The American Heart Association recommends that every U.S. adult get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, per week. Cardio can be running, cycling, or kickboxing. It can also be liberating, grueling, or soul-sucking. But any discomfort can be worth it if gym-goers exercise using efficient methods that combine strength and cardio. Today’s example: weighted jump ropes.
Jumping rope is by no means revolutionary. “Skipping rope” harkens back to English boys in the 17th century. It’s sustained through the millennium as a perfect activity for fidgety children needing to burn off excess energy, but it’s also an incredibly beneficial exercise for adults. The high intensity is excellent for cardiovascular health, and it can improve coordination and stamina as well.
Weighted jump ropes entered the chat, as it were, in 1984, when a former college track star turned personal trainer in Grand Rapids, Michigan decided to combine cardio and strength training. Mike Mattox’s Heavyrope program soon followed and proved to be so effective that basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and other star athletes invested. The trend has only picked up from there.
Weighted jump ropes are more expensive than the average recreational rope, but not by a landslide. The best-in-class options run the gamut of price points (from around $20 to $120), with options for folks looking to make this the form of cardio in their routine to those who will only jump on occasion.
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The Best Weighted Jump Ropes: At a Glance
Personal Trainer’s Advice for Using a Weighted Jump Rope
Chloe Woo, a personal trainer at Dogpound, a New York-based gym infamously riddled with high-end celebrity clients, explained that a weighted jump rope provides the benefit of both anaerobic and aerobic workouts: “Not only does it help to improve the cardiovascular system, but it helps to sculpt the body with the added weight,” she said.
She added that a weighted jump rope can also help improve balance and coordination, and can serve as a great warm-up or supplement for folks who don’t like to run. “Many times, I tell clients to use it at home if they are short on time or not in the mood to run or walk,” she said. “Start with five minutes, then work your way up to 10, 15, and so on.”
Zay Washington, another Dogpound trainer, also noted that working with a weighted jump rope can burn more calories than a regular rope, help increase the lower body’s stability and balance, and is an excellent way to get the most bang for your buck in the gym. “It’s elite gains,” said Washington. Hard to argue with that.
Crossrope Get Lean Jump Rope Set
We’ll cut to the chase: Crossrope’s Get Lean jump rope system lives up to the hype. The Get Lean system comes with quarter- and half-pound weighted ropes that are easily interchangeable with the included handles. The handles clip in and out of the rope attachments easily, and while it might be more difficult for older folks or people with limited mobility in their hands, it was easy for our editors to switch between both weights. The ropes are designed to be anti-tangle and the weight of them helped them fall into place without kinking or bending, which can make jumping more difficult.
As a bonus, Crossrope’s jumping system comes with an optional app membership, which is a nice perk if someone wants or needs instruction. The brand’s ropes also come with storage cases and would take up minimal space in a suitcase or a small apartment.
Everlast Evergrip Weighted Jump Rope
The handles on Everlast’s weighted jump rope are very comfortable to hold and grip, which makes it easier to jump for longer periods of time without fatiguing the hands. The handles are also weighted, rather than just the rope, which makes them feel more like dumbbells. They’re also built with a rotating system that enables the rope to turn efficiently during use, which is a helpful feature. The only downside is the length of this weighted jump rope can’t be adjusted.
Crossrope Get Strong Jump Rope Set
Crossrope also offers an amped-up version of its classic jump rope set — particularly great for folks looking to lean into the strength training element a bit more or who are ready for a more intense cardio workout. Instead of quarter- and half-pound ropes, the ropes are 1 and 2 pounds, respectively, which was a noticeable shift for SPY editors during tests.
A thing to note: this set is definitely not for beginners but works well for strong folks who need more advanced equipment.
Pulse Weighted Jump Rope
Pulse makes a great budget-weighted jump rope with 1-pound weights in each handle and a slim, malleable rope that jumps easily. It’s built with a higher weight than other, more expensive options, which makes it a great value. The handles are also made with memory foam for a comfortable grip — a nice touch, especially given the price point.
Bala Jump Rope
Bala’s weighted jump rope has a simple, elegant design that also allows the user to adjust the length of the rope easily with a twist of the handles. (Having the right length of jump rope is essential for an efficient and safe jump, and since not all brands factor this in, it’s a major pro of using Bala’s version.) Its minimalist look and slim profile gives it a little less heft than other options, but on the plus side, it’s great for travel or if you have minimal storage space.
Everlast 11 Foot Pro Weight Adjustable Speed Rope
Everlast’s weighted jump rope is not only designed for taller folks (with an extra-long 11-foot rope), but it also has weight-adjustable molded handles that are extra easy to grip. Each one has a cap that can be twisted off to remove one or two smaller lead weights inside. This gives the user options without needing to buy an additional rope.
N1Fit Weighted Jump Rope
This weighted jump rope has a larger, more bulbous rope that adds heft in addition to large, foam handles that were by far the most comfortable to hold, according to SPY editors. This rope isn’t a design we’d recommend for more experienced gym-goers, but it’s great for younger children or older users with vision or mobility issues: The handles are easier to grab and the rope — especially in a bright red color — is easier to see. The larger size would make it harder to store, though, so it’s not recommended for folks looking for something minimal.
Weighted jump ropes are a great investment for frequent jumpers or cardio-lovers since the extra resistance can make workouts slightly more efficient. Weighted jump ropes are a distinctly different tool than battle ropes or chains — two gym accessories that are more inclined towards strength training — whereas these exist primarily to get the heart pumping. They’re also relatively affordable, especially in the grand scheme of gym equipment, and ones with slimmer designs would make a great addition to a travel gym bag for the road.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weighted Jump Ropes
How Much Do Weighted Jump Ropes Weigh?
The weight of weighted jump ropes varies, but most fall between 1/4 pounds and 2 pounds. This may not sound like a lot, but when you’re jumping for an extended period of time, that weight adds up fast. Most of the ones you’ll find on the market weigh about one pound, which adds plenty of resistance for the average user.
Are Weighted Jump Ropes Difficult to Store?
Weighted jump ropes can be large and bulky, but for the most part, all they take is a spare hook or spot on a shelf to store easily.
Are Weighted Jump Ropes Easy to Travel With?
A jump rope is a very travel-friendly piece of workout equipment, generally, but weighted jump ropes are still space-efficient even though they’re heavier. Most can fit in a suitcase easily — they may just add another five or 10 pounds.
Does Jumping Rope Help Lose Weight?
When combined with a nutrient-dense diet, jumping rope can help someone reach their weight loss goals. Effective weight loss happens within a calorie deficit, so jumping rope alone probably won’t lead to weight loss. However, jumping with a weighted jump rope is an efficient workout that combines cardio and strength training and burns calories in the process.
How Much Do Weighted Jump Ropes Cost?
Weighted jump ropes vary in price. Some cost as little as $6 to $10, while others are closer to $18 to $22. There are also some smart weighted jump rope systems that sync up with apps on your phone — those are usually priced at upwards of $100 per rope.