Skipping Ropes – what to look for when getting started

Skipping is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to exercise. The whole body movements created when skipping means you get a full workout fast and without fancy equipment!

Skipping is a great form of physical activity because it’s:

• Good for developing joint and bone strength
• Time efficient
• Forces good posture and core activation
• Recruits almost all of your muscles
• Leads to lower body strength improvements

Skipping ropes are the perfect on the go for group training, the park, or at home. Find out what jump rope you need and get active!

Find the Right Length Rope

Measuring your ideal skipping rope length follows a simple guideline. The best length is when the user can stand on the middle of the rope with both feet and handles come under the armpits. This is a guide but should you prefer to skip with a wider arm span your preferred rope length will be longer.

What’s the Best Jump Rope for me?

Important features of a jump rope to consider:

• Does it have ball bearings
• Quality of rope
• Adjustable length

Ball bearings are an important feature for durability and performance of a skipping rope. Ball bearings create a swivel point so the rope that does not wear at the handles. This allows for smooth and fast swings, especially if performing speed exercises like double unders. More frequent or advanced jump rope exercise like Cross Fit or boxing training should use ropes with ball bearings. Ropes without ball bearings put friction on the handles and with constant use will wear faster over time.

Rope quality is important to consider so that your one piece of equipment doesn’t turn into multiple pieces. Different kinds of rope material are suitable based on frequency of use. Beginner ropes are often PVC and are suitable for less frequent users who might skip a few times a week. For advanced users who skip on a regular basis, more durable rope is recommended. Plastic coated wire cable is a heavier duty material that will make your rope last longer.

Adjustable jump ropes allow the user to change rope to their desired length. Length can be adjusted through ball bearing clips or brass closures. Not all ropes are adjustable and should be considered if many users need variable lengths to exercise.

Consider these features when finding the rope suitable for your needs. For group training or irregular use, our HART Skipping Ropes are an economical range for beginners. For more advanced or frequent users, our Speed Rope or Cable Speed Rope provide great quality and performance.

Incorporate some jump ropes into your next workout for simple and effective training. Try this quick easy exercise for a fitness circuit, training aerobic endurance, or substitute for running. The affordability and ease of set up makes this an exercise for anyone looking to get active.

We support physical activity no matter what age, ability or circumstance. Our partnership with Physical Education New Zealand helps keep young Kiwis active and healthy. Visit the PENZ site here