Skipping rope, more commonly known as jumping rope, has increasingly become a popular type of workout for people of all fitness levels. It is accessible, provides tons of benefits, and supports almost any fitness goal, from weight loss to improved strength and endurance.
With the countless options available on the market, getting the perfect jump rope for you can be confusing. Skipping ropes tend to look similar and a lot of people may not be able to tell the differences between them.
There are several types available in the market, each made differently and with their own positives and negatives. If you're new to this exercise, it's worth spending time researching different options before making your choice.
In this blog, we will cover the different types of skipping rope to help you choose the best one for you.
What are the different types of skipping rope?
Basic Jump Rope
Basic jump ropes, as the name indicates, are the most basic type of skipping rope. They are lightweight, easy to use, and cost-effective. They are the best type of skipping rope for beginners who are just learning the fundamentals of the exercise.
The cables are typically made from PVC plastic that comes in a variety of lengths, and rubber or foam handles for easier grip. They are great for basic cardio workouts but may not be suitable for more advanced motions such as double-unders or speed jumping. Instead, they can be used as a supplement to other cardio equipment such as cardio machines or treadmills.
Overall, basic jump ropes are an ideal starting point for those interested in jump rope training.
Speed Jump Rope
This is the best jump rope for anyone who wants to up their speed and agility while building strength and endurance. Speed jump ropes are designed for quick, intensive workouts, and are great for improving footwork and conditioning skills.
A speed jump rope is designed to be as lightweight as possible to move quickly, typically weighing between 50 to 100 grams. It is commonly made with a thin vinyl cord and plastic handles to allow users to spin the rope faster than normal. Because of the materials used to make this type of rope as thin and durable as possible, they tend to be more expensive that your normal jumping rope.
This is an ideal choice for athletes who want to get fit quickly and challenge their bodies in new ways.
Weighted Jump Rope
Weighted jump ropes provide added resistance for a more intense and challenging exercise throughout. Unlike speed ropes, these are designed to be heavy, typically ranging from 1 to 1.5 pounds. They are often made with metal handles and nylon or PVC rope. Because of the added load, these ropes make you work harder, especially the core and upper body muscles.
A weighted rope is best for experienced jumpers as it requires an advanced level of skill and training. They are a great way to strengthen the arms and shoulders, improve cardio fitness and lose weight.
With this type of skipping rope, it is important to ensure that it is not too heavy, as this can make it difficult to control and could result in injury.
Beaded Jump Rope
Beaded jump ropes, also called segmented jump ropes, are one of the most popular types of skipping ropes. These ropes are made from plastic beads that slide along the rope. Because of the noise the beads make, they are often associated with rhythmic jumping.
They are made with a nylon inner cord hidden by beads and are not as heavy as they sound. They are lighter than weighted ropes but not as light as speed jump ropes. Their construction and materials make them perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, wherever you prefer to perform your exercise.
Digital Jump Rope
A digital jump rope is a relatively new type of jump rope that features built-in sensors or a counter that automatically detects when you begin jumping. This allows you to keep track of the time and number of jumps. It is the perfect option for those who want to monitor their progress and stay motivated during workouts.
These ropes also fall in between speed and weighted jump ropes in terms of their weight, making it a great option for beginners and intermediate users alike.
Digital jump ropes are usually more expensive than regular skipping ropes. However, they make it worth the investment for serious athletes who want to accurately count their jumps.
Benefits of Jumping Rope
Helps with Burning Calories and Toning Muscles
Jumping rope is an effective and safe way to lose weight and tone muscles as it provides a full-body workout. The continuous motion of jumping rope engages multiple muscle groups. Plus, it helps to increase metabolism and burn calories.
A 30-minute session can help an average-sized person to burn approximately 300 calories. That is a significant amount if you are trying to lose weight or tone your muscles.
Additionally, it is a quick and efficient way of developing your leg muscles because of the amount of jumping that you do with this exercise.
Jumping rope is an effective supplement workout to other types of exercises such as cardio or Pilates so you can maximize your results and reach your fitness goals faster.
Improves Cardiovascular Health and Endurance
Skipping rope is a great cardio training exercise that can be done almost anywhere and anytime.
Different types of skipping rope offer different types cardio training -- from low-impact to high-impact -- so it is important to understand your fitness level and to know your training goals.
Increases Agility and Improves Coordination
The movements involved in jumping rope make it a great way to increase agility, and the involvement of several muscles at once helps increase balance and coordination. The fast but repetitive motions also help you develop quick reflexes and sharpen your reaction time.
Offers a fun way of working out
Rope jumping is a versatile exercise that can be done at home or outdoors, alone or with fellow fitness enthusiasts. Over the years, people have found several ways to make it an even more fun and exciting way of exercising.
How to shop for jump ropes?
When shopping for jump ropes, there are a number of factors to consider, such as the following:
Length
In order to make your exercise as comfortable and effective as possible, the rope length should be according to your height and arm span, as well as your training goal and skills.
A rope that is too long for you can affect your speed, while a rope that's too short can be difficult to learn.
For most people, a jump rope that is nine feet long is suitable for general fitness training. However, if you are on the taller side, you may need a longer rope.
Weight
Another important factor to consider when shopping for a skipping rope is its weight. Heavy or weighted ropes may help you develop strength and endurance, but may be too difficult for beginners.
Lightweight ropes are ideal for speed and agility training, but may not be for experienced jumpers who are looking for more resistance. Make sure to be clear on what your skills and goals are to find the jump rope that will suit your needs.
Material
Jump ropes come in a variety of materials, depending on their type or purpose. Nylon and PVC are some of the most common materials used for the cable, while plastic and metal are common for the handles.
Cloth jump ropes are perfect for those on a tight budget and simply looking for a simple but good workout. These, however, do not fare well outdoors on rough surfaces and may not be on par with other materials in terms of durability.
Great design, comfortable, and extremely affordable, Loocio’s tangle-free jumping rope is one of the best options for people who are exploring or starting out in rope jumping.
Its cable is made with steel wires coated with strong PVC material to ensure that it can last a long time, even with daily use. Meanwhile, the foam handles are designed to be comfortable to grip, and are non-slip to give you a safe and worry-free exercise.
As testified by many users, the Loocio jumping rope is true to its claim that it is tangle-free. With its built-in high-quality bearings, it glides very smoothly and easily in every rotation.
Additionally, it has an adjustable length design that allows you to tailor-fit the length according to your needs and preference.
Pros
Does the job very well despite its affordable price
For people who are conscious about tracking their numbers, this is the perfect equipment for you. This Multifun Skipping Rope has an integrated calorie counter that accurately counts the jumps you have made as well as the calories that you have burned.
This equipment will serve you for a long time as it is made with a steel rope that is protected by PVC sheathing to add to its durability. The materials used ensure that it is safe from breaking and cracking from daily use, and that it is free from twisting, bending, and tangling.
Comfort is another strong suit of the Multifun skipping rope with its non-slip and ergonomically-designed handles. Its 9-feet long rope can be easily adjusted according to the length that you need for your exercise.
Pros
The counter is accurate and is useful for tracking your progress
Crossrope's weighted skipping rope is a very popular pick among fitness enthusiasts and for good reason: it's a weighted and speed jump rope in one.
The set includes two different cables - a speed and weighted cable - and it allows you to switch from one to the other in just seconds. It is perfect for those looking to develop both speed and muscle strength.
The rope is constructed with coated braided steel that makes it perfect for jumping on any surface, which means it won't break easily even on rough surfaces. It is designed for all fitness levels, including beginners, and allows for cleaner and consistent jumps every time.
Crossrope also gives you free access to their app where you can get workouts, tutorials, and challenges to help you achieve your fitness goals in different and new ways.
For some though, the drawback of this rope is that it is a little more expensive than your regular skipping rope. But, if you're in for an equipment that has all you need for your rope jumping and that will last you for a long time, this is definitely worth the investment.
Pros
Offers both a speed and weighted jump rope in one
Good customer service
Cons
Pricey
Conclusion
Skipping rope is one of the most basic, convenient and exciting forms of exercise.. It doesn’t require any special skills or training, and all you need is a simple equipment to get started. While there are different types of skipping rope available in the market, choosing the best one for your workout depends on your workout goals and personal preferences. We hope this article helped you pick the perfect rope for your workout routine. Do give them a try!
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