Have You Ever Tried A Weighted Jump Rope?

Jump ropes have been part of children’s play for years. They’ve also been used by athletes for training. Today, jump ropes are standard equipment at the gym. You’ll see them in Pittsburg, California, and around the country. For training, most people use a traditional jump rope, often called a speed jump rope. Speed jump ropes provide agility, endurance training and agility. There is another type of jump rope used for training. It’s a weighted jump rope. When you use a weighted jump rope, you get even more benefits.

Weighted jump ropes burn more calories.

If weight loss is your goal, consider a weighted jump rope. Traditional jump ropes are made from light plastic, braided cord or wire. They weigh a few ounces. Weighted jump ropes can weigh anywhere from about four ounces, all the way to ten pounds. Some have their weight in the handles, but the best choices have the weight in the rope. You’re moving the weight around you, challenging more muscles, and burning more calories.

You’ll get a boost to upper body strength and build more muscles using a weighted rope.

Besides burning more calories, weighted ropes can also build muscle strength. You’re working your upper body harder. You can increase the weight of the jump rope as you get fitter, making it a progressive workout, too. The weight is either in the handles or rope. If you’re considering ones with the weight in the rope, not the handle, you can find them in thick woven nylon and braided steel. It’s highly recommended to learn the technique on traditional speed jump ropes or lighter ropes, then switch to heavier ones once you have the proper technique. Handle-weighted ropes tend to cost less.

Start with the basics.

Most people have jumped rope or attempted to jump rope at one time or another. If you haven’t, start simple, it’s harder than it looks. Begin with the basic jump where you bounce on both feet at the same time, then alternate feet, switching feet as you jump, in almost running motion. Do a half minute of the basic jump, a half minute of alternating feet and rest. Repeat the process. After a few sessions, when you feel more proficient, switch to heavier rope. Gradually increase the weight of the rope.

• A traditional rope—speed rope—provides great cardio and improves lower body strength, weighted ropes work on both lower body and upper body strength.
• It might seem counterintuitive, but jumping rope is actually low-impact. Compared to high-impact exercises, like running, the feet are not lifted off the ground as high, it can be done on a soft mat or softer surface and you stay on the tips of the feet, rather than on the heels.
• Like many exercises, modifying your form will work different parts of the body and provide variety. You can cross your feet or arms, do side swings, do jumping jack foot movements, or adjust the width.
• Always check with your healthcare professional before starting any program of exercise, even jumping rope. Focus on posture and form. Whether you choose a weighted rope or opt for one from a dollar store, jumping rope is a good cardio workout.

For more information, contact us today at Thrive Fitness!