Jump ropes - brands, type to buy?

kar328

Hi, I searched through some of the jump rope topics, but they mostly seem to be challenges or about jump roping in general.

I took a HIIT class yesterday and one of the stations involved jumping rope. I thought it would suck, I've always felt like jumping of any kind isn't for me at my age, and having been morbidly obese. Surprised myself by actually doing it, keeping a rhythm and not hating it. And I guess I've lost enough weight where the various body parts weren't going in all different directions. I'm thinking it might be something for me to get and do at home.

So my question is what kind would work for me? I'm 5'2" (I did have to loop the one at the gym around my hands once to get the right length), approaching a normal BMI. I've read briefly about weighted ones, thin ones, ones with counters, etc. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

DavPul

On what surface will you be skipping rope?

kar328

At home, so cement garage floor and driveway (if I get the nerve to do this out where the neighbors can see me). I have a small lawn, but I don't know if that would work. Not sure if there's room indoors, I have 9 feet ceilings and hardwood floors, but a ceiling fan in the living room could make it interesting

DavPul

Get these:

Gympak PVC Bike Equipment Mat (36- x 48-Inch) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002PCREP0/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_lmP8wbVWK2Q3B


Valeo Deluxe Speed Rope, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007IS6ZG/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_5pP8wb5GDS8S7

Crossfit Jump Rope- 100% Lifetime Replacement Guarantee by Dynapro- Long Aluminum Handles (Neon Green) 10' Adjustable PVC Speed Cable for Boxing Cardio HIIT Workouts and Home Gym Fitness Exercise https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014GIWRCK/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_GrP8wb36SK69P


That rubber mat is going to protect: your joints from the hard surface of your garage and protect, your hardwood floors or carpet if you jump inside, and your rope cable from the concrete floor.

You'll find that the prices on these ropes from Amazon are going to be about half the price of the ropes at your local sporting goods place even though they are much much much better than the selection I usually find at stores, so get both.

While you're first learning, the thicker rope will be more kind to your shins. Plus it'll hold up better on days when you take it outside on a rough surface. And it turns slower, which might be a boon early on.

But the cable rope is SOOOOOOOOOO much better, that's why you should buy both ropes right away. Every facet is much improved. Better weighting, smoother spinning action, longer grips, faster cable, simpler length adjustment. This is the rope you'll want to use. There's a non ball bearing version of the cable rope for about $12 as well.

Don't waste money on counters or weighted ropes or other gadgets. Speed and feel is what you want. Get a HIIT timer app for your phone and set it for 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest. and jump as fast as you can for 10 rounds. As you get better, 45 seconds work, 15 seconds rest. Then 60/15. Increase the number of rounds as your stamina improves.

DavPul

https://youtu.be/ZX-NdILjBWY

Upstate_Dunadan

Jump rope has been a part of my exercise routine for several years now. First it was as a part of workouts I did at the gym where my focus was just single under jumping - working up in duration and speed, then when I moved over to CrossFit where the focus has been on double under jumping. During this time I've purchased 6 different ropes, not including various ropes I've tried at the gym. My favorite by far, and the rope I'm currently using is the Rogue SR-1 speed rope -

http://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-bearing-speed-rope

It's fine for jumping singles, and if and when you want to dry doubles it won't hold you back. The handles are not heavy and are easy to hold on to. The bearing mechanism makes turning the rope with wrists very easy. Best of all it's adjustable so you can get it within a few inches of optimal length, and then adjust easily as your form gets better (or worse). Replacement ropes are cheap as well. I just purchased this rope for my wife's bday (45 in a few day) as she just started CrossFit and needed a good rope to work on her singles (eventually maybe moving to doubles). Her BMI is up there, but she's finally decided to do something about it.

I've said forever, if there's one piece if fitness equipment worth spending some money on, it's a good jump rope.

kar328

Thank you both for the suggestions I can't believe I'm actually getting one after years of thinking jumping (of any kind) was out of my life. Very weird. But I'm looking forward to incorporating this into my workouts.