Skipping Ropes

A skipping rope is for conditioning, footwork and warm-ups. Ropes look alike, but the cable, the handles and any added weight change how a rope turns and how hard it works you.

A basic rope may be a PVC cable with plastic handles. Speed ropes are made to turn faster, for example with a PVC-covered steel cable and lightweight aluminium handles. Weighted ropes add resistance through heavier cables, weighted handles or both, and may come with interchangeable cables so you can vary the intensity.

Look for a length you can adjust to your height. If a maker promises smooth rotation, check whether it says how, for example with bearings.