-based sporting and educational programmes.

“What better way to kick off the holidays than having fun by the sea, helping others and staying fit at the same time? As a health magazine, SHAPE encourages people to get active, skipping is an excellent cardiovascular exercise, but most importantly it’s lots of fun – and the whole family can join in. It’s easily portable and you can do it anywhere, anytime,” says SHAPE magazine editor, Toni Younghusband.

In addition to the proceeds raised at the SHAPE Skipathon, spectators and participants are encouraged to bring along their old but still usable sports equipment and gear, which will be given to the JAG Foundation for use in their various programmes.

“Unfortunately, many children in South Africa don’t have access to sports facilities and equipment,” says Elana Meyer. “The JAG Foundation works with these children, to improve their lives and give them hope through a variety of programmes. We know there are people with used sports gear that is just gathering dust in their cupboards and want to encourage them to put it to good use by donating it.”

For those of you that can’t jump for JAG this December, you don’t have to worry about skipping out on the exercise. The January 2011 issue of SHAPE magazine, which will be on shelf from Wednesday 15 December, includes a free skipping rope for each reader and an easy-to-follow 30-minute skipping workout.

For more information and to pre-register for the SHAPE Skipathon log onto www.shapemag.co.za or contact Tanya Pangalele on 021 446 1524 or Megan Prinsloo on 021 446- 5079.