The 5 Best Weighted Jump Ropes to Elevate Your Workout
Top picks for beginners and experts that will get your heart pumping.
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From building endurance and conditioning to helping with balance and coordination, jumping rope makes for a fantastic workout that is enjoyable too. It doesn't take much skill to start jumping rope, so even workout novices can take advantage of this total body workout that you can do practically anywhere.
You may automatically think that a light jump rope is the way to go when starting a jump rope regimen at home, but weighted jump ropes can make for a great learning tool. "Weighted ropes are particularly good for beginners because you can feel the weight of the rope pass under your body and it helps with timing," says psychologist and fitness trainer Dr. Janine Delaney. Having that additional feedback from a weighted rope can be super helpful for those new to the sport, and can provide a more effective workout for those seasoned athletes too. Weighted jump ropes are a great way to get twice the impact from your workout by increasing calorie burn and cardiovascular fitness.
When it comes to finding the best weighted jump rope, fitness experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Wellness Lab look for options with comfortable sturdy handles and durable cables. Each rope varies based on where the weight is positioned; some ropes have the weight in the handles and some have the weight in the rope itself. Many options offer different weights of rope or an option to remove the weights altogether and practice with a light speed rope. Heavy weighted ropes, especially those that are 2lbs or heavier, can put more stress on joints so it is best to start with a 1lb rope and work your way up if you are new to the movements. Before starting any fitness regimen, always consult your physician or healthcare provider. Here are our top picks for the best weighted jump ropes to elevate your workout:
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition and Fitness Lab, where she oversees all nutrition and fitness-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from New York University, as well as advanced certifications as a Women's Fitness Specialist and a Behavior Change Specialist. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
