One type of exercise that burns many calories is jumping rope or skipping. Jumping rope can help burn calories, but it can also be good for your health, like preventing heart disease, improving balance and coordination, and strengthening bones and muscles.
As the name suggests, this sport is done with the help of a rope, which is also called a “skipping rope.” The rope in question is not the same as any other rope. Here are some tips to help you choose the suitable skipping rope so you don’t make the wrong choice.
1. Choose the Skipping Rope According to the Material
There are many different kinds of jump ropes on the market. The skipping rope is made of different materials, changing how fast the rope moves when it is turned. Some of the materials that are often used to make skipping ropes are:
Plastic Material
Plastic skipping ropes are great for people who are just starting or aren’t used to skipping sports. The good thing about this jump rope is that if it hits a body part, like the leg, it won’t hurt.
Plastic skipping ropes are great for people who are just starting or aren’t used to skipping sports. The good thing about this jump rope is that if it hits a body part, like the leg, it won’t hurt.
The plastic skipping rope is also light, so it’s good for skipping at a low level of intensity.
Fabric
Cloth jump ropes are safe for kids and people who want to learn how to jump rope. This rope is made of cotton or polyester threads that are woven together, so it is very flexible.
Since this skipping rope is made of cloth, it won’t hurt your feet when it hits them. So it makes sense that this rope is a great way to train muscles or make warm-up moves before speed training.
Leather
A leather jump rope is a good one that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Boxers usually use this skipping rope because they train with it at a very high level.
The rope is skinny, but it can withstand a lot of pressure. So it makes sense that this one is pretty pricey compared to other jump ropes.
Metal Rope
There is also a jump rope made of metal that looks like a wire. Most of the time, iron, steel, or aluminum alloy is used to make the metal. On the other hand, some are covered on the outside with nylon or PVC.
Using this skipping rope makes jumping faster. It makes sense that people who use metal jump ropes are professional athletes who train to strengthen their core muscles.
Bead Rope
A skipping rope with beads is heavier than other types of skipping ropes. This skipping rope is made to work out muscles in the upper body, like the shoulders, back, and stomach.
This skipping rope is unique because it makes a sound when it hits the floor. The sound can also be used when jumping rope to keep the jumps in time.
Tube Strap
The tube rope is also a jump rope but is pretty heavy and can weigh up to 1000 grams. This strap is quite thick and heavy, which makes it a great way to work on arm and shoulder strength.
Still, there are different tube strap weights you can choose from based on your needs. For beginners, use a tube strap with a lightweight to keep your elbows and wrists from getting hurt.
2. Pay attention to the fasteners
The fastener has a lot to do with how the skipping rope works. There are at least three common kinds of fasteners on skipping ropes, which are:
Folding Type
This fastener makes it possible to change how long or short the skipping rope is. To make the rope shorter, fold it in half and put it back into the handle.
Bearing Type
The handle of this fastener has a bearing that makes it easier for the rope to turn. The bearing-type fastener also makes it easy to jump over the rope and keeps it from coming off or twisting.
But the quality of the binder may get worse the more you use it. But if this part is broken, it can be changed.
Straight Type
Because it is hard to pull or twist, the straight type is a pretty strong fastener. Not only that, but the fastener at the end of the handle can be used to change the length in a straight line.
3. Choose a Non-slippery Handle
The next thing you should think about when choosing a jump rope is the handle. This is the part that touches the palm directly.
Please remember that when you skip rope, your palms will sweat, making the rope slippery to hold. And when you use it, the skipping rope might get away from you.
So, choose a material for the skipping rope handle that won’t become slippery when wet. Also, think about the shape and size of the handle to make sure it feels good when you hold it.
4. Adjust the length of the rope to your height
A skipping rope sold in a store is between 2 and 3 meters long. The skipping rope should be 55 cm longer than the user’s height. The idea is that this will make jumping easier and safer.
Pay attention to the sizes below to get an idea of how long the skipping rope is:
- Height < 150 cm, rope length 2,10 m.
- Height 160-170 cm, rope length 2,50 m.
- Height 170-180 cm, rope length 2,75 m.
- Height 180-190 cm, rope length 2,85 m.
- Height > 190 m, rope length 3,00 m.
5. Adjust the weight of the rope to your needs
The needs must also be taken into account when choosing a jump rope. You should select a heavy skipping rope to focus on strengthening your arm muscles. You have to use more energy when you turn the rope.
Most of the time, professional jumpers use skipping heavy ropes. Still, even beginners might be able to use it. Please remember that the rope will spin slower the more serious it is.
Here are some things you can do before you buy a jump rope to help you choose the right one. Also, ensure that the jump rope you choose is of good quality to last a long time.