The most conditioning per pound, per kilogram and per square metre of anything you can buy. A properly sized speed rope trains calf endurance, footwork, coordination and cardiovascular fitness in a space the size of a bath towel.
KEY FEATURES
- Length adjusts quickly to suit any user height
- PVC cable turns fast enough for double unders
- Smooth-turning handles reduce wrist fatigue
- Packs into a pocket for travel and outdoor sessions
- Trains calf endurance, coordination and footwork
- An efficient warm-up tool before strength sessions
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Rope length is the single thing that determines whether skipping feels effortless or impossible. Too long and the rope drags and slaps; too short and it catches your feet. The standard method is to stand on the centre of the rope and bring the handles up; they should reach roughly to your armpits. Adjustability means one rope serves several users correctly.
PVC is the right cable material for general training. It is heavier and slower than a bare steel speed cable, which makes the rotation easier to feel and time, and it is far more durable than cotton on abrasive surfaces. Steel cables are faster for competitive double unders but are less forgiving of technique errors.
TRAINING APPLICATION
Skipping is an excellent warm-up before lower body training, priming the calves and ankles and raising core temperature in three or four minutes. As conditioning, interval formats work well: thirty seconds on, thirty off, for ten rounds. Double unders, where the rope passes twice per jump, add a genuine power and coordination demand.
HOW TO CHOOSE?
Choose a PVC rope for general conditioning, warm-ups and learning double unders. Size it correctly before your first session, as an incorrectly sized rope is the main reason people conclude they cannot skip. Skip on a forgiving surface such as foam tiles or a EVA foam puzzle exercise mat rather than bare concrete, which is hard on both the calves and the rope.
FAQs
How do I size a skipping rope?
Stand on the middle of the rope with one foot and pull the handles up beside you. They should reach roughly to your armpits.
Can I do double unders with a PVC rope?
Yes. PVC is slightly slower than a steel speed cable, which many people find makes learning double unders easier rather than harder.
What surface should I skip on?
A forgiving surface such as foam tiles, a mat or a sprung floor. Bare concrete is hard on the calves and abrades the rope quickly.
Will it wear out?
PVC abrades on rough surfaces over time. Skipping on matting rather than concrete or tarmac significantly extends its life.