How can battle rope exercises transform your fitness routine. What are the key techniques for mastering battle rope workouts. Which battle rope exercises deliver maximum results for strength and cardio.
The Rise of Battle Ropes: A Versatile Fitness Powerhouse
Battle ropes have become a staple in gyms worldwide, and for good reason. These thick, heavy ropes offer a multifaceted workout that combines strength training, fat loss, and intense cardio. Their popularity has surged since their introduction in the mid-2000s, with fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike recognizing their potential for delivering ruthlessly effective workouts.
Why have battle ropes gained such traction in the fitness community? The answer lies in their versatility and effectiveness. These ropes provide:
- Increased strength
- Enhanced fat loss
- Intense cardio workouts
- Improved muscular endurance
- Compatibility with Tabata training
Moreover, battle ropes are an accessible piece of equipment that can be easily set up outdoors and require minimal storage space. For those looking to bring the battle rope experience home, Mirafit offers a range of options suitable for different experience levels and available spaces. Their ropes come in various lengths, and they provide five anchor options for attaching the ropes to outdoor walls, lawn stakes, or poles.
Mastering the Wave: The Quintessential Battle Rope Exercise
The wave is the cornerstone of battle rope exercises, and who better to guide us through its intricacies than Rhian Cowburn, co-founder of Strong + Bendy gym and Guinness World Record holder for battle rope waves? Cowburn’s expertise offers invaluable insights into perfecting this fundamental movement.
Grip Technique: The Foundation of Power
How should you grip the battle rope for maximum effectiveness? Cowburn advises placing your hand and fingers on the handle, but with the thumb off the handle and on the rope itself. This grip allows for a more effective wrist flick, crucial for generating powerful waves.
A common mistake is holding the handle at the very end. This prevents proper wrist action and can lead to the rope slipping out of sweaty hands during endurance sets. The correct grip ensures better control and sustained performance.
Stance and Form: Building a Solid Base
Proper stance is crucial for effective battle rope exercises. Cowburn recommends standing with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, maintaining a slight bend in the hips and knees while keeping the back straight and chest forward. This posture provides stability and allows for optimal power generation.
The Art of the Flick: Creating Perfect Waves
The key to mastering the wave lies in the wrist flick. Visualize throwing the ropes up and away by quickly flicking your wrist to raise and lower the ropes, alternating between right and left hands. Avoid the common error of tugging the ropes towards yourself, which not only disrupts the wave motion but can also lead to shoulder injuries.
Choosing the Right Rope: Size Matters
Selecting the appropriate rope length and thickness is crucial for an effective workout. Cowburn emphasizes the importance of ensuring the wave reaches the anchor point. For beginners, a nine-meter long, 1/5-inch thick rope is typically sufficient. As you progress, you can move up to 12-meter-plus ropes and increase thickness to two inches for a more challenging workout.
Breathing and Positioning: The Overlooked Essentials
Two often-overlooked aspects of battle rope exercises are proper breathing and maintaining position. Cowburn stresses the importance of taking long, deep breaths throughout the workout, especially given the simultaneous challenge to strength and cardio fitness.
Additionally, be mindful of your position relative to the anchor point. It’s easy to unconsciously creep forward during a long set, which creates slack in the ropes and compromises form. To prevent this, mark your starting position with chalk or tape and strive to maintain that spot throughout your workout.
5 Essential Battle Rope Exercises to Elevate Your Workout
Charles Allan-Price from W10 Performance gym provides insights into incorporating battle ropes into your fitness routine. These versatile tools can be used at various points in your workout:
- As part of a warm-up or activation phase
- To build intensity mid-workout with waves, slams, and whips
- As a high-intensity finisher based on time or reps
Allan-Price notes that battle ropes are particularly effective for time-based workouts, allowing you to work at a higher intensity than with traditional weights, thereby elevating your heart rate and calorie burn. Here are his top five battle rope exercises to incorporate into your training:
1. Biceps Wave: Priming the Muscles
The biceps wave is an excellent starting exercise that primes your muscles for the workout ahead. How do you perform it correctly?
- Maintain a quarter squat position with a straight back
- Minimize elbow movement to focus the effort on the biceps
- Wave the ropes as fast as possible, aiming for high reps and high amplitude
- Keep elbows close to the body to prevent shoulder fatigue
2. Lateral Whip: Engaging the Core and Shoulders
The lateral whip is a dynamic movement that engages multiple muscle groups. What’s the proper technique?
- Start with feet shoulder-width apart
- Hold both ends of the rope in one hand
- Swing the rope from side to side, creating a horizontal wave
- Engage your core and rotate your torso to power the movement
- Alternate hands after a set number of reps or time
Advanced Battle Rope Techniques: Pushing Your Limits
As you become more proficient with basic battle rope exercises, you can incorporate more advanced techniques to challenge yourself further. These advanced movements not only intensify your workout but also add variety to prevent plateaus.
3. Alternating Waves with Squat Jump
This compound movement combines the upper body engagement of alternating waves with the explosive lower body power of squat jumps. How do you execute this advanced move?
- Begin with standard alternating waves
- Every few waves, perform a squat jump
- Land softly back into the squat position
- Immediately resume the alternating waves
This exercise elevates your heart rate rapidly while engaging your entire body, making it an excellent choice for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions.
4. Seated Russian Twist with Ropes
This core-intensive exercise combines the benefits of battle ropes with the classic Russian twist. What’s the correct form for this challenging move?
- Sit on the ground with knees bent and feet slightly off the floor
- Hold a rope handle in each hand
- Lean back slightly to engage your core
- Rotate your torso from side to side, creating waves with the ropes as you twist
This exercise targets your obliques and deep core muscles while maintaining the cardiovascular benefits of rope work.
5. Power Slams with Burpees
For those seeking an all-out, full-body challenge, power slams combined with burpees offer an unparalleled intensity. How can you incorporate this grueling combination into your workout?
- Start with feet shoulder-width apart, holding both rope handles
- Raise the ropes overhead and slam them down forcefully
- Immediately drop into a burpee
- As you stand up from the burpee, grab the ropes and repeat
This combination exercise pushes your cardiovascular system to its limits while engaging every major muscle group in your body.
Battle Rope Workout Programming: Structuring for Success
Incorporating battle rope exercises into a structured workout program can significantly enhance your fitness results. How can you effectively program battle rope exercises for optimal gains?
HIIT Battle Rope Circuit
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) pairs perfectly with battle rope exercises. A sample HIIT circuit might look like this:
- 30 seconds Alternating Waves
- 15 seconds rest
- 30 seconds Power Slams
- 15 seconds rest
- 30 seconds Lateral Whips
- 15 seconds rest
- 30 seconds Biceps Waves
- 15 seconds rest
Repeat this circuit 3-5 times for a challenging 12-20 minute workout.
Endurance-Focused Battle Rope Training
For those looking to build muscular endurance and cardiovascular stamina, longer duration sets with shorter rest periods can be highly effective:
- 60 seconds Alternating Waves
- 30 seconds rest
- 60 seconds Seated Russian Twists with Ropes
- 30 seconds rest
- 60 seconds Power Slams with Burpees
- 30 seconds rest
Aim to complete 3-4 rounds of this endurance-focused circuit.
Nutrition and Recovery: Fueling Your Battle Rope Journey
To maximize the benefits of your battle rope workouts, proper nutrition and recovery are essential. What dietary considerations should you keep in mind when incorporating intense battle rope sessions into your fitness routine?
Pre-Workout Nutrition
Before tackling a battle rope workout, focus on consuming a balanced meal or snack containing:
- Complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
- Lean protein to support muscle function
- Healthy fats for hormone balance
A banana with almond butter or a small serving of oatmeal with berries and Greek yogurt can be excellent pre-workout choices.
Post-Workout Recovery
After your battle rope session, prioritize replenishing your body with:
- High-quality protein to support muscle repair and growth
- Fast-acting carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores
- Hydration to replace fluids lost through sweat
A protein shake with added fruit or a lean protein source with sweet potato and vegetables can aid in recovery and prepare your body for the next workout.
Safety Considerations and Form Correction
While battle rope exercises offer numerous benefits, proper form and safety precautions are crucial to prevent injury and ensure maximum effectiveness. What are some key safety considerations to keep in mind?
Warm-Up Thoroughly
Before diving into intense battle rope work, warm up your entire body with dynamic stretches and light cardio. This prepares your muscles and joints for the demanding movements to come.
Maintain Proper Form
Throughout your workout, focus on maintaining proper form:
- Keep your core engaged to protect your lower back
- Avoid locking your knees or elbows
- Maintain a neutral spine position
- Use your legs to generate power, not just your arms
Listen to Your Body
Battle rope workouts can be intense. Pay attention to your body’s signals and avoid pushing through pain. If you experience sharp or persistent discomfort, stop the exercise and consult a fitness professional or healthcare provider.
By incorporating these safety measures and focusing on proper form, you can enjoy the full benefits of battle rope exercises while minimizing the risk of injury.
Tracking Progress and Setting Goals with Battle Ropes
To maximize the effectiveness of your battle rope training, it’s essential to track your progress and set achievable goals. How can you measure improvement and stay motivated in your battle rope journey?
Quantitative Metrics
Track these measurable aspects of your workouts:
- Duration of continuous exercise
- Number of repetitions in a set time
- Rest time between sets
- Total workout volume (sets x reps x time)
Qualitative Assessments
Consider these subjective measures of progress:
- Perceived exertion during workouts
- Recovery time between sessions
- Overall energy levels and mood
- Visual changes in muscle definition and body composition
Goal Setting
Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for your battle rope training. Examples might include:
- Increasing continuous wave time by 15 seconds each week
- Progressing from a 1.5-inch to a 2-inch rope within three months
- Completing a 20-minute non-stop battle rope circuit within six weeks
By consistently tracking these metrics and working towards clear goals, you can ensure continued progress and maintain motivation in your battle rope workouts.
Integrating Battle Ropes with Other Training Modalities
While battle rope exercises are highly effective on their own, combining them with other training modalities can lead to even greater fitness gains. How can you integrate battle ropes with other forms of exercise for a well-rounded fitness program?
Battle Ropes and Strength Training
Incorporate battle rope exercises into your strength training routine:
- Use battle ropes as a high-intensity finisher after weightlifting
- Alternate between strength exercises and rope work for a metabolic circuit
- Use battle ropes for active recovery between heavy lifting sets
Battle Ropes and Cardiovascular Training
Enhance your cardio workouts with battle rope intervals:
- Alternate between running or cycling and battle rope exercises
- Use battle ropes as a warm-up before endurance training
- Incorporate short battle rope bursts into longer cardio sessions for intensity spikes
Battle Ropes and Functional Fitness
Combine battle ropes with functional movements for a comprehensive workout:
- Pair battle rope waves with bodyweight exercises like push-ups or squats
- Use battle ropes in obstacle course-style workouts
- Incorporate battle rope exercises into suspension trainer (TRX) routines
By creatively integrating battle ropes with various training modalities, you can create diverse, challenging workouts that target all aspects of fitness.
Battle Rope Exercises And Workouts To Get You Ripped
Battle ropes are no passing fad. They’ve been around since the mid-noughties and interest has steadily increased to the point where nearly all gyms have a set. And there’s a good reason for such widespread adoption. Throwing these thick, heavy ropes about does more than look impressive – it’s a ruthlessly effective workout.
Along with increased strength and fat loss, battle ropes provide an intense cardio workout – they’re well-suited to Tabata training – and develop muscular endurance. What’s not to love?
It’s also an easy-to-acquire piece of kit which is simple to set up outside and takes up minimal storage space. We’d recommend a battle rope from Mirafit: as well as having ropes of different lengths to suit your experience and space available, there are five anchor options (sold seperately) so you can attach the ropes to an outside wall, a stake in your lawn or any suitable pole with the addition of a strap.
Use our guide to the key exercises, as well as workouts and session finishers from the experts, to reap the benefits for yourself.
How To Master Battle Ropes Wave
The wave is the quintessential battle ropes exercise – and it’s one that we think it’s fair to say that Rhian Cowburn, Strong + Bendy gym co-founder, has mastered. Cowburn performed battle ropes waves for an hour to take the female Guinness World Record while beating the men’s time, too. So who better to ask for advice on how to perform the move?
Get your grip right
“The ideal grip is the hand and fingers on the handle,” says Cowburn, “but with the thumb off the handle on the rope itself, with your hands facing each other. I find this allows you to flick the wrist in a way that isn’t possible when just holding the handle.
“I often see people holding the handle right at the end. This is a no-no, because it means you can’t flick the wrist. Also, if you’re working up to endurance sets your hands will get sweaty and the rope could end up slipping out of your hands. ”
Set a solid stance
“Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart,” says Cowburn. “Don’t stand completely upright, but put a slight bend in your hips and knees while keeping your back straight and chest forwards.”
Flick, don’t tug
“Visualise throwing the ropes up and away by flicking your wrist quickly to raise and lower the ropes, alternating between your right and left hand,” says Cowburn. “A common error is tugging the ropes towards yourself, which doesn’t create a nice wave motion and can also cause shoulder injuries.”
Learn the ropes
“Make sure to choose rope of the right length and thickness,” says Cowburn. “Is the wave reaching all the way to the anchor point? Be honest. If not, perhaps your rope is too thick, too long, or both. When starting out, a nine-metre long, ⅕in-thick rope will definitely be enough to get a great workout in. Then you can progress up to 12m-plus ropes and if you want to really take it up a notch, increase the rope thickness to two inches. ”
Breathe
“This sounds obvious,” says Cowburn, “but often the level of concentration needed means people hold their breath! Needless to say you won’t last very long on a workout that’s challenging both your strength and cardio fitness at the same time without making sure you’re taking long deep breaths.”
Don’t creep forwards
“The thing to watch out for during a long set is ending up closer to the anchor point than when you started,” says Cowburn. “You’ll hardly realise you’re doing it, but gradually you can end up creeping forwards, which puts too much slack in the ropes and makes it really hard to create a nice wave as well as keeping great form. Put a marker down in chalk or tape on the floor, and try to stand on or close to that point for the duration of your long set.”
5 Essential Battle Rope Exercises
“You can use ropes at the beginning of your session as part of a warm-up or activation phase,” says Charles Allan-Price from W10 Performance gym. “You can also use them in the middle of your workout to build intensity with waves, slams and whips, or you can use them at the end of a workout as a finisher for time or reps.”
“Ropes are great for time-based workouts,” says Allan-Price. “You work at a higher intensity than you do than with, say, dumbbells so you get your heart rate up as well to burn more calories.” Here are Allan-Price’s favourite battle rope exercises to add to your training repertoire.
1 Biceps wave
Keeping the rest of your body still, wave the ropes as fast as possible, focusing on high reps and high amplitude. It’ll prime your muscles for what’s to come.
“Stay in a quarter squat position, with your back straight, and keep elbow movement to a minimum,” says Allan-Price. “Keeping your elbows in will stop your shoulders from burning out and keep the movement in the biceps.”
2 Lateral whip
With a slight bend in your elbows, bring the ropes up as if you were doing a lateral raise, keeping your thumbs pointing slightly forwards. Then whip them downwards. Continue to do your raises at speed.
“This is a great way to target the rear delts and back muscles, which are muscles associated with creating better posture,” says Allan-Price. “Common errors include too much leg movement in and out of the squat, and letting the torso slouch. Keep your chest up and stay in a quarter squat position.”
3 Outside spiral
With alternate arms, make outward circles so that the rope moves like a corkscrew, working your shoulders and rotator cuffs.
“This exercises has a few variations for all levels of ability, from half kneeling to clockwise and anti-clockwise rotations,” says Allan-Price. “It will work the rotator cuffs, which are the small stabilising muscles of the shoulder joints, and create core tension – that’s why it is important to keep your torso as strong as possible by not allowing yourself to slouch. It’s a fun and dynamic way to train the back muscles and rotator cuffs.”
4 Lying T
Lie face down with your arms forming a T-shape, then move them up and down as if you’re preparing for lift-off. It’ll work your lower back and shoulders.
“Another great exercise to work the posture muscles, and a great activation drill when starting a battle rope workout,” says Allan-Price. “During this exercise you’re going to work the upper, middle and lower traps as well as the rear delts, and your shoulders will be burning after 30 seconds. It’s great to use either in warm-ups or as a main set exercise. Make sure you squeeze your glutes and don’t arch your lower back. You should mainly feel this through the upper back and the shoulders.”
5 Jumping slam
The grand finale. Jump up and bring both ropes down together, aiming for high amplitude. Repeat with as much height and velocity as you can manage.
“Any exercise that has the word ‘slam’ in it will instantly become a favourite for me,” says Allan-Price. “Treat this exercise like a squat jump with a slam, so you keep your elbows relatively straight and your torso neutral – and slam the crap out of the rope into the ground to get your heart rate up and burn calories. Remember that this exercise will tire you out pretty quickly, so have a hawk’s eye on your form – with no slouching!”
Battle Rope Exercises For Your Core
Full circle wave
Stand tall, sideways on to where the rope ends are fixed, holding the other ends of the ropes in each hand with your hands together. Move your hands in a big circle clockwise in front of your body for 12 reps, then do 12 reps anti-clockwise. Turn around then repeat. Rest for 30 seconds and repeat three times.
Two-point wave
Start in the plank position with your abs fully engaged and your body straight. Hold the rope in your right hand and raise your left leg. Wave your right hand up and down, keeping the rest of your body stable, for 15 seconds, then switch sides and repeat. Rest for 30 seconds and repeat five times.
Side plank wave
Start in a side plank with your legs straight and your upper body supported on your right forearm. Hold the rope in your left hand and wave it up and down for 15 seconds. Switch sides and repeat. Rest 30 seconds and repeat five times.
Upper-Body Battle Ropes Workout
”For any sport that demands upper-body conditioning, like rugby, MMA or CrossFit, ropes are a very useful tool because of the amount of conditioning you can get from them,” says top personal trainer Tom Eastham (@EasthamsFitness). “For maximum effect, focus on maintaining the intensity of the motion from start to finish, no matter how much it burns.”
In fact, if it’s upper-body conditioning you want, battle ropes are the best tool. “It’s hard to get it from anything else without serious fatigue,’ says Eastham. “Sure, you can max out on press-ups and suspension rows, but you won’t be working for very long. The ropes will fatigue your cardiovascular system before your muscles give in.”
Do this three-move rope workout to whip your upper body into shape. Do move 1 for 40 seconds on, rest for 20 seconds, then do the same for moves 2 and 3. Do 12 rounds.
1 Alternating rope whips
Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart, holding a battle rope in each hand. Begin to move the ropes up and down one at a time creating a wave movement through both ropes. Move the ropes quickly and smoothly, one at a time.
2 Wrestler throws
Grab the ropes in a reverse grip so the ends are pointing toward the ceiling. Whip the ropes up and over, rotating your whole body to the left. Then whip up and over and rotate your whole body to the right. Do as many reps as you can, always imagining you’re throwing the rope to the floor.
3 Lunge slam
Holding a rope in each hand, raise your arms and slam the ropes down into the ground as hard as you can while lunging to one side. Repeat the move on alternate sides.
Battle Rope Finishers
Quickfire rope workouts for fast fat loss and upper-body conditioning.
Tabata rope whips
What Eight rounds of 20 seconds’ work and ten seconds’ rest of double rope whips.
Why “We are not looking for power here, just total rep count over four minutes,” says Eastham. “Grab a friend and ask them to count, then challenge them to beat your score. It’s all about intensity over volume – something CrossFit does very well. This challenge should bring your intensity towards the max.”
Burpee whips
What Alternate five double rope whips with one burpee. See how many burpees you can manage in 60 seconds.
Why “Any contact sport athlete needs the ability to get up from the floor quickly and often,” says Eastham. “With the rugby players I train, I test their max effort burpee score in 60 seconds. Add in some battle ropes and they are in a mess. A great test of your max power output.”
Muscular endurance test
What The exercise is simple. Alternating singe arm rope whips. Work for 30 seconds. Rest for 30 seconds.
Why The aim is to complete as many intervals as possible, keeping a steady pace and without dropping the rope. “This is as much a mental toughness test as it is a physical one,” says Eastham. “Be honest with yourself, and don’t drop the tempo of those whips.”
5 Battle Rope Exercises for a Quick Full-Body Workout
Photo: Twenty20
Remember those giant ropes you used to play tug of war with as a kid? Well, you can also use them as a tool to blast calories and build muscle at the gym. In fact, you only need a few minutes at the end of your regularly scheduled strength workout to get your burst of cardio in, along with a full-body workout burn.
With the five battle rope exercises below, you’ll strengthen your abs, arms and shoulders, as well as activate your leg muscles and increase both upper and lower body power production. Even better, you get high-intensity conditioning all at the same time, says Liz Adams, athlete and coach at CrossFit Union Square. To top it off, any move can remain low-impact, which means they’re great for athletes with joint issues, and you can cater each exercise to any fitness level, Adams adds.
So, next time you see those burly ropes at the gym, head over and give them a whirl (or whip) for 10 minutes. Research from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning shows that’s all you need to achieve a vigorous full-body workout. These five battle rope exercises will give you a creative, seriously taxing Tabata-style routine, so get slamming!
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5 Battle Rope Exercises for a HIIT Full-Body Workout
Before you start swinging, make sure you anchor the rope around a heavy kettlebell (think more than 50 pounds), a weight machine or a railing. When you’re set, it’s time to wave in the results.
1. Jumping Power Slams
Power slams offer a total-body plyometric burn that tires your muscles out fast, says Adams. Now, add an explosive lower-body element and you turn up the benefits even more.
How to: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart in a quarter squat, facing the anchor. Hold one side of the rope in each hand, then lower the battle ropes down to your sides with your arms extended (a). Lower into a squat, tighten your core, and then explode into the air, jumping high, while raising both hands overhead (b). As you land softly back down into a squat, forcefully slam the ropes onto the ground in a wave motion (c). Repeat 30 seconds, then rest for 30 seconds. Do 3-4 sets.
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2. Squat to Shoulder Press
Strengthen your shoulders as you work your lower body and core, too. This movement is especially beneficial for barbell athletes because it uses the same muscles as the thruster or clean and jerk, Adams says. Instead of going for HIIT-style for this movement, focus on form. When your form starts to break, it’s time to stop, she says.
How to: Start with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart. Hold the ropes on your shoulders, making sure that there is very little slack in the rope itself (a). Lower down into a squat (b). As you stand back up, simultaneously press the ropes overhead to straighten your arms (c). Then, in one fluid motion lower the ropes back to the tops of your shoulders as you sink back into a squat (d). Repeat for 10-20 reps, rest for 60 seconds, then repeat for 3-4 sets.
3. Alternating Wide Circles
The wide circle motion in this full-body move puts extra emphasis on your back and grip strength, says Adams. Make the circles as big as you can, using your legs only if you need to. “I recommend keeping as much momentum going throughout the exercise as possible, because the more you slow down, the heavier those ropes will feel and the harder it will be to get those ropes moving again,” Adams says.
How to: Stand with feet hip-width apart in a shallow squat. Grip one end of the rope in each of your hands. Tighten your core, and move each rope out to the side in a circle motion (a). Then, complete the circle by bringing your arm back in front of your body (b). Use the momentum to keep the circular motion going. Each arm should move independently, but still in-sync (c). Repeat for 30 seconds, then rest for 30 seconds. Do 3-4 sets.
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4. Jumping Jacks
Jack up your heart rate up while working the smaller muscles in and around the shoulders. You’ll definitely feel this in your core and obliques, too, Adams says.
How to: Start by holding one end of the rope in each hand, elbows bent and feet about hip-width apart (b). Jump your feet out wide as you bring your arms up and out to the sides, keeping your elbows bent so you can lift the ropes to shoulder height (b). Then, slam the ropes back down as you jump your feet back together (c). Continue the jack for 30 seconds, then rest for 30 seconds. Do 3-4 sets.
5. Alternating Jump Wave
Finish up arm day with a little full-body workout action that requires solid coordination and power. You’ll feel it in your shoulders, arms and back, while the squats target your glutes and legs, too.
How to: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and grab one side of the rope with each hand. Place both hands to the right side of your hips and drop down into a squat (a). Explode off the ground as your swing the ropes up and over to the outside of your left hip, landing softly back into a squat (b). Continue alternating swings as you do jump squats for 30 seconds, then rest for 30 seconds. Do 3-4 sets.
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Battle Ropes Workout, What You Need to Know
Ropes are nothing new. Neither are battles. So it’s sort of surprising that one of the latest trends in fitness is an old-school piece of gear.
That’s right: After years of being confined to martial arts gyms and football training rooms, weighted battle ropes are finally entering the mainstream—and that means it’s time to add them to your fitness routine.
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“Battle ropes offer full body strength training as well as cardio,” says Danielle Hopkins, a master trainer at Printing House Equinox in New York City and the creator of the gym’s popular Ropes & Rowers program. “They’re especially great for targeting your core and upper body, since those are your primary movers in battle rope training.”
Battle ropes are valuable for guys looking to build muscle (or simply change up their routines) without turning to ultra-heavy weights. Because ropes create forces and tension from angles that are harder to achieve with basic weight training, they confuse and surprise your muscles into making new gains.
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Most fitness supply stores carry battle ropes now—look for nylon ropes with rubber ends, which make it easier to grip the rope with sweaty hands. But if you’re the old-school type—or just prefer the vintage look in your at-home sweatbox—you can always run down to your nearest hardware store and pick up about 50 feet of nylon or manila rope about 1.5 to 2 inches thick.
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Start by integrating a set of rope work to the end of your workout, Hopkins says. She suggests doing a basic alternating wave over 30-second on/off intervals. Start with 3 or 4 intervals and then work up to 6 (or reduce the rest) once you’re comfortable. Once you’ve mastered the alternating waves, work both arms in tandem (the double wave) to ratchet up the intensity.
Do each set of rope exercises in a squat position, Hopkins says. Make sure to stabilize your core and plant your feet shoulder-width apart.
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Wave: Probably the most common battle rope swing, the standard wave is a great way to focus on your biceps. Tuck your elbows into your sides and alternate pumping your arms up and down, creating alternate waves in the rope. When you’re ready to step up the difficulty, switch to a double wave, where your arms move in tandem.
Slam: Lift both ends of the rope overhead, and then slam the rope down with full force onto the ground. Make sure to maintain good posture. This move engages your shoulders, arms, back, and core, especially your abs.
Circles: Move each arm in independent circles in front of you. You can rotate each arm outward (left counterclockwise, right clockwise) or inward (left clockwise, right counterclockwise). It’s a great way to focus on your shoulders. You can also hold both hands together and make a single circle with both ends of the rope—start moving clockwise, and then switch to counterclockwise halfway through the set.
Flyes: Squat low and whip each end of the rope in tandem, as if you’re flapping your arms like wings. Keep your elbow bent only slightly. It’s a seriously challenging workout for your whole back.
Grappler Throws: Keeping both your feet grounded, pivot your torso from side to side. During each pivot, flip the ropes over as if you were throwing them to the floor on the side you’re pivoting toward.
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The Battle Rope Circuit Workout
As with any new exercise routine or piece of equipment, make sure you’re totally comfortable and have plenty of practice before pushing yourself to the limit. If at any point you feel overworked, or if your form starts to suffer, take a break, recuperate, and only complete your workout if you feel like you can handle it.
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Once you’re comfortable using battle ropes and you’re ready to integrate them into a regular workout, Hopkins suggests you try this combo circuit of battle rope swings. Perform each move for 30 seconds with 30 seconds of rest. Once you’ve done all 6, rest for 2 full minutes and repeat.
1. Burpee slams: Alternate 3 double arm slams with one burpee, repeat and see how many burpee you can complete in 30 seconds.
2. Alternate wave/lateral lunge combo: Begin with feet close together and start to make alternate waves. Continue the alternate wave pattern with the arms as you lunge laterally (right to left) while swinging the ropes.
3. Single arm plank waves: Begin in a plank position. With one arm, grab one side of the rope. Complete 5 single arm waves from plank position, then switch.
4. Double wave/jump squat combo: Start with a wide stance. This will be done on a four count. Begin making double waves as you lower into a deep squat, counting to three. On four, jump and begin the cycle again.
5. Jacks: Hold both ends of the rope in your hands and walk towards the anchor a few steps so you have some slack. Next, perform jumping jacks with the ropes.
6. Claps: Standing in a squat position, move the ropes in and out as though you were drawing an “s” pattern on the floor. The ropes should hit and “clap” each other along the way.
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8 Battle Rope Exercises to Build a Powerful Core
You’ve probably seen the thick coils of rope positioned around your gym, almost as if your personal trainer were turning the weight room into his own personal shed. Don’t worry, he’s not. These long, heavy strands of rope actually serve as an incredibly challenging workout tool perfect for high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
In fact, a 2015 study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, found that a 10-minute bout of exercise consisting of 10 15-second work periods followed by 10 45-second rest periods elicited an average heart rate of 163 beats per minute. Just think about that for a second—even though the total amount of work performed during the 10-minute workout was just 2.5 minutes, the battle rope exercises were challenging enough to significantly raise heart rate to a “vigorous intensity” level.
Additionally, while most battle rope exercises look like they primarily target the arms (you do have to swing your arms to perform each exercise, after all), you may be surprised to learn that they also require the engagement of your entire core. In fact, another 2015 study also published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that battle rope exercises were effective at engaging the external obliques and the erector spinae through the lumbar region of the spine, in addition to the shoulders and to a small extent, the glutes.
In other words, if you’re looking for an effective way to torch calories and enhance cardiovascular health while firing up your core and developing upper body power, you really can’t go wrong with a little battle rope training. There are lots of exercises to choose from, but consider starting with the following eight trainer-suggested moves.
1
Alternating Waves
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Diana Mitrea, a personal trainer in New York City, suggests using alternating waves, rope slams, and single-arm plank waves as part of a short, effective Tabata routine. You can see all three exercises in action on Mitrea’s Instagram account. Simply perform eight total rounds of 20 seconds work and 10 seconds rest, rotating between exercises so you perform each exercise two times. Remember, when you perform the single-arm plank waves (instructions can be found below), you’ll need to target each side of your body independently, so you’ll perform the move twice before cycling back through.
Alternating waves are one of the most popular battle rope exercises. To perform the move, wrap the center of the rope around a sturdy object, like a pole or the support of a squat rack, and pull both sides of the rope straight so they’re side-by-side and even.
Stand tall, your feet roughly shoulder-distance apart, and hold one end of the rope in each hand. Bend your knees slightly and draw your shoulders back before bracing your core. From this position, whip one arm upward, creating a wave-like movement along the length of the rope, and as you bring it back down, whip the opposite arm upward. Continue performing this alternating wave movement as fast as you can while maintaining control of the rest of your body.
8
180-Degree Jump Slams
Possibly the most challenging exercise on this list, the 180-degree jump slams are only for individuals who can properly perform a jump squat.
Stand so your body is turned 90-degrees away from the ends of the rope, so that the ropes are pointing to your left side. Position your feet roughly shoulder-distance apart. Squat down and grab one end of the rope in each hand, so that your right arm is reaching across your body. You’ll want to keep your hands and the ropes close together throughout this exercise. Stand up, and adjust your positioning so the ends of the ropes are to the outside of your left hip, your shoulders and hips are facing forward, square with your feet.
In a fluid motion, press your hips back and bend your knees, squatting down slightly before powerfully springing up into the air. As you jump up, swing both up over your head as you simultaneously rotate your feet, hips, and shoulders 180-degrees. Land softly with your knees and hips slightly bent, facing the opposite way from where you started, and as you land, swing your arms down, slamming the ropes into the ground as you lower yourself into another squat. Immediately explode back into the air, swinging your arms up again as you rotate your body 180-degrees back to your starting position. Continue this exercise for the entirety of the interval.
Quick Beginner Tips
Lucas admits that battle ropes can look a little intimidating, but she’s quick to add that they really are appropriate for all levels of fitness. The main thing to remember is to start at your own pace. “Take your time learning all the exercises,” Lucas says, “don’t feel like you need to keep up a certain speed or pace.” And rather than go it alone, try taking a class that includes battle rope exercises, like the Rope Burn class she offers at Boston Sports Club. If you have a trainer there to check your form, you’ll feel more confident as you master each move, and more prepared to undertake new exercises on your own.
Top 30 Battle Rope Exercises For Power, Strength & Endurance
Battle Ropes: MORE Than Just A Brutal Conditioning Tool
Most people and coaches think, “It is just a battle rope. All you do is use it for upper body cardio finishers. Alternating waves until you’re dead, and that is that!” While it is true that you can use it for upper body cardio finishers, there are so many other applications, it will make your head spin.
I remember only using it as an upper body cardio finisher when I first started using this incredibly versatile tool. I would do a few sets of alternating waves to help increase my aerobic capacity and lactic threshold, and then hang em’ up until next time.
But that was before I discovered the wave physics involved, almost mirrored the mechanical physics we all use and love with barbells, dumbbells, body weight, and kettlebell exercises. And next thing you know, I’ve dedicated my career to exploring the infinite possibilities and applications to training with battle ropes for power, strength, endurance and beyond.
But before we get started, there are certain misconceptions and mistakes that are often made in regards to training with battle ropes. By now, I’ve heard it all. Lets set the record straight with the 3 most common mistakes made with battle ropes, then blow your mind (along with your physical capacities) up with the top 30 variations.
The 3 Most Common Mistakes with Battle Ropes
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Like ANY training tool, getting the most out of battle ropes is about pristine execution and mindful programming. But these 3 mistakes need to be addressed before you make them to set you up for some instant success with ropes.
- We create too much tension between the mover and the anchor, eliminating the ability to produce increasing amounts of output and the ability to move through our full range of motion. Take a step or two towards the anchor, and free yourself to move (as well as add a bit more power output to your movements).
- We are forced to grip too tight (because of the above mistake, or because we are so strong). Think about the ropes like your favorite hamster. Don’t kill the hamster, but don’t let the hamster escape.
- We bend over like Instagram is going to automatically improve our likes and follows. Don’t go to the position of fear and death (bent-over and curled up). Establish a strong, tall, wide position of power, and feel your abs get just as much of a workout as your shoulders, arms, and grip.
If this is you. That’s okay. It was me too. Until I realized how much this hurt the performance of my body, and the ability of the ropes to evoke more power output and proper movement mechanics. You are now informed, and can begin a new life journey with the battle ropes.
Top 30 Battle Rope Exercises
Now that we’ve set a foundation of what NOT to do with battle ropes, lets get into what exercises to do to get started with this unconventional tool. Plus, how to execute every exercise to perfection with video tutorials and coaching notes. Lets go.
#1 Alternating Waves in Every Position But The One You See Everywhere
Just like there is more than one way to swing a kettlebell, there is more than one way to battle ropes. Take the alternating wave, a great exercise to work on contralateral (cross) patterning, a movement pattern we do in all forms of locomotion like walking, running, sprinting, crawling, swimming, etc. We can perform the alternating waves in new and engaging positions that can entertain, and work on specific kinetic chains. Grease the contralateral groove in a kneeling position, and engage more upper body musculature into the movement, or have your athlete shuffle laterally, to work on separating upper body from lower body, which is a crucial skill in most sports. Say it with me, “I am not a lemming. I will think about what my client needs, and give them a form of alternating waves, that fits their specific needs.”
#2 Vertical Waves
The vertical wave, just like all waves with the battle rope, are concentric only exercises. Concentric only exercise is great for in-season athletes, tapering as you get closer to a competition or event, and to help your beginners not get so sore… all while still helping them adapt with progressive overload. It isn’t every day that I can get increases in power output, without doing the damage that comes with eccentric work. This vertical wave can be produced from a powerful hip hinge, an explosive squatting-like movement, back and chest, or shoulders, biceps, triceps. And all of it is paying into improving vertical core integration and strengthening the core musculature.
#3 Lateral Waves
Lateral waves are my favorite exercise for working the sequencing and timing of throwing, punching, and kicking movements. Each of these movements starts with the ground-foot-ankle connection, and then uses sequenced rotation from the floor up through the hips, torso, and shoulder to create incredible amounts of power out the arm. Lateral waves can also build up strong lateral engagement through the feet, legs, and hips to generate strength in rotation through the core, shoulders, and arms. If you are looking for a way to level up power and strength in all three planes of motion, generate some powerful lateral waves.
#4 Outside Circles
Outside circles are the ANTI couch, car, computer, and cell phone. These detrimental C’s are plaguing our society today with kyphotic posture, upper-cross syndrome, and/or rounded shoulders. All of which hurt our ability to move, feel, and look our best. The outside circle will build strength, stability, and endurance in the shoulders, traps, interscapular muscles, and lats. Try to generate force throughout the entire circular movement for the entire work set.
#5 In-Out Waves
Eat your heart out pec deck flys, a new pec-smoker is in town. This movement done right, will smoke-check your chest faster than you can say “Country BBQ!” It also continues to engage and develop your vertical core strength, and shoulders. Watch that you don’t cross your hands, and think about engaging your core, pecs, and back, to keep your shoulders from too much fatigue.
#6 V-Wave Slams
V is for victory. When performing these waves you can choose to use your lower body more or your upper body more. I generally use the vertical waves to practice lower body hinging or squatting power output. The V-waves are perfect for developing massive upper back strength. Massive back strength helps me look good and feel good all summer long. But seriously, the front delt, trap, rhomboid, and teres combo is incredible for posture and size additions.
#7 A-Wave Slams
A-wave is the opposite of the V-wave, and it works the mid back much more than the upper back. I use the A-wave to improve lat and rear delt engagements. Another exercise to improve posture and back strength for improved movement, feel, and looks.
#8 Seated T-Waves
This is a very advanced shoulder and scapular movement to build indestructible shoulders. If you are ready to level up your scapular engagement and vertical core engagement, while systematically putting your shoulders on blast, T-waves are your move. This seated position forces the vertical core to engage far more than a standing position, and the scapular musculature most engage just as much in order for the shoulders to hold this extremely challenging position. I can’t think of a better exercise to create massive stability and strength for the shoulders, but it is definitely something you need to earn.
#9 Alternating Kneeling Arcs
This full body tri-planar movement is explosive and powerful… and it just looks really really cool for the mover and the spectator. I started doing this movement as a way for MMA fighters to build incredible power output for their cage matches, but now, I progressively overload all clients toward this massive improvement for full body coordination and power. When we incorporate more muscles and joints in your power output, we speed the adaptation process. Give this one a try for some more likes on IG or to accelerate the power output adaptation for your metabolic system, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system.
#10 Seated In-Out Arcs Over Feet
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Looking for a way to build massive strength in your vertical core, and coordination for your upper body? The Seated In-Out Arcs over the feet forces massive engagement in your anterior and posterior kinetic chains throughout the whole torso, and it also creates a need for calculated movement patterning for your shoulder, scapula, and arms. This is a perfect finisher for abdominals and core, and also a perfect movement preparation exercise for vertical or horizontal pushing and pulling exercises. You can also use it as a stand alone strength building exercise.
#11 Seated Rainbows
Most vertical core and abdominal exercises are performed in the sagittal plane, yet when we do life and perform in activities/athletics we primarily engage the vertical core in the transverse plane. This exercise is a great way to incorporate progressive overload and core strengthening in precisely the transverse plane. The closer you move toward the anchor the more power output you need to generate to get the waves to the end. Try 20 to 40 seconds of this exercise to realize the immediate benefits of using the rope to help train the way we live and move.
#12 Rope Jacks
It looks as simple as a jumping jack, but it is not simple, jack. The force needed to generate an arc-style wave down the rope toward the anchor, places far more engagement through the shoulders and upper back, and this added engagement and force generates more engagement throughout the whole vertical core, hips, and legs. If you are looking to level up your warm up or cardio at the end this exercise will do just that. This rope jack movement can also be a stand-alone strength-building exercise for the shoulders and traps.
#13 Plank Vertical Waves
Holding a plank has proved to be an amazing exercise for strengthening the vertical core, including and especially the abdominals. Adding the battle rope vertical waves, activates the engagement of the vertical core strength, abdominals, and the shoulders, scapula, and hips. There is a ton of anti-rotation happening for the hips in a contralateral or cross-patterned engagement through the anterior and posterior core musculature when performing this movement. The shoulder and scapular stabilization for the hand and arm that is planted is firing far more through this dynamic movement than just a static hold. The dynamic arm, shoulder, scapula, chest, and shoulder is also tremendously more engaged than just holding a static position. This is a perfect way to level-up your planks, or train your athletes that are looking for improvements in the stability and dynamic power of their upper body.
#14 Side Plank Vertical Waves
Much like the above plank with vertical waves, the side plank vertical waves is just progressing the original position through dynamic power output coupled with a stabilizing and strengthening position for our lateral and midline musculature. This movement is also an incredible coordination challenge. We are so accustomed to creating movement in the sagittal plane, that the movement forces a cerebral influx. Improvements in variability and connection for our central nervous system and peripheral nervous system will improve general and global coordination for life and athletics.
#15 Half-Kneeling Rainbows
Rainbows are an incredible movement to produce power output through all three planes of motion, which can help tissue adaptations for improved dynamics of our independent joints and interdependence of joints, such as shoulder and scapula, as well as the connection of the shoulder and scapula. Creating this movement in the half-kneeling position sets up the mover in a way to produce power from one glute through the vertical core, and also forces more power output from the upper body (as we tend to produce more power than we think through our lower body).
#16 Half-Kneeling Smiles
You will notice the same benefits from this exercise, as with the last exercise- half kneeling rainbows. Except rainbows tend to incorporate more lat and rear delt, and smiles tend to incorporate more pec and front delt. I also like using the rainbow or the smile to generate specificity of movement for particular athletes. For instance, if they are a pitcher, I will have them perform rainbows, as that posterior deltoid and lat tend to be underdeveloped in comparison with the anterior deltoid and pec. Or if they are a fighter, I will have them perform both, equally because they will need to produce high levels of power output in both patterns, as well as build strength and endurance in both patterns.
#17 Figure 8’s
An all-around great exercise for stability, strength, and power for the scapular/upper back, chest, and shoulder girdle musculature. Because you are using these muscles in all directions of movements, and all three planes of motion, it can really improve movement efficiency and effectiveness, while reducing the chance of injury. Think about all of the movement mapping you are creating for the PNS and CNS, as well as the amount of size and strength you can build for these kinetic chains of muscles. Use this exercise to contribute to your work toward massive chest, shoulders, and back, and improve your movement effectiveness along the way.
#18 Side Facing Vertical Waves in Kneeling Position
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I wanted a fun and dynamic way to build strength in my internal and external obliques, as well as improve their connection to the rest of my vertical core, and this is one of the exercises I came up with. It will definitely improve your stability, strength, and power for sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane movements by contributing to the effectiveness and efficiency of your internal obliques, external obliques, serratus, trapezius, latissimus dorsi, and I had better not begin the anatomy list, because then this will read like a boring textbook…but, just go look up muscles involved in the core, and know that you will be contracting each one in a big or small way with this exercise.
#19 Cossack Squat Vertical Waves
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This is one of the most challenging exercises on this entire list of top 30 exercises. It is challenging to produce a quality cossack squat with no external load and no additional dynamic output for the upper body, so why? Partially because you can, and mainly because this is fundamental to human movement and movement complexities we experience in activities and sport. Take climbing, child-rearing, construction, or cricket… each activity bears with it moments where we stress mobility, stability, and power output in weird body positions. Also, this movement will create great lower body mobility and power output, while also stimulating incredible strength, stability, and power output for the upper body.
#20 Unilateral Side Facing Lateral Waves
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Because we are conditioned with bilateral and symmetrical movements in the sagittal plane in all of the gyms around the world, we forget that we can make a huge change in kinetic chain engagements, just by adjust our position relative to the battle rope and anchor. I love the vertical core engagement and shoulder/scapula work that this unilateral movement develops.
#21 Alternating Waves Forward and Backward Shuffle
I love running (I also understand most people don’t). I sometimes like cardio and/or aerobic capacity work. That being said, there are only a few cardio/aerobic capacity exercises that are on the level with this exercise. Versaclimbers, airdynes, assault bikes, and sprinting provide that special kind of love/hate challenge that will steal your soul in a minute, but create incredible results. Alternating waves with forward and backward shuffle with the battle ropes is also (and maybe more) of that special kind of cardio/aerobic work. Enjoy.
#22 Vertical Waves Side Shuffle
This is another special kind of torture… see #21 for my comparisons and view. However, this is moving through the frontal plane, while producing upper body forces through the sagittal plane, so there is an added bit of complexity to give the CNS and PNS a little treat…or make you feel like you are new.
#23 Kneeling-to-Standing Outside Circles
Something I like to call a hemispheric workout, because you are incorporating output in the upper body and a separate but equal output in the lower body. The undulating of power outputs in the two different positions will become quite obvious as well, making for an entertaining way to undulate your sets, just like you might undulate your programming. This can help you add some more volume to your sets, without experiencing early failure due to lactic thresholds.
#24 Plank Pulls Backward
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This is one of my favorite ways to build rock solid abs while simultaneously building a rock solid upper back. I also am really attracted to the primitiveness of this exercise. You are pulling something toward you, much in the same way I imagine humans of the hunter-gatherer tribes of the stone ages and agrarian societies of antiquity doing everyday. I need that water, animals, vegetation, human over here, so I will tie a rope around it and pull it toward me. Now that you know I have weird thoughts flying through my mind, you can do it for aesthetic or performance reasons, instead of my early human identity reasons.
#25 Plank Pulls Forward
I have really enjoyed using this exercise to help train strong and powerful triple extension, while doubling down on strength and stability throughout the vertical core, scapula, and shoulder. This movement is safer and easier to coach and cue through, than jumping or olympic lifting, yet the carry-over is incredible.
#26 Plank Pulls Lateral (Threading The Needle)
Another incredible quadruped position that will improve strength, stability and power output in yet another angle. If you need a safe environment and tool to build effective movement patterns and progressively overload strength and stability. Quadruped battle rope pulls are perfect. If the person cannot handle that much load through their wrist, elbow, shoulder, or scapula, they can drop to a knee, both knees, or seated kneeling positions.
#27 Plank Pulls Toward Midline
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Wow! Pecs are on fire just thinking about this one. Oh, and the abs are on fire as well. This movement is not for the faint of heart, but will develop an insane amount of stability and strength for the vertical core…especially the chest and abs.
#28 Endless Triceps
As we are finishing up, I figured I would show a true finisher! Take the battle rope off of the anchor, and do an endless amount of tricep extensions. If you want more load, you can wrap the rope once or twice around a horizontal bar or anchor. Or you can tie load on to it, and use tricep extensions to lift it up and lower it down. These will pump your triceps up so much, you won’t be able to shop at Baby Gap anymore.
#29 Endless Biceps
Another true finisher for the biceps. See all the good ways to produce a prodigious pump for your biceps by reading the endless triceps method above. These are not my go to exercises with the rope, but it hopefully opens your mind to the many more ways that the battle rope can be used instead of just alternating waves in a taco position with too much tension and grip in slow motion for the Gram.
#30 Static Engagement with Scapular Protraction and Retraction
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Static engagement or isometrics can be used to prepare movement, improve mobility, increase nervous connection, and establish strength in particular ranges (sticking points of your lifts/movements). I love using the battle rope to help targets specific ranges and specific angles, because they are static yet fluid/moveable tools. This exercise is just one example of an infinite amount of body positions and angles that the battle rope can be used to create biofeedback in a static engagement/isometric to do prior to a lift, or as part of your mobility routine, or to improve the sticking points of your lifts.
Roping All The Exercises Together
These top 30 exercises and the 3 biggest mistakes provide an incredible starting point to begin incorporating one of the most versatile tools in any gym- the battle rope. It is great for beginners, youth, and elderly, because it only delivers as much force as you can generate. And it is awesome for elite athletes, because it delivers as much force as you can generate.
Whether you are looking to produce top-end power, muscle-pumping fatigue, or limitless endurance, the battle rope can be a tool to provide it, and it can provide it at every range of motion in all three planes. And as I’ve discovered, this tool is MUCH more than just a way to make you tired and fatigued. When used intelligently, the possibilities are truly endless.
About The Author
Aaron Guyett is a devoted husband, father, Living.Fit Education Director, Battle Ropes Master Coach, Marine Corps Staff Sergeant & Combat Instructor. He teaches people to move better, feel better, and look better through his Battle Ropes Certifications. He was the founder of Innovative Results (sold 2017), Battle Ropes Education (sold 2019), and Leaders of Leaders. He specializes in helping people develop physical, mental, and spiritual strength that they never thought possible.
20 Epic Battle Ropes Exercises
Chances are, jump ropes have been in your life since the PB&J-and-juice-box days of your childhood. So it’s time to add a new, badass kind of rope to your fitness routine: battle ropes. You’ll usually find them anchored to a wall or sturdy beam or pole, and while they may vary in length (they can be up to 100-feet long), weight, and thickness, all battle ropes serve the same purpose: Providing a killer workout.
As the name implies, these supersized ropes are heavy, which adds resistance (i.e. a major challenge) to work your muscles like never before. The benefits: You strengthen your abs, arms, and shoulders, engage your legs, and get a killer conditioning workout all in one go. Better yet, waving, slamming, and whipping these hefty ropes doesn’t strain your body the way high-impact activities do—but you still reap serious fitness benefits. In fact, research suggests using battle ropes for just 10 minutes can be considered a vigorous workoutMetabolic cost of rope training. Fountaine, C.J., Schmidt, B.J. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 2013 Jul 26.. Plus, high-intensity interval training with battle ropes may improve both aerobic and anaerobic capacity after just four weeks. In other words, you’ll be owning both strength and endurance workouts.To top it off, battle rope training torches about 10 calories per minute—more than both burpees and squats! So we’re not super surprised that top fitness experts, like Alonzo Wilson, founder and director of training at Tone House in New York City, are totally roped in to this workout.
“They work every muscle group simultaneously and allow freedom of movement,” Wilson says. Another bonus? They can also be catered to your fitness level—whether you’re a beginner or a pro athlete, he adds.
Ready to slam your way into top shape? Add these 20 kick-butt battle rope exercises (some are Wilson’s very own go-to moves) to your fitness routine!
Beginner Movements
1.
Double Wave
Wave your way to a fitter form and master the basics of the battle ropes with this exercise. To start, stand facing the anchor with feet shoulder-width apart. Grasp one end of the rope in each hand so that your palms face each other. Bend knees slightly, brace your core, and move both arms up and down rapidly, creating waves in the rope.
2. Alternating Wave
Talk about makin’ waves! Stand facing the anchor point with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Grab one end of the rope in each hand so that your palms face in. Raise one arm to shoulder level and then quickly lower back to start, raising the other arm to shoulder level as you do so. Continue alternating as rapidly as possible without losing form.
3. Low Alternating Wave
While the movement for this one is exactly the same as the alternating wave listed above, this version brings your lower body into the equation. Instead of standing, you’ll lower down into a squat, keep your core engaged, and then move your arms as you do with the alternating wave.
4. Shoulder Circles
Put your shoulders to work! Though this move looks simple, it’ll yield serious shoulder strength, which is ideal for boxers and swimmers in particular. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Grasp the rope with palms facing down, lift arms over your shoulders, and move your arms in circles. Perform clockwise circles for 30 seconds, then counter-clockwise for another 30 seconds.
5. Snakes on the Floor
This snake-y move is a killer shoulder workout. Stand facing the anchor and position your feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart, holding the ropes by your sides. Lower into a squat, pulling your arms wide and keeping them parallel to the floor. Without crossing hands, move your arms in toward one another and then back out—your goal is to make the ropes look like two snakes on the floor.
6. Shoulder Press
No need to limit your shoulder presses to barbells and dumbbells—you can totally use battle ropes too! Hold the ropes on your shoulders (make sure there’s tension on the ropes). Press the ropes upward as you straighten arms overhead. Bring them back down to the start position.
Slamming Movements
7. Power Slam
If there’s one thing we know, it’s that anything with the word “power” in it is bound to be one tough exercise—and this one’s no exception. To start, stand with feet hip-width apart and grasp the ends of the rope in each hand. Bring both arms up overhead, and then forcefully slam the ropes down into the ground, lowering into a high squat as you do. Straighten up to return to standing and repeat.
8. Side Slam
Slam your way to a fitter physique (and obliques). Face the anchor, feet shoulder-width apart, and knees slightly bent. Grab the ends of the rope with palms facing in. Brace your core and hold the rope on the left side of your body. Raise your arms up overhead and forcefully slam the ropes down to the right of your body. Continue alternating sides.
9. Alternate-Arm Power Slam
A variation on the power slam listed above, you’ll be executing the exact same movement, but instead of raising and slamming both hands at the same time, you’ll restrict the movement to one arm. Do one whole set of the move with one arm and then another set with the other arm.
10. Plyo Knee-Tuck Slams
Assume the position—the push-up position, that is. With one end of the rope in each hand and palms facing in, jump both feet into the air and draw your knees in toward your chest (this is the knee tuck—which looks similar to a plank tuck jump, except you won’t ever land with your knees tucked in). Immediately shoot legs back out into push-up position, and then explosively jump to your feet (a little wider than hip-width apart) with the ropes in hand. Raise arms overhead as you extend your body until you’re on your toes. Lower down into a squat, slamming the rope down to the ground as you do. Return to the push-up position.
11. Plyo Knee-Tuck Push-Up Slams
This combo move not only builds total-body strength, but it also works on explosive power, Wilson says. Plus, it adds an extra challenge to plyo knee-tuck slams. Begin in a push-up position, with one end of the rope in each hand. Jump knees in toward your chest and then immediately shoot legs back into push-up position. Lower your body into a push-up, and then explosively spring up to standing, keeping hold of the ropes. Raise arms overhead as you extend your body until you’re on your toes. Lower down into a squat as you slam the rope down to the ground. Place hands on the floor and return to a push-up position. That’s one rep—phew!
Explosive Movements
12. Alternating Wave Lunge Jump
Now that you’ve mastered lunging and waving, up the ante even more. Begin with the alternating wave. Step your right leg back into a reverse lunge, and then jump up into the air, switching legs so that you land with your left leg extended back. Continue alternating as smoothly as possible and without losing form—you’re going to want to keep your head and chest up throughout this move too.
13. Alternating Wave Jump Squat
Paired together, squats and alternating waves make for one total-body toner—it even targets your core. Perform low alternating waves, and once your waves are nice and steady, jump up into the air, landing in a squat. Repeat, and remember to keep the wave going throughout the entire movement.
14. Plyo Knee Tuck Into Push-Up to Alternating Wave Switch Game
The longer the name, the tougher the exercise—and brace yourself: This one’s a doozy. Begin in push-up position, with one end of the rope in each hand. Perform a knee tuck, a push-up, explode up to stand, and power through alternating waves for 10 seconds. Return to the starting push-up position. Aaaand pat yourself on the back.
15. 180-Degree Jumps
Stand so that the left side of your body is facingthe anchor, and position the ropes in front of you. Grab the ends of the ropes and hold them together with both hands in front of your right hip, palms facing each other. Lower into a squat and jump up, turning toward the anchor and rotating your body 180 degrees while you swing the rope overhead. Land softly in a squat, positioning the ropes in front of your left hip. Repeat on the other side, landing back in the starting position.
16. Star Jumps
Star jumps, as their name suggests, are outta this world. But make no mistake: This move will jack up your heart rate and make you feel the burn, especially when battle ropes are involved. To start, stand in a narrow squat and grab one end of the rope in each hand. Jump up, kicking your legs out to the sides and swinging arms (and the ropes) out to the sides and over your head. Land softly in a squat position, with hands in front of your hips.
Compound Movements
17. Alternating Wave Reverse Lunge
Waves, and lunges, and battle ropes, oh my! “This exercise is great for not only your upper body, but your lower body as well, targeting your quadriceps, forearms, biceps, back, and abs,” Wilson says.
Begin with the alternating wave exercise (see No. 2 for a reminder). Once you get a good wave going, step your right leg back into a lunge. Return to standing and then repeat on the other side, stepping your left leg back into a lunge. Continue alternating legs as you make waves with your arms (and the ropes), keeping your head and chest up throughout the entire exercise.
18. Up-Downs Into Snakes Switch Game
Begin in a standing position and grab the rope in each hand, holding the ends by your sides. Drop your body to the floor and catch yourself with your hands (place them in a push-up position on the floor beneath you as you land), letting your chest touch the ground—similar to this, except you won’t do the shuffle movement. Explode back up to stand, and then lower your body into a squat. Pull arms wide and keep them parallel to the floor. Without allowing your hands to cross, move arms in toward one another and then back out as quickly as you can—it’s the snake-y movement again! Return to stand.
19. Squat to Overhead Press
How do you make a shoulder press even better? Add a squat to the mix! Position your feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart and hold the ropes on your shoulders (you’ll want to make sure there’s tension in the ropes like you did with the regular shoulder press). Lower down into the perfect squat while simultaneously pressing the ropes overhead. Return to stand.
20. Lateral Shuffle With Alternating Wave
Get ready to get moving—even more, that is. Begin by doing the good ol’ alternating waves. Quickly shuffle to one side, whipping the rope and shuffling at about the same tempo. When you’re ready to shuffle back, lower your body into a squat and shuffle in the opposite direction.
The Products
Get your battle ropes and get waving, slamming, and whipping!
- For bright, colorful battle ropes between 10- and 50-feet long, Onnit has what you need.
- Shop Muscle Ropes for battle ropes for everyone from kids to elite competitors.
Thanks to our friends at Lululemon for outfitting our model in the 105 F Singlet top, Free To Be *Wild, and Inspire Crop II Pants .
7 Battle Rope Exercises to Add to Your Routine ASAP
My neighbors probably hate me. I recently bought myself a set of battle ropes — mostly because I thought if I canceled my gym subscription, I needed to really commit to the home gym — and now the whole house shakes during my morning workouts.
Battle ropes conjure up intense CrossFit competitions or torture devices, but for $50, they’re a great way to add a little fun to your at-home workouts. You’ll also need an anchor ($10-$30) — trust me on this one, the first time you try to use a kettlebell or dumbbell, you will end up in a face plant — which can be either installed directly into the wall or tied around a strong pole, depending on the style. But then, the battle is on.
Meet the Expert
- Alex Leviner is an AAPT-certified personal trainer.
- Bridget Sirotnak is a certified fitness trainer and health coach, currently at SoulCycle.
Why Workout With Battle Ropes?
The most beneficial types of workouts you can do, especially at home, are the ones that offer the same kind of functional movements of everyday life. You don’t need heavy weights or an expensive stationary bike to get your heart rate up.
But the biggest perk? It’s just fun. “My mom has a gym in her garage — we always do circuit workouts, and she finally got battle ropes over the summer. It’s actually so much fun,” says SoulCycle instructor and certified personal trainer Bridget Sirotnak. “It can be tedious to try and work in every muscle, and battle ropes just cover it all.”
Battle ropes give you a full-body workout, even though it looks like it’s just your arms. “You can pretty much work your entire body,” says AAPT-certified trainer Alex Leviner. “You can work your shoulders, your arms, your back, your core, and your legs when you put it into a workout.”
And you’ll get all that without needing to worry about achy joints or high-impact. (Though real talk: you’ll likely be sore the first few days after finding back and shoulder muscles you didn’t know existed!) “It’s low impact which is a great benefit,” adds Sirotnak. “You’ll still get cardio in without having the impact of being on a treadmill or jumping around.”
Know Your Grip
Like pull-ups or pushups, changing your grip can hit hard-to-reach muscles using the battle ropes. You have three options:
- Neutral grip: Hold the ropes with your inner wrists facing each other and thumbs pointed toward the ceiling. This is great for sore wrists or if you’re doing alternative waves, rope slams, or other basic moves.
- Overhand grip: Hold the ropes with your hands facing down toward the floor. You’ll activate completely different muscles, especially for slams and waves.
- Underhand grip: Hold the ropes with your hands facing up, especially for grappling-type motions, like twists and side-to-sides.
7 Battle Rope Exercises Anyone Can Do
Both trainers recommended using battle ropes sparingly rather than creating an entire set with them. They’re best as something to mix into a workout for a high-intensity kick. “If you’re doing a circuit workout, I wouldn’t necessarily put battle ropes at every spot,” says Sirotnak. “But they’re great as a cardio burst or cardio set, three or four moves with very little rest in between. ”
Keep in mind, too: if you have shoulder or wrist injuries, are pregnant, or otherwise feel pain when you shouldn’t, don’t use battle ropes. “I always recommend trying something new under a supervised trainer,” says Leviner.
Here are seven battle rope exercises Leviner and Sirotnak recommended to incorporate into your workouts:
90,000 5 rope exercises to add to your workouts
Many people use jumping rope only as a warm-up. This is a good choice: Exercise quickly raises the heart rate and temperature of the muscles, making them more elastic. And at the same time less stress on the joints than running.
But a rope can give you much more than a good warm-up. We will show you five exercises that can turn jumping into a great cardio session, load your muscles well, and improve coordination. .
1. Boxing Jumping
This exercise is just made for long cardio sessions. Unlike regular jumping rope, in boxing you constantly shift your body weight from foot to foot and can work longer.
You will spend 300-400 kcal for half an hour of training and increase endurance even faster than running. In this case, you do not even have to leave the house, and even more so to look for an acceptable route.
To learn the movement, first perform the approach exercise – jumping from side to side without a rope.
After jumping to the side, you land on one foot, and place the other next to it on the pad. Then do the same on the other side. Do this exercise until the movement is comfortable and you start to do it freely and without hesitation.
Then try this with a rope. Jump to the side, spinning the rope under your feet, and land on one leg, and place the other side by side. Repeat the same on the other side.
When you master the movement, put your legs narrower and jump from side to side practically in place, slightly taking off from the ground.
It can take a long time before boxing jumps become a comfortable movement. But once you master the motor pattern, you can jump in this way for much longer than just on two legs.
2. Jogging with a high hip lift
This exercise puts a serious load on the hip flexors, quickly raises the pulse, forces the body to burn more calories and adapt to high-intensity work. It can be done in multiple sets with rest in between, or as part of an intense interval training session.Even 20-30 seconds of such jumps will challenge your endurance.
Try regular running on the spot first. Jump over the rope and land on one leg. Leave the other foot in the air next to the ankle of the supporting leg. When landing, gently bend your knee, and leave your foot on the pad – do not put your heel on the floor.
When you feel comfortable running and you stop stumbling over the rope, just lift your knees higher. Ideally, up to the parallel of the thigh with the floor.
First practice the movement at a medium pace, and then increase the intensity.A brisk run with a high hip lift is ideal for Tabata workouts and other high-intensity intervals.
3.
Cross rope
This exercise strengthens not only the legs, but also the muscles of the chest, arms and shoulders. During these jumps, you develop coordination and look like a real pro.
First, learn how to properly hold your hands without the rope. Stand in front of a mirror to make it easier to track the correct technique. Lower and relax your shoulders, bring your shoulder blades together, place your elbows close to your body – 15–30 cm from your hips.Then cross your arms in front of you and extend your wrists out to the sides as far as you can.
Try to bring the brushes as far beyond the boundaries of the body as possible. This will help you make a good loop with the rope – wide enough for your body to fit into it without any problems. Also, make sure that when crossing the arms, the hands remain at the same level as in the starting position. If you pick them up, the rope will hit your feet.
Then take the rope. Make one normal jump, and on the second, cross your arms as it passes over your head.
Start with a few single jumps, stopping each time you cross your arms. When you get used to this movement, try it several times in a row.
After jumping into the loop, do not stop, but roll the rope again. When it passes over your head, spread your arms to the starting position.
Practice at a slow pace, and as you get used to it, speed up.
4. Rolling the rope backwards
Backward jumps are a great opportunity to feel like a beginner again, even if you jump rope perfectly and do cross and doubles easily.This exercise improves coordination and slightly shifts the load on the muscles, which is beneficial for the harmonious development of the body.
First try doing the exercise without jumping, just to get a feel for the movement of the arms and the position of the rope. Roll it back while lifting on your toes. When the rope lands behind the body, try to catch it – press your feet to the floor, dropping on your heels.
Then practice rotating the rope backward so that your wrists get used to this movement. Grasp both handles in one hand and rotate your wrist back.
Try to rotate the rope with only your wrist – this is how your hands should move when jumping. Perform this movement in equal amounts for both hands. When it feels comfortable, try the first jump back.
Start with the rope in front of your feet, roll it back and jump over. Do one jump at a time, trying to keep your hands in the correct position – below, next to the hips – and twist with your wrists, and not with your whole arm.
Increase the number of jumps in a row as you get used to.
Once you have mastered this movement, you can try different types of jumps with a roll back: running – normal and with high hips, “legs together – legs apart” and even a cross.
5. Double jumps
This exercise perfectly pumps endurance, quickly raises the heart rate, increases the load on the muscles of the shoulder girdle compared to single jumps and spends more calories.
Before you start learning double jumps, make sure you are good at singles. You must do 200 single jumps per set, without stumbling and with good technique. This article will help you test your technique.
First try to perform a bunch of three single jumps and one double.
When you have done 50 of these ligaments without hesitation, proceed to the next progression – two single and one double. Also bring it up to 50 consecutive reps and try one single and one double.
When this also works out without hesitation, proceed to performing doubles in a row. Start with two times and, if it works, move on to three. Don’t go after quantity. The main thing is to accustom the body to the correct form.
Watch your technique and avoid mistakes common to beginners.
1. Keep the housing level. Many beginners do something like a crease so they don’t hurt their legs. This spoils the form and wastes a lot of energy. Keep your body straight, as if you were jumping singles.
2. Do not curl your legs. This spoils the form, throws off the rhythm and delays the development of the skill. The knees are only slightly bent, as during single jumps.
3. Relax your arms and use only your wrists. If your shoulders are burning while jumping, you are doing doubles wrong. Relax your arms, bend your elbows slightly and keep your hands down at hip level. Twist your wrists, and try to relieve the rest of your arm from tension.
4.Practice regularly. Probably the most important thing in mastering doubles is to train them regularly, every day. It is often said that doubles should be “jumped”, and it really is.
Do them before and after training, during a break from work or watching TV shows, in the morning as a charge – at any free time. Only in this way can you firmly consolidate the skill and perform the exercise without hesitation.
Share your favorite rope exercises in the comments.Or hateful, if any.
Read also ?
Jumping rope: pluses, ready-made plan, exercises
Jumping rope is familiar to many girls from physical education lessons at school. And its relevance is not lost over time: the rope is still one of the most popular tools for doing cardio training. Working with a rolling pin is fun, rewarding and not difficult at all.Regular rope training can help you burn fat, build endurance, and strengthen your muscles.
Read also:
Jumping rope for weight loss
Among the variety of fitness equipment, the rope remains the most affordable and compact device. We offer you the most detailed material on training with a rolling pin: what is their use for losing weight, how to jump rope correctly and how to build a training session with a rope so that it is useful for fat burning.
Before moving on to the specifics of the exercise, let’s look at the benefits of rope training for weight loss and health.
Advantages of jumping rope
- Jumping rope is one of the most energy-intensive types of training. For example, according to American studies, this type of fitness allows you to burn up to 1000-1200 kcal per hour of exercise. The high efficiency of the rope for weight loss explains its popularity among practitioners.
- Jumping rope is an excellent cardio exercise to increase endurance, burn fat, improve cardiovascular and respiratory systems.With a variety of exercises, you can build an effective workout that includes high and low intensity intervals.
- In addition to cardio, jumping rope tones a large number of muscles throughout the body: the muscles of the legs, arms, buttocks, shoulders, abdomen and back.
- The rope is a very compact sports equipment that does not take up much space. You can always take it with you outside or even on vacation. In terms of its convenience in this regard, a jump rope can only be compared with a fitness elastic band.
- Jumping rope is especially effective for reducing the volume of the lower body. Losing weight locally is very difficult, but increasing blood flow to the “problem” part of the body has an additional positive effect and promotes fat burning. It is not for nothing that it is believed that it is the plyometric (jumping) load that is most useful for losing weight in the legs.
- Jumping rope, in addition to losing weight, improves coordination, balance, agility and a sense of balance, which is useful both in everyday life and in other sports.
- The Jump Rope is one of the most inexpensive fitness tools available to everyone. Moreover, you can practice with a skipping rope anywhere, both indoors and outdoors. For training, you only need a little space around you.
- Jumping rope is not only useful but also fun. It is not for nothing that this sports equipment is so popular with children.
- Skipping rope strengthens the muscles that surround the ankle and foot. For example, during basketball, tennis, skiing, football and other sports, the ankle is often injured due to strong pressure on the ligaments and muscles.Regular use of the rope helps in preventing limb injuries.
Disadvantages of jumping rope
It is impossible not to mention the disadvantages of jumping rope, as well as warn about contraindications, of which there are a sufficient number.
- For jumping rope, you need to have either enough space and space in the room, or the ability to practice outside.
- In addition, jumping makes noise, so if you live in an apartment building, it will be inconvenient to use a rolling pin at home.
- Jumping rope puts stress on the knee joints and ligaments, so if you are prone to such injuries, then such training is best avoided.
- If the technique is not followed, jumping exercises also put a strong load on the back and lower back, which can lead to health problems.
- Jumping rope is not suitable for everyone and has a number of contraindications, which are very important to remember.
Contraindications for jumping rope:
- Pregnancy and the puerperium
- Overweight (second and third degree obesity)
- Varicose veins and other vascular diseases
- Serious arterial diseases
- pressure
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and the spine
- Diseases of the joints
- Eye problems, serious visual impairments
- Asthma
If you have other chronic diseases, it is better to additionally consult a specialist before jumping rope. Remember that even walking can be used as a cardio exercise to lose weight. You don’t have to do punching workouts to lose weight and get in great shape.
The effectiveness of the rope for weight loss
The effectiveness of jumping rope for weight loss is not in doubt. This is a great form of cardio workout that will raise your heart rate and start fat burning. If you want to lose weight, then combine jumping rope with a moderate diet (calorie deficit) and after a few weeks you will notice a positive result.
So, what is the use of skipping rope for weight loss:
- high calorie burning
- acceleration of fat burning processes
- strengthening muscles (especially legs)
- accelerating metabolic processes
We recommend training on the interval principle. For example, alternate jumps in hard mode and jumps in easy mode. Interval training will give better results in less time than standard workouts.
A ready-made plan for jumping rope for weight loss
We offer you ready-made training plans for jumping rope for weight loss, which involve an interval load. The following intervals are waiting for you: high intensity, medium intensity, low intensity .
In this case, you will alternate jumping rope (choose the ones that are available to you), running with a rope in place and walking in place without a rope . Perform these intervals in a circle according to the specified amount of time. Rest for 1-2 minutes every 5 minutes.
Engage in the proposed programs 4-5 times a week, combining cardio with strength training if possible.You can always adjust the plan for jumping rope for weight loss or make it yourself, depending on your capabilities.
For beginners:
For intermediate level:
For advanced level:
parameters, for example:
- total duration of the workout;
- jumping frequency per minute;
- Set or rest time between sets.
10 Rules for Jumping Rope and Tips for Beginners
Jumping rope is considered less harmful to the joints than running or percussion plyometric training. However, for the exercises to be really safe, you need to follow the technique of performing the exercises and follow certain rules:
1. Always jump rope in sneakers. This will help reduce the impact on the joints and reduce the risk of injury.
2. Practice in comfortable sports clothing, preferably tight-fitting type, which will not interfere with the rotation of the rope.For women, it is preferable to wear a bra or sports bra to support the chest during jumping exercises.
3. How to choose the right rope length? Stand in the center of the rope as shown in the picture below. With the correct length, the handles should be at the level of your armpits, no lower or higher. If there is no way to “try on” the rope, you can focus on growth.
4. Before starting to exercise, warm up by jogging or walking in place for 3-5 minutes. After your workout, cool down and stretch your muscles for 3-5 minutes as well. Check out our selection of warm-up exercises.
5. Be sure to watch your body position when jumping rope. The back should be straight, the body tucked up, the shoulders should be lowered and relaxed, and the elbows should be close to your body. Keep your head straight and do not lean forward while jumping. Breathing remains rhythmic and does not linger.
6. No need to jump high and hit the floor.Your jumps should be low and light, with your knees soft and slightly bent.
There is no need to do this :
This can negatively affect the lower back, ankle and knees.
Compare, here is correct execution of , and you need to strive for such soft landings:
7. Remember that it is better to do fewer high-quality jumps than do more, but without observing the correct technique.
8. Drink plenty of water during exercise. During cardio training, your body loses a lot of moisture, which can cause dehydration.
9. If you have not been involved in sports for a long time or have health problems, it is best to consult a doctor before embarking on an intense rope training session.
10. Do some trial exercises with a rope for 5-10 minutes and analyze your condition after such exercises for one to two days after.Discomfort or pain in the joints, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat – these are the symptoms that will ring the bell to limit jumping rope or even eliminate them altogether.
Exercises with a skipping rope for weight loss
In addition to the standard single jumps shown above, there are a number of interesting rope exercises that will help you diversify your workout and make it not only effective, but also fun.
If you follow the suggested plan above, try to alternate different types of jumps.Thanks to this, the body will not be able to adapt to stress for longer, which means you will work at maximum.
1. Double jump rope . If you are just learning to jump rope, you can start with this exercise: in one circle of rotation of the rope, you make two slow jumps.
2. Running on the spot with a rope . A lighter exercise than jumping can be done as an active rest to restore breathing.
3. Jumping from side to side . Just jump from side to side with each rotation of the rope.
4. Jumping rope “skier” . Spread your legs with each piste-style rope swing.
5. Jumping on one leg . Note that this exercise puts stress on the ankle.
6. Cross Jumping Rope Jumping . Exercise for advanced, when every second jump is with arms crossed.
How to choose a rope for training
If you decide to start jumping rope for weight loss or heart training, then it’s time to think about which rope to choose? The fitness equipment market offers a large selection of jump ropes of different functionality.
1) Simple skipping ropes
This is the most ordinary skipping rope that we have known since childhood. There will be no additional functions and features here. The price of such a rope is quite small, so it is suitable for those who still have doubts about purchasing a rope or for those who just want to jump “without problems”.
The material of the rope and rope handle can be completely different. And its price will largely depend on this. Some ropes come with adjustable lengths, which is especially important if you are purchasing a rope for the whole family.
2) Ropes with built-in counter
These ropes have a built-in counter in the handles that counts the number of rotations, and therefore the number of jumps made. Ropes with a built-in counter are incredibly convenient for both tracking progress in classes and for recording results.
You will know exactly how many jumps you made. You do not need to set a stopwatch or count the number of jumps manually, all data will be recorded. There are also jump ropes with an electronic counter, which can additionally display the duration of the jumping session and the number of calories burned.
3) Speed skipping ropes
But this type of rope is ideal for losing weight. The high rotational speed will give you more revolutions, which means you will train even more efficiently.Professionals, when performing exercises with a high-speed rope, can develop a rotation speed of up to 5-6 revolutions per second! The length of these ropes is usually adjustable.
Speed skipping ropes are not suitable for complex exercises (jumps with arms crossed, double jumps, etc.). But these ropes will appeal to those who like to engage in intense workouts. By the way, jumping rope is very popular in CrossFit, and that says a lot.
4) Weighted skipping ropes
And another improved version of this fitness equipment is a weighted skipping rope.The weight of such skipping ropes will be significantly higher compared to other analogues. The rope is made heavier by adding weight to the handles or to the weight of the cord. The weight of such skipping ropes can even reach three kilograms. In some models, the weight can be adjusted by the student himself.
Weighted ropes are more suitable for experienced practitioners who do not have enough load with a regular rope. And also for those who want to additionally load the muscles of the upper body.
5) Leather rope
In a leather rope, the cord is made of leather.What is the peculiarity of such skipping ropes? By reducing the weight of the cord and increasing the weight of the handle, there is a specific load on the muscles of the upper body.
When the rope is lightweight, it rotates more slowly. Therefore, to increase the rotational speed, you have to put more effort. In this case, the main load falls on the shoulder girdle. These ropes are popular even among professional athletes such as boxers.
5 ready-made video workouts with a rope for weight loss
If you do not like to draw up a training plan yourself, we offer you 5 ready-made effective video workouts with a rope.All you need to do is turn on the video and follow the exercises with the trainer. The lessons will take you from 7 to 20 minutes. You can repeat short videos in 3-4 laps to get a complete workout program.
1. FitnessBlender: Quick Sweat Cardio Fat Burn (7 minutes)
The FitnessBlender Interval Workout is just 7 minutes long, but includes a wide variety of rope exercises. Coach Kelly offers you the following scheme: 25 seconds of intensive work – 10 seconds of active rest.
2. Popsugar: Jump Rope Workout (10 minutes)
Anna Renderer, creator of the Popsugar youtube channel, offers a short jump rope workout that includes several exercise options with this equipment. There are small stops between approaches, so everyone can endure the whole session.
3. Ekaterina Kononova: Jumping rope (30 minutes)
Ekaterina Kononova offers very effective cardio workouts in Russian with a rope.Fat burning exercises are waiting for you, which are performed on an interval principle. Ideal for weight loss!
4. Yanelia Skripnik: Jumping rope (20 minutes)
Yanelia Skripnik offers a set of rope exercises aimed at losing weight and burning fat in the thighs, buttocks, abdomen and other problem areas. Great fat burning cardio workout for 20 minutes.
5. Amanda Kloots: Jump Rope Workout (20 minutes)
You will get an interesting and very intense workout if you follow this video from Amanda Klutz.Interval training is waiting for you, in which high-intensity exercises alternate with low-intensity exercises.
Jumping rope is not just fun for children, but a real workout for burning calories and developing the cardiovascular system. The rope will help you engage your entire body with the greatest emphasis on the muscles of the legs and shoulders. The effectiveness of jumping rope for weight loss is not in question: you can accelerate fat burning, increase endurance, tone muscles and reduce body volume.
Read also:
Skipping rope exercises for weight loss: a set of workouts
Published: 1/24/2019 Time to read: 4 minutes 7470
In the process of regular training, you will get rid of extra pounds, tone the muscles of the legs, buttocks, abs and back, develop endurance, speed and coordination, as well as strengthen the respiratory and cardiovascular system. Let’s take a look at the main benefits of rope training and give an example of 5 weight loss exercises.
Why is jumping rope useful?
- Firstly , this type of training can be attributed to aerobic exercise. Aerobics has a positive effect on the body as a whole, healing and strengthening it. With this type of physical activity, all muscle groups are involved, so there is no risk of overtraining any individual of them. For 60 minutes of aerobics, including training with a rope, a person loses on average about 600-800 calories, which helps to noticeably lose weight after 3-4 weeks of regular training.It is also scientifically proven that during such a workout, the level of endorphins (the hormone of happiness) rises in the body, which improves mood and helps fight stress.
- Secondly , jumping rope is suitable for all fitness levels, age and gender. If you have no contraindications and excessive weight (jumping is not recommended if your weight is 15% higher than normal, as there is a risk of damage to your joints), then a jump rope is one of the best and simplest ways to get yourself in shape.
- Thirdly, rope training is one of the most budgetary ways to do sports. Also, in order to conduct a full workout, it is not necessary to visit the gym – simple exercises can be performed at home or on the street.
- Fourth , the particular benefit of rope training is that it is one of the few exercises that is effective in fighting cellulite. When the muscles of the legs are toned, the formation of fat cells and their deposition under the skin is significantly slowed down.Moreover, rope exercises supply the muscles with oxygen, due to which cellulite begins to literally “break down”. To enhance this effect, the softening body gel from Herbalife’s HERBAL ALOE line will help. The shea butter contained in the product increases the elasticity of the skin, and the sea salt stimulates its regeneration process.
For everyone who wants to start training with a rope, we have prepared a list of recommendations on how to do it correctly and eliminate the occurrence of injuries:
- The rope should be in height.To choose the length that suits you, fold the rope in half and place the handles at armpit level: the fold of the rope should reach the floor.
- You should practice in tight sportswear that does not interfere with jumping.
- It is preferable to purchase sports shoes designed for running. It will help cushion when jumping.
- Beginners are advised to choose cotton ropes – they are the softest. The densest are nylon, they perfectly retain their shape and trajectory when thrown.Vinyl (rubber) – the most durable skipping ropes, ideal for performing difficult jumps and tricks. For professional athletes, leather skipping ropes are suitable – they develop excellent speed and have an average weight.
So that you can train with a rope at any time convenient for you, we have selected the TOP 5 effective exercises that will help you tone your body and muscles and get rid of extra pounds:
1. Classic
Good exercise for beginners, simple technique.Relax, stay firmly on your feet, and jump with the rope. It is best to keep the jump as low as possible to the ground. Once you have fully mastered it, you can use this method to warm up.
2. Scissors
The right leg is in front, and the left leg is taken back. During the jump, rearrange your legs: the right should be behind, and the left should be in front. The rope should run underneath you when your feet are in the air.
3. Criss-cross
Jump as in the “classic”, but when you jump, turn your left hand to the right and your right to the left.At this point, the rope should cross in front of the body.
4. Run
Tiring exercise, but very effective in terms of weight loss. Run over the rope, pick up the pace for yourself. Try to control your breathing as you run.
5. Skier
Keep your feet together. During the jump, move them, without tearing them apart, from side to side. At the same time, the body is in an upright position, the back is straight.
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2019-01-24
Author: Be Fit
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90,000 20 Rope Exercises – Life in Motion
Read 3 min Views 14.7k. Published by
Updated
- Looking to expand and diversify your rope exercise arsenal? 20 types of exercises in just 7 minutes!
- Do you know the time? Then let’s go:
- You liked the exercises, you want to start doing them, but before that, make out each in more detail, then read on:
- Or download the printed version: 20 exercises with a rope_table
- 1.Warm-up
- Jumping in place. The minimum lifting of the legs from the floor, so that the rope can slip through.
- 2. Alternate jumps
- Jump on the right leg, jump on two legs, jump on the left leg.
- 3. Boxer
- Jumping from side to side. Jump to the left, jump to the right, this is how boxers train.
- 4. Pendulum
- Jumping forward and backward.
- 5. Running in place
- Run in place (without moving), passing each step through the rope.
- 6. Scissors
- Jumps with crossing legs, while changing the position of the legs from behind and from the front. Example: Left foot in front, right foot in back, then vice versa.
- 7. Advanced scissors
- More intensive scissors. From the previous exercise, we remove the intermediate stage, when the legs are shoulder-width apart, and continue to make scissors.
- 8. Compasses
- Legs together – jump, feet shoulder-width apart – jump. A simple exercise to help you get some rest before doing the next one.
- 9. Knees up
- Jumps with high knees, alternate legs.
- 10. Heels up
- Jumping with heels throwing back.
- 11. Forward – backward
- Heel-to-toe jumps. The main thing is to keep your balance.
- 12. Loop
- Alternation of jumps: normal jump, jump over the loop.
- 13. Twist
- Jumping with bent knees. The knees first look to one side (left), then to the other (right).
- 14. On the heels
- Jumping on the heels. Heavy exercise that may feel uncomfortable. Also, it may not immediately begin to work out to perform it. If the heels hit the surface, you can choose shoes with a softer sole, however, too soft is not recommended (choose the middle ground).
- 15. March
- Leap with one leg extended forward, then a jump on both legs, then a jump with the other leg extended forward.
- 16. Rapid March
- Same exercise as March, only we remove from it the intermediate option (jump on both legs), that is, a jump with an extended left leg, then a jump with an extended right leg.
- 17. Left – right
- Jumping on one leg, then jumping on the other leg. For example, 5 times with the left, then 5 times with the right (more is possible).
- 18. Double scrolling
- High jump with rope scrolling twice.
- 19. Backward rotation
- Jumping with backward rotation of the rope.
- 20. Sprint
- Intense dash with forward jumps, then less intense backward jumps with alternating legs.
- Now you have familiarized yourself with 20 types of rope exercises.
- Now go ahead, carry them out!
- p.p.
- In order not to remember all 20 rope exercises every time, you can download a special cheat sheet (printed version) at this link: 20 rope exercises_table
Do you want to replenish and diversify your arsenal of rope exercises? 20 types of exercises in just 7 minutes!
Do you know the time? Let’s go then:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpqZyeo-aNA&feature=em-upload_owner
I liked the exercises, you want to start doing them, but before that, take a closer look at each one, then read on:
Or download the printed version: 20 rope exercises_table
1.Warm-up
Jumping in place. The minimum lifting of the legs from the floor, so that the rope can slip through.
2. Alternate jumps
Jump on the right leg, jump on two legs, jump on the left leg.
3. Boxer
Jumping from side to side. Jump to the left, jump to the right, this is how boxers train.
4. Pendulum
Jumping forward and backward.
5. Running in place
We run in place (without moving), passing each step through the rope.
6. Scissors
Jumping with crossing legs, at the same time changing the position of the legs from behind and from the front. Example: Left foot in front, right foot in back, then vice versa.
7. Advanced scissors
More intense version of the scissors. From the previous exercise, we remove the intermediate stage, when the legs are shoulder-width apart, and continue to make scissors.
8. Compasses
Legs together – jump, feet shoulder-width apart – jump.A simple exercise to help you get some rest before doing the next one.
9. Knees up
Jumping with high knees, alternating legs.
10. Heels up
Jumping with heels throwing back.
11. Forward – Reverse
Heel-to-toe jumps. The main thing is to keep your balance.
12. Hinge
Alternation of jumps: normal jump, jump over the loop.
13. Twist
Jumping with bent legs at the knees. The knees first look to one side (left), then to the other (right).
14. On the heels
Heel jumps. Heavy exercise that may feel uncomfortable. Also, it may not immediately begin to work out to perform it. If the heels hit the surface, you can choose shoes with a softer sole, however, too soft is not recommended (choose the middle ground).
15. March
Leap with one leg extended forward, then a jump on both legs, then a jump with the other leg extended forward.
16. Fast March
The same exercise as March, only we remove the intermediate option from it (jump on both legs), that is, a jump with an extended left leg, then a jump with an extended right leg.
17. Left – Right
Jumping on one leg, then jumping on the other leg.For example, 5 times with the left, then 5 times with the right (more is possible).
18. Double scroll
High jump with the rope scrolling twice.
19. Reverse rotation
Jumping with backward rotation of the rope.
20. Sprint
Intense dash with forward jumps, then less intense backward jumps with alternating legs.
Now you have got acquainted with 20 types of rope exercises.
Now go ahead, carry them out!
p. From
In order not to remember every time all 20 exercises with a rope, you can download a special cheat sheet (printed version) at this link: 20 exercises with a rope_table
90,000 Skipping rope exercises, the benefits and harms of jumping rope
Contents of the article:
- Everything you wanted to know about jumping rope
- The benefits of jumping rope
- Who is not recommended to do exercises with a rope
- Place and clothing for training
- Selection of sports equipment
- Jumping technique and training time
- Technique for performing exercises
- Skipping rope exercises for weight loss
Many novice athletes are not serious about such sports equipment as a jump rope.However, it is she who is one of the best and most affordable devices for physical activity. Skipping rope exercises allow you to adjust the figure, strengthen the muscles of the arms and back. And despite the fact that for many , the rope seems to be a primitive school simulator, nevertheless exerts a significant load on the human body . That is why, before starting a lesson, you should not forget about a warm-up.
The benefits of jumping rope
Skipping rope exercises are perfect for those who want to get rid of cellulite, excess weight, strive to strengthen the buttocks, legs and improve muscle tone.The benefits of jumping rope are very great, since this type of exercise can be attributed to the category of cardio, therefore, we can say that exercises with a rope have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.
Scientists and researchers have proven that in an hour of jumping rope, a person weighing about 65 kilograms can burn about 1000 calories. After such loud statements, there is no doubt that rope exercises for weight loss really work.Thanks to such exercises, breathing is trained, you become more flexible and enduring. As a result, you will get not only a toned body, but also a good mood.
Unfortunately, rope exercises are not suitable for everyone. Rope training will not work:
– for men and women with musculoskeletal injuries;
– to people with a weak heart and any diseases of the cartilage and joints;
– for people with knee problems.If you have had injuries, fractures, it is best to consult a doctor first;
– overweight people. If you weigh about 100 kilograms, while the normal weight should be about 60-70 – do not jump rope. Otherwise, you put your spine in danger and also destroy your joints.
It is also not recommended to start the exercise immediately after eating. Jumping puts a lot of stress on the body, so do not eat an hour before training.
Of course, you can jump absolutely anywhere. However, the ideal option is a gym. Of course, you can do this in your apartment, but do not forget that the swing rope is quite large, and the creak of the ceiling is unlikely to please the neighbors. If you still decide to work out at home, then pay attention to the flooring. The floor material should be slightly soft and slightly springy. A fitness mat is perfect for this.
Dress code must be athletic. It is best if it is tight and lightweight. Movement during jumps must be free. It is advisable for girls to have a sports bra. From shoes – sneakers, the main thing is that they are light and fix the ankle. Due to such shoes, the load will be uniform, which means that the likelihood of injury is minimal.
All ropes are standard lengths: 2.4 m, 2.70 m and 3 m. If you have no idea which length is right for you, you can proceed as follows.Stand upright, hold the rope by both handles, while stepping on the hanging rope with your foot. Lift the rope up a little, bring it to the level of the armpits. This is your length. In any case, do not worry if you have bought a machine that is too long. It is better to buy a rope longer and then shorten it with special handles than not know what to do with a short inventory.
In general there are four main types of rope:
Plain, with rubber cable.It does not have specific electronic settings, calorie meter, or the number of revolutions. Absolutely everyone who attended school has encountered such a rope. They are optimal for those who want to lose weight without overpaying. A rope like this is as useful as any rope for a price four times the price.
Expressway. Best option for burning calories quickly.
Electronic. This modern device is equipped with a calorie burn counter.Thus, having programmed its parameters, the rope itself will calculate the amount of calories that you managed to consume during the lesson.
Weighted. This rope will help to build up the volume of body muscles due to the tangible weight inherent in the sports equipment itself. It will be difficult for untrained people who are just starting to exercise, it will be difficult to cope with such a rope, since during the jumps the load goes to all muscle groups.
For beginners, regular or high-speed skipping ropes will be an excellent option.
If you want to lose weight and generally get in shape, then do not forget that the main thing is regularity. You can practice every other day so that the body has time to recover a little. The first lessons can last from 10 to 20 minutes. Over time, when the body gets used to this type of stress, you can increase the exercise time to 45 minutes. This time will be quite enough to maintain physical fitness or gradually lose excess calories.
Do not despair if at first you feel pain in the abdominal area, buttocks, and thighs. Over time, the pain will go away. And the body will gradually begin to get rid of toxins and toxins that will come out with sweat. Do not overload yourself too much in the first lesson. Take a break if shortness of breath occurs. The load can be increased already from the third lesson, because if you take too much care of yourself, then you are unlikely to achieve a quick result soon.
– warm up your body a little before jumping.Do a little exercise with a rope. It can be tilts to the sides, forward;
– keep your back straight, focus on the wall or window;
– no need to move your elbows in different directions, they should be as close to the body as possible. The rope should only rotate by moving the wrists;
– it is best to practice outdoors or at least with an open window.
Jumping rope is perfect for those who have extra volume in the abdomen and hips.In order to get rid of this problem, you should perform an elementary set of exercises.
– Simple jumps. Rotate the rope at a moderate pace while bouncing on toes. When landing, spring your knees and lower yourself on your toes. One jump – one rotation of the rope.
– Double jump . The technique is the same as for a simple jump. The difference lies in the fact that in one jump you must have time to complete two spins with the rope.This type of jumping is great as a relaxing exercise. This way, you can catch your breath and get some rest after more intense jumps.
– Jumping with change of legs. During the jump, alternate legs. The raised leg must certainly be bent at the knee.
– Jumping back and forth. In one spin, you must jump up and slightly forward. On the next spin, you should go back.
– Side jumps. Move to the sides while jumping. First to the left, on the next rotation of the rope to the right.
Each exercise should be done for 2 minutes.
Over time, you can slightly diversify the exercises by changing the direction of rotation of the rope. When doing simple jumping rope, try to raise your knees as high as possible to your chest.
You can see the first results after 10 sessions, that is, with regular training 2-3 times a week after 2 months.
Also, in addition to jumping, you can perform slopes with a skipping rope that are no less effective for weight loss. Each of the proposed exercises should be repeated about 10 times.
Exercise 1 . Bend your back a little, keep your legs straight. Fold the rope in half, grab the ends and bring your hands behind your back. Try to take your hands back as far as possible, while leaning forward yourself.
Exercise 2. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and stand straight.Raise your hands up and, pulling the rope, bend as far as possible, first in one direction, then in the other. Thanks to this exercise, the muscles of the back and abs are well worked out.
Exercise 3 . Stand straight with one foot on the rope. Hands bent at the elbows should pull the rope. The leg, which in this case acts as a supporting leg, must be bent. The leg that you take back with the rope little by little. When you lift your leg up, remember to tense the muscles of the buttocks.
If you experience the slightest sign of discomfort, such as nausea or dizziness, stop exercising. Give your body some rest and recovery. In case of significant overload, you can take a week break, and then continue your studies. Those who suffer from heart failure should be especially careful about their health. Monitor your heart rate and well-being throughout the session.
The Jump Rope is a versatile sports tool. Do not limit yourself only to jumping, do a warm-up, strengthen the muscles of the back, abs, buttocks through bending and other elementary, but no less effective exercises. And remember, there are no quick results. A beautiful body, excellent health and well-being are painstaking, and most importantly, regular work on yourself.
90,000 Benefits of Skipping Rope Training | Fitness
In addition to fashionable gadgets and exercise equipment, you should have a good old rope in your fitness arsenal.Madina Teppeeva, elite coach of the World Class Triumph club, tells how to effectively use her in your training.
Exercises with a skipping rope as a warm-up
“Jumping rope is a good choice for a warm-up: this exercise quickly raises the pulse, raises the body temperature and thus warms up the muscles and makes them more elastic,” says the trainer. Few people know that such jumps load the joints less than running, if you adhere to the correct technique and choose not asphalt as a working surface, but a springy surface, like on workout sites.Moreover, there is scientific work confirming that jumping rope is used even in the rehabilitation of athletes after injuries.
Even as a warm-up exercise, rope exercises are effective on the body, helping to correct the figure and develop a number of physical qualities. “Thanks to these exercises, you become much more enduring, spend a lot of calories, get rid of excess weight, improve muscle definition, develop dexterity and coordination, and also accelerate metabolism, – says the trainer.”Plus, this kind of cardio, if kept at a moderate intensity, will be very beneficial for the cardiovascular system.”
The optimal time to warm up with a rope is 10-12 minutes, but during this time exercise will make a significant contribution to the total number of calories burned during the workout. “An hour of running at a basic pace allows you to burn about 500 calories. And with a rope for the same period of time, you can burn 300 kcal more. In the case of each individual person, this figure can change – increase or decrease, because it depends on the characteristics of the organism, the speed of exercise and other parameters, ”says Madina.
Complete Rope Workout
“Many boxers supplement their workout plan with workouts that include 2 or 3 minute sets of jumping rope. In these approaches, they first perform the exercise at a high pace, with high intensity. This can be achieved, for example, by double jumps. And then they move on to less intense, single jumps and slow down to recovery, ”says the World Class coach.Do you want to try this principle of training? Start with a 6 minute workout (6 1 minute intervals) with 30 seconds rest between sets. To improve your results, try to increase the number of jumps in one set. In addition, rest periods should be shortened – for example, to 20 seconds. At the initial stage, the rest interval can be increased to 60 seconds – if required by health, physical fitness and current technical skills.
In addition to single jumps, include jumps on one leg, cross jumps, jumps with crossed ropes, jumps with high knees, side swing exercise in addition to single jumps. (“Side swing” – jumps alternate with the transition to running, during which the folded rope is swung through the right and left sides).
Contraindications
Contrary to stereotypes, the jump rope is one of the safest sports equipment. However, she also has contraindications. These are:
- diseases of the spine during an exacerbation, displacement of the vertebrae or cartilage, which are the reason for contraindications to jumping;
- Arthritis and arthrosis;
- hypertension and cardiac dysfunction;
- venous diseases;
- high obesity index, in which there is a possible risk of joint damage and excessive stress on the legs;
- some eye diseases.
Therefore, be sure to consider the peculiarities of health when adding new exercises to your workout that have the potential to pose risks to your body.
Jump rope for runners: benefits, technique, training
How to increase your running endurance and strengthen muscles without running? This question may arise if you cannot run because of an injury, or you simply do not have the opportunity to go outside and run. Fortunately, there are plenty of cross-training options for runners, and among the home and affordable types, coaches especially highlight jumping rope.Why? We will answer in this article!
Benefits of rope training
Jumping rope trains three components of your running form at once: endurance, strength and coordination. An important advantage of jumping rope is that such training does not load the runner’s joints, so this is a great way to maintain your level of fitness when running a lot is contraindicated.
If you do not plan to exclude running from your training plan, then jumping rope will additionally develop balance, coordination and speed that are so necessary for any runner.In particular, such activities will be of interest to trail runners due to tangible training in dexterity and coordination.
Jumping rope may not be easy, but the exercises have less effect on your joints, allowing them to rest without excluding them from the cardio program. In general, cross-training also relieves you psychologically, adding variety to the training process.
The rope is also an effective exercise for increasing cadence, or cadence, and shortening the contact time of the foot.Running speed and economy are the derivatives of these two running characteristics.
Remember the main thing: improving your endurance in one sport always has a general effect on the whole body. Therefore, jumping rope will have a positive effect on your stamina while running.
Read on: How to develop and increase endurance in running
What muscles are involved
First of all, during jumping rope, the main “running” muscles work: the gastrocnemius, soleus, gluteal and quadriceps muscles.But, in addition to the legs, the shoulders, back, chest, abdominal muscles and triceps are involved, which means that the rope gives a tangible general physical training.
Training plans for marathon and half marathon. Download and start preparing today.
It is recommended to include this kind of cross-training for marathoners and ultras, since their back is subjected to about the same load during long runs.
In order for your muscles to get a higher load, it makes sense to train with a weighted rope or with weights for the legs.
Which is more effective: jumping rope or running?
Jump rope can be a good alternative to running if, for some reason, it is not possible to run. But if you want to achieve impressive results for the hobbyist, cross-training with a rope will strengthen and strengthen what little is involved in running.
Is it bad weather outside? Replace running workout with jumping workout. Are you worried about a running injury and therefore had to give up running? Jump rope, if injury is not contraindicated and this.Have you been busy all day, and you already have no strength to go out for a run at such a late hour? There is nothing wrong with sometimes jumping rope instead of a regular run.
Unfortunately, it will not be possible to completely replace running with a rope, but this applies only to those runners who want to improve their results. If you have been running for fun or for weight loss without planning to compete, the rope is a very good activity for a sedentary lifestyle.
What else can replace running, we talked about in this article.
Is it possible to lose weight by jumping rope?
Jumping rope requires almost as much energy from your body as running. Of course, the number of calories burned directly depends on the intensity of the exercise.
If we take an approximate figure, we can safely cite the following figures: during jumping rope, from 10 to 18 kcal per minute is burned. But along with the addition of such a cardio load, reconsider your diet and the amount of food consumed, because excess weight is lost only with a calorie deficit.
Rope jumping technique
Learning to jump correctly
Bend your knees slightly, lift your heels off the floor, keep a straight posture and look straight ahead. Then turn your arms with your forearms to the sides so that they are parallel to the floor, your elbows should be near your torso.
Keep the rope handles relaxed as the rotation should be done with the hands. The harder you work with your brushes, the faster the projectile rotates.
Jump softly, without landing on your entire foot and slightly bending your knees.You do not need to jump high, such a jump is enough for the rope to pass under your feet.
Lead-in exercises
- Jumping for 20-30 seconds without a rope, but as if you were jumping over it.
- One-handed rope rotation: first rotate on one side 20-25 times, then change hands and repeat. This will train your hands.
- One-handed jumping rope. Rotate the projectile at the same pace as you jump. When the rope hits the floor, you should be jumping at that moment.
When you have mastered these exercises, start jumping rope. Start with one jump, focusing on the correct execution. After repeating one jump several times, go to two in a row, then to three, four, etc. If you can jump without stumbling for 20 seconds, then you have mastered this simple form of activity.
Training examples
If you have never jumped rope before, a tip for you: use it during warm-up. Jump at an easy pace for 5-10 minutes and go for a run.Your body will gradually master the technique and adapt to unfamiliar work.
Slowly and gradually increase the duration of your workouts to 20-30 minutes. We agree that it can be boring. In this case, intervals always come to the rescue. For example, after warm-up, jump at an easy pace for one minute, and then jump at an increased pace for the next minute, which makes it hard for you to breathe.
Double jumps, which imply two repetitions in a minimum period of time, will help increase the pace and strength of the jump.
Change of jumping technique will help to diversify training. Try jumping on one leg, alternating legs, jumping on your heels, etc. Also add physical training exercises to the rope: push-ups, planks, squats.
Standard Training Complex
- Rope on two legs – 10 times
- On the left leg – 10 times
- On the right leg – 10 times
- Alternating left and right legs – 20 times
Make a batch without interruption.Between the series, rest a little until breathing is restored, and then repeat 3-5 times depending on your shape.
Beginner’s workout
- Rope – 3 minutes
- Push-ups – 30 seconds
- Rope – 3 minutes
- Exercise on the press “Mountaineer” – 30 seconds
- Rope – 3 minutes
- Squats – 30 seconds
- Repeat the complex 3 times.
Skipping rope training for advanced
- Rope – 3 minutes
- 10 squats, 10 push-ups, 10 squats
- High Rise Rope – 30 Seconds
- 10 squats
- High Rise Rope – 30 Seconds
- 10 push-ups
- High Rise Rope – 30 Seconds
- Rope on the left leg – 30 seconds
- Rope on the right leg – 30 seconds
- Two-legged rope – 1 minute
- Repeat the complex 3 times.
90 130 10 burpees
CrossFit Rope Training
- Rope – 3 minutes
- Double rope (in one jump you have to roll the rope twice) – 30 seconds
- Burpee – 30 seconds
- Rest – 30 seconds
- Repeat the complex 10 times
Tabata with rope
- Jumping rope at maximum speed – 20 seconds
- Rest – 10 seconds
- Repeat the complex 6 to 10 times
Example of training with a rope for weight loss
Which ropes are better to use
There are a huge number of rope options on the market: simple for children, sports, with a built-in spin counter, rope for singles, doubles and group jumps.
When choosing a rope, pay attention to its weight: if it is too light, such a rope will not rotate well.
And, of course, all the ropes are designed for a certain height of a person. It’s easy to pick it up in length: stand in the middle of the rope (legs together) and see if it reaches your armpits. If it does, then the rope is right for you.
For beginners, the simplest skipping ropes that can be bought for a small price in a regular hypermarket are suitable. But for the advanced level of jumping, we recommend purchasing a high-speed rope at a sports store.
What is Speed Skipping Rope? This is a rope used for high speed jumping techniques. It is inconvenient to perform double and triple jumps on a simple apparatus, but a high-speed rope is created for this. It uses a PVC sheathed metal cord and metal bearings to secure the cord. This gives the rotation speed.
Among the advanced skipping ropes, there are shells with weights in the handles. This allows for great load on the forearms.
How to choose a rope
- Learn to jump – take a rope with a rope.
- If you are working on speed and number of jumps, do high-speed rope.
- If you want to train the muscles of the arms and forearms – get a rope with weights and add weights to your body.
- If you want the rope to last a long time, buy a projectile with a steel cable.
Output
Jump Rope will help you diversify your workouts, and for those interested in losing weight, it will serve as an effective way to burn calories as running.Jumping rope is good because it puts less stress on the joints, but pumps all the “running” muscles and additionally includes the muscles of the upper body.
Include jumping rope as a warm-up before running or in your general physical training complex, and after a few systemic exercises you will feel how elastic your run has become and how much easier it is for you to have a high cadence.