Jump Up and Slim Down With These Top-Rated Weighted Jump Ropes
Mention “jump rope” to anyone, and chances are it calls to mind memories of playground fun. We love double dutch just as much as the next person, and who knew all those hours at recess were actually training us for our favorite type of adult cardio. Jumping rope, when combined with other fitness regimens like weightlifting and yoga, is a great source of cardiovascular exercise that’s as healthy as it is fun. Combine jumping rope with weight resistance? Forget about it — you’ve got an exercise that’ll help you bulk up, slim down, and accomplish a wide range of other fitness goals.
The best weighted jump ropes are great because they work nearly every muscle in your body at once, making them a fun and efficient exercise. The rise of training styles like HIIT and Crossfit has breathed new life into the activity and jumping rope, especially with weighted jump ropes, has become an integral part of the best everyday workouts. Keep in mind that weighted jump ropes are not the same as CrossFit-style battle ropes. The former is used more for cardio, while the latter is used for cross-training.
There are many reasons to start using a weighted jump rope, and many choices out there when it comes to which ones to use. There are also countless choices when it comes to workouts, how to care for them and how to incorporate them into an existing fitness routine. We’re here to answer all your questions, and arm you with the best information (and rope) possible to aid in your exercise journey. In this article we’re going to cover:
- Benefits of weighted jump ropes
- Our favorite weighted jump rope brand
- The best weighted jump ropes you can order online today
- How to incorporate a weighted jump rope into an existing fitness routine
- Suggested workouts and fitness tips
- FAQs about weighted jump ropes
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Benefits of Weighted Jump Ropes
Right off the bat, using weighted jump ropes is great for your cardiovascular health. The repetitive jumping motion forces you to use all the muscles in your legs to propel you upwards and cushion the blow when you land again, and your core and arms are engaged in the swinging motion of the ropes as well.
Joshua Vela, a NASM-certified personal trainer at Daily Burn told POPSUGAR, “[It’s a] low-impact endurance activity that efficiently incinerates calories while positively impacting every aspect of your fitness training.”
“When jumping rope, expect to increase your cardiovascular threshold while increasing bone density, reducing your risk of foot and ankle injury, and honing in on dynamic balance and coordination skills.”
Weighted jump ropes simply amplify the effects of regular jump ropes by adding weight, resistance and a power element to the movement. As you’re trying to maintain the same number of reps or interval speed with more weight on you, the demand on your body is greater and you have to deliver more strength and speed at the same time. You can still do the same jumps and movements — high-knees, single leg hops, etc — but now the force you need to exert is greater than before.
You also target new muscle groups with a weighted jump rope, specifically underdeveloped muscles in the shoulders and upper arms. Weighted jump ropes can help workout the rotator cuff muscles, the muscles that keep the shoulder stabilized and in place, as well as the tricep and back muscles which are left behind during “curls for the girls” bicep circuits.
Lastly, weighted jump ropes are excellent because they travel easily, and you can use them anywhere. They’re a great portable piece of fitness equipment that you only need a bit of space to use.
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Our Favorite Weighted Jump Rope Brand: Crossrope
We can’t discuss weighted jump ropes much further without highlight Crossrope. They’re the Peloton of weighted jump ropes, and we’re a big fan of their products. They make weighted jump ropes that sync up with a smartphone app so you can stream guided workouts, and their ropes have a “fast clip” interchangeable system that enables you to change between lighter and heavier ropes for a varied workout.
Their ropes are made of durable braided steel with a proprietary coating that both prevents damage and tangling so you can jump anywhere easily. The handles are also ergonomically designed to make holding onto them as easy as possible, and the pro-grade ball bearings make rotation during your workout seamless.
Courtesy of Crossrope
Crossrope offers a variety of different fitness products, but we want to highlight their four key products that are worth focusing on.
1. Get Lean Jump Rope Set
This product is also included in our main round-up below, because it’s just that good. This is their lighter weighted jump rope that’s designed to help you burn fat and amp up your cardio a touch so you can build lean muscle, rather than bulk. This set comes with 1/4 lb and 1/2 lb weighted ropes as well as a carrying case. You also get free access to their Crossrope Lite virtual workout program that provides quick streamed workouts to your phone.
Courtesy of Crossrope
2. Get Strong Jump Rope Set
If Get Lean is all about burning fat, this set is more about gaining muscle and bulking up. These ropes and heavier and help you build real strength and power when using them. This set comes with a 1lb jump rope that’s great for high-intensity workouts and a 2lb jump rope that’s excellent for full-body. The set also comes with power handles that are designed to handle that level of resistance and rotate seamlessly.
Courtesy of Crossrope
3. Get Fit Bundle
This is a combination bundle of the lighter and heavier jump ropes so you can strength train and get your HIIT workouts in. This set includes the slim and power handles that are easy to switch in and out of. You won’t have to choose between bulking up and getting your cardio in, as you can do it all within this package.
Courtesy of Crossrope
4. Heavy LE Set
This is a limited-edition jump rope set from Crossrope that’s designed to use during Crossfit. It comes with a 3/4lb, 1 1/2lb and 3lb jump ropes (intense!) as well as the heavyweight LE handles designed to carry that amount of bulk. This set also has the fast clip system so you can switch between the different weights easily and they’re made for all fitness levels to use.
Courtesy of Crossrope
Best Weighted Jump Ropes for 2021
1. Crossrope Get Lean Weighted Jump Rope Set
BEST PREMIUM ROPE
The Crossrope Get Lean Weighted Jump Rope Set provides a great way to shed those unwanted pounds. The rope comes in four different sizes, allowing you to choose the one which suits your height best, and the kit also includes two different ropes, which easily click into the supplied handles. By changing between the 1/4 pound and 1/2 pound ropes, it’s easy to perform more varied workouts. You’ll also be able to download the accompanying smartphone app which provides access to hundreds of workouts as well as an online community of more than 75,000 jumpers to help keep motivation high.
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2. Pulse Weighted Jump Rope
RUNNER UP
With more than 1,300 five-star reviews on Amazon, the Pulse Weighted Jump Rope is a well-reviewed and popular choice for jump rope enthusiasts. The rope boasts foam handles to provide comfort throughout your workouts, while the six-millimeter rope allows for fast and consistent rotation. Plus, the width prevents tangles. In addition, the rope length can be adjusted to ensure it’s the right fit for you. This rope is especially ideal for Crossfit, MMA, boxing and cardio workouts.
33% OFF
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3. Benvo Weighted Ropeless Jump Rope
BEST ROPELESS
It may seem like a strange option, but being able to replicate the action of jumping rope without the potential pitfall of having the rope catch you or tangle ensures you’ve got no excuse for stopping during your workout. That’s why this Benvo Weighted Ropeless Jump Rope is a surprisingly popular option for rope jumpers. The rope comes with two foam-handled, weighted sponge grips, additional removable three-ounce weights and a handy storage bag. Finally, if you’re exercising at home or in a small apartment, this is one of the best weighted jump ropes for working out at home.
ON SALE!
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4. QiXin Weighted Jump Rope
MOST STYLISH
If it’s important that your jump rope looks as great as you do while you’re working out, consider the QiXin Weighted Jump Rope. It’s available in either black or grey and features sleek, gold-colored connectors that give the rope its stylish appearance. Functionally, this speed skipping rope sports comfortable six-inch handles which come with two removable 85-gram weights. The rope itself is made from a low temperature-resistant TPU material for durability and speed. Furthermore, the kit comes with a drawstring bag to help prevent tangles and keep your rope neatly stored when not in use.
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5. Everlast Evergrip Weighted Jump Rope
BEST ADJUSTABLE LENGTH
The Everlast Evergrip Weighted Jump Rope is a simple answer to your weighted jump rope needs. It’s ideal for households looking for an option to share between users as the length is adjustable up to nine feet. That’s also helpful for beginners who aren’t sure what height is best for them. The padded Evergrip handles provide comfort during workouts, while the removable weights allow you to enhance your cardio and give your upper body a workout at the same time.
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6. Nike Fundamental Weighted Rope
BEST BASIC
For a classic and simple option, this weighted rope from Nike is affordable, durable and versatile. The rope itself is adjustable in length, so you can lengthen or shorten it as needed depending on your height. Each handle weighs half a pound, making it heavy enough to get a workout but not so heavy that it’s hard to use. The all-black design will go with everything in your gym bag.
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7. Watsou Weighted Jump Rope
BEST FOR CALORIE COUNTING
If you’re aiming for a precise, exact goal in your workout that is quantifiable, calories is a good way to go. This weighted jump rope from Watsou has a calorie counter included that uses your elapsed time, number of rotations and entered weight to calculate how many calories you’ve burned so far in the workout. The handles are weighted with metal blocks encased in an ergonomically designed ABS handle that’s comfortable to hold. The handles have a foam non-slip grip for avoiding hand cramps and the nine foot long rope is adjustable based on your height.
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8. BODYHACKERZ Heavy Battle Jump Rope
HEAVIEST ROPE
At 5.5lbs, this is one of the heaviest weighted jump ropes you can buy and is for seriously building strength during cardio. It’s great for improving shoulder, forearm and calf strength and is made of thick, durable polyester that’s got a protective sleeve around it and rubber handles as well. It’s 1.5″ thick and comes with a drawstring bag for convenient storage and portability.
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9. Sonic Boom M2 High-Speed Jump Rope
BEST ACCESSORIES
This option from Sonic Boom has a self-locking cable design, making it easier to adjust the length as needed. The ball bearings in the handles allow you to jump faster, and the silicone grip is comfortable to hold for longer workouts. Plus, two 10-foot cables are included, so you can swap them out if one gets worn down. Plus, the longer handle length makes it more comfortable, because you can adjust your grip position as needed.
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10. Champion Sports Leather Ball Bearing Jump Rope
BEST LEATHER ROPE
With its genuine leather rope and comfortable wooden handles, the Champion Sports Leather Ball Bearing Jump Rope ticks all the boxes for a versatile, high-quality speed rope. As well as being durable, the leather rope comes in a variety of sizes depending on your height. Furthermore, the wood and leather combination also gives the rope an old-fashioned appearance worthy of even the classiest of home or gym interiors. The internal ball bearings provide a smooth rotation with each jump, and the leather rope gives this product enough weight to get your heart pumping. Although this home exercise product isn’t adjustable like other products on this list, it’s an affordable fitness jump rope made from high-quality natural materials.
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11. Gaoykai Weighted Jump Rope
BEST FOR AEROBIC WORKOUTS
The Gaoykai Weighted Jump Rope was designed for use during tougher aerobic workouts. It features a precision ball bearing system for a smooth rotation that creates controlled and comfortable use. The handles are made from a wear-resistant aluminum alloy and covered with tough, anti-slip silicone for easy gripping. You’ll also find that the 9.8-foot rope is thicker than the average jump rope for increased durability.
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12. TOCO FREIDO Weighted Jump Rope
BEST BUDGET OPTION
The TOCO FREIDO Weighted Jump Rope’s handles and wire are made from steel to give it an impressive amount of strength and durability. There are also bearings mounted inside each handle to provide smoothness as the rope rotates at whatever speed you can achieve. To maximize your enjoyment and comfort, the rope sports a self-locking system, which allows you to choose the ideal length, as well as adjustable weights to let you choose the weight which best suits you.
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13. Sinrida Digital Counting Speed Jumping Rope
BEST BUILT-IN COUNTER
If you want an easy way to count your rotations without having to use your brain, invest in the Sinrida Digital Counting Speed Jumping Rope. This versatile skipping rope includes everything you could want from a jump rope, including an HD LCD screen for displaying your rotation count, optional weights for harder workouts, anti-slip handles and the choice between a corded or cordless workout. Additionally, the rope comes in your choice of either blue or pink.
ON SALE!
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14. N1FIT Weighted Jump Rope
MOST VERSATILE
The N1FIT Weighted Jump Rope is a simple yet versatile answer to your jump rope needs. It includes a 100 percent tangle-free cable to ensure your rope is always ready to go when you need it. It’s also easily adjustable and includes a simplified bearing system to further ensure smooth and comfortable spinning during use. Furthermore, you’ll find the rope’s memory foam handles to be exceptionally comfortable during your jump rope workouts.
ON SALE!
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15. VOXLOVA Weighted Jump Rope
BEST FOR CROSSFIT
If you’re looking for the best weighted jump ropes for Crossfit, MMA or other high-intensity workouts, look no further than the VOXLOVA Weighted Jump Rope. The handles are made from tough aluminum with silicone covering for a non-slip and comfortable experience, while the nine-foot PVC rope is high-density for greater durability and increased speed. The kit also comes with a carrying bag, spare parts and the tools required for assembly, too.
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16. JAKAGO Weighted Jump Rope
BEST STAINLESS STEEL
The JAKAGO Weighted Jump Rope is a versatile jump rope that’s great for use at home, school, the gym or on the go. It sports heavy, stainless steel handles which add to your workout by burning extra calories and increasing your upper body strain. Plus, the handle’s elastic foam covering absorbs sweat and provides a grippy and comfortable hold during use. You can also easily adjust the length of the rope and choose from three different handle colors. The heavy steel handles will feel great in your hands as you get your daily cardio in.
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17. AUTUWT Heavy Weighted Jump Rope
BEST ONE-PIECE
If you really mean you want a jump ‘rope,’ the AUTUWT Heavy Weighted Jump Rope is the answer you’re looking for. These large-size ropes are a great way to improve shoulder strength and flexibility at the same time. The ropes are made from a thick polyester and sport a black color, which helps minimize the negative impacts of dirt, keeping your rope looking newer for longer. You’ll also find the rope sports soft rubber handles for maximum comfort during use. This jump rope is a great addition to gyms and ideal for at-home workouts, too.
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18. BESTWON Jump Rope
BEST HANDLES
This affordable option has several features that make it a great option for any fitness enthusiast. The length of the cable is adjustable to suit people of different heights. The self-locking design of the rope makes it easy to adjust, and the ball-bearings built into the handles make it move more smoothly, allowing you to jump more quickly. The cable is made from a similar material to a bike lock cable, so it’ll be durable and long-lasting. The grip is knurled metal, so it won’t slip out of your hands.
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19. Fitness Gear Weighted Speed Rope
ERGONOMIC GRIP
This affordable option from Fitness Gear combines the benefits of a speed rope with those of a weighted rope. The handles have removable one-pound weights, and the built-in bearings help the rope move more smoothly so you can jump faster. The grips have a contoured, ergonomic shape and are coated with rubber for greater comfort.
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20. Redify Exercise Jump Rope
BEST FABRIC JUMP ROPE
This unique option comes in a variety of eye-catching colors, so you always remember to bring it with you when you’re on the move. The handles have comfortable, padded foam grips that stay in place no matter how much you sweat. Unlike most of the ropes on this list, the handles themselves aren’t weighted. Rather, the rope itself is made from heavy nylon. To keep the fabric from being damaged every time it scrapes the ground, a rubber bumper is added to the middle of the rope.
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How to Workout With Weighted Jump Ropes
Weighted jump ropes are an excellent source of cardio, with a little weight resistance thrown in for good measure. One of the best ways to use a weighted jump rope is in a circuit, combined with other movements like push-ups, squats and burpees. Using a 30-second on, 30-second off structure is a great way to incorporate enough rest into the workout so your body can recover between sets, and your movements can be that much more explosive.
Here’s a great circuit that incorporates only bodyweight strength movements and a weighted jump rope. Please consult your physician before embarking on any new fitness routines.
- 30 seconds of weighted jump rope
- 20 seconds of rest
- 30 seconds of push-ups
- 20 seconds of rest
- 1 minute of air squats
- 20 seconds of rest
- 1 minute of bear plank
- 20 seconds of rest
- 30 seconds of weighted jump rope
Repeat this circuit three times and you’ve got yourself a full-body workout! Here’s another great circuit you can do with a weighted jump rope:
Workout Tips for Weighted Jump Ropes
- Brace your core the entire time and maintain the engagement. Maintaining a stable core will help avoid injury in your back, legs or other major body parts.
- All the rotation of the rope should be coming from your wrists. While your arm muscles are helping propel the rope forward, your wrists are doing most of the work, and your shoulders down to your elbow should be stable during the movement.
- Stay on the balls of your feet, and stay relaxed. Maintain an athletic position and keep your gaze straight ahead so you don’t lose your balance or hunch over.
- If you’re prone to plantar fasciitis or have problems with your ankles or knees, make sure you consult your doctor before using a weighted jump rope and listen to your body the entire time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weighted Jump Ropes
Weighted jump ropes are regular jump ropes that are made of heavier, thicker material like leather, silicone, rubber or fabric. They vary in weight, bulk and thickness, but they all add something extra to the jumping experience via resistance.
The weight of weighted jump ropes varies, but most fall between 1/4 pounds and two 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.
Using a weighted jump rope provides excellent physical exercise in a few ways. Your abs need to be engaged during the movement because the rope distributes weight over your entire body. Also, the movement of swinging the rope up and over your head engages more muscles in the upper arms and shoulders, because the added weight of the rope provides resistance your body needs to control.
Again, weighted jump ropes vary in cost. Some cost as little as $6-$10 while other are closer to $18-$22. There are also some smart weighted jump rope systems that sync up with apps on your phone, those will cost you upwards of $100 per rope.
In our experience, Crossrope brand weighted jump ropes are the best option for most athletes. The company has a few different models, but the Crossrope Get Lean Weighted Jump Rope Set is our favorite. This system comes with both 1/4-pound and 1/2-pound ropes as well as an app with workout routines. It's also more expensive than the competition at $99.