AUTOMATIC SKIPPING.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9461, 2 June 1909, Page 8

AUTOMATIC SKIPPING.

MACHINE TO TURN THE ROPE.

Automatic skipping is the latest form of physical sxe/cise. In the automatic skipping machine, Which made its first: public appearance recently, tbs rope is suspended across a raised platform from two uprights. Under the platform are springs controlling the' action of the rope, which begins to revolve when the skipper jumps mi to the platform and continues to do so as long as the “skip” is maintained. When the skipper stops the rope ceases to revolve and falls harmlessly at the feet of the skipper. Should the rope by any chance become entangled in the feet of the skipper there is no foar of an accident, for the slightest pressure causes the rope to detach itself. Fixed to one of the uprights is an indicator which records accurately every skip made by the skipper, thus rendering a complete record of any exercise ordered by the instructor or doctor.

The idea of automatic skipping came to Mr W, T. Maokay, the inventor, who is a practical engineer, one day when ho was turning the rope lor a little child visitor at bis house. After nine months’ experimenting the automatic skipping machine was evolved. “The automatic sbipp'r is to be seen at the Crystal Palace and " at sbe Alexandra Palace. ” 1 “Skipping is recommended by medical men as the very best means pf .keeping the weight down, and

the machine will be installed in many football and athletic blubs lot this purpose. ”