We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
The Best Skipping Ropes to Burn Fat and Build Muscle in 2021
Skip your way to a leaner physique with our favourite jump ropes
For such a simple exercise, skipping gets a bad rep. Yes, it can be difficult. And yes, you won’t master the ‘criss cross’ straight away (don’t even think about the ‘jump rope burpee’).
But, for such a basic piece of kit, the skipping rope offers myriad fat burning and stamina-improving benefits, as well as endless workout possibilities.
To help you get to grips, we asked Lewis Richardson – a Team GB Boxer and coach with motivational workout app Eastnine – how to double down on nailing the double under.
What are the benefits of skipping?
“Skipping is great not only for a boxer, but for everyone,” enthuses Richardson. “I specifically use it for coordination; having to use my hands and feet simultaneously like I would when I am fighting. Outside of this it can be great to improve heart health as you work the heart by increasing the beats per minute, alongside increasing concentration and stamina, releasing endorphins and working multiple body parts at once.”
Good, so it’s going to get your heart pumping and will improve your coordination – which is great even if you aren’t looking to take lumps out of anyone in the ring. But, how, exactly can you incorporate skipping into your routine? And do you have to wear Rocky’s grey tracksuit while peering out over Philadelphia at dawn to get the true benefits?
The answer to the second part, is ‘Of course not. That’s silly.’ As for how skipping fits in to your workout routine, Richardson has some thoughts.
“Within my boxing sessions, I use skipping as a warm-up and a cool-down exercise. But it is certainly not limited to this. Skipping can be used as part of a circuit or interval-based session, or as a solid workout in its own right. It is also a great replacement for running if you are unable to run or want some variation in your training.”
Essentially, then, how you incorporate the rope is up to you.
How to use a skipping rope like a pro
Before you get started, it’s worth thinking about your form. And remember that mastering the rope takes time so don’t get put off if you’re not fantastic first time.
“All of the fancy tricks you see aren’t as easy as they appear,” warns Richardson. “People get discouraged if they can’t skip straight away, but that’s normal for everyone; it takes time to really skip freely and confidently. My top tips would be to start on both feet with as many bounces as necessary in between rotations of the rope. Then try to limit the bounces to one by speeding up the rotation. Once you’re competent at this, try single legs. Stay consistent and the result will come.”
As a starting point, Richardson suggests you get to grips with the following drills. Nail the first one before you move on to the second, and so on:
1. Skip for one minute. Shadowbox while jogging on the spot for a minute. Rest for a minute. Repeat six times.
2. Skip for three minutes with a one minute rest in-between. Repeat six times.
3. Complete 20 minutes of continuous skipping, increasing your pace every minute.
The best skipping ropes 2021
Crossrope Weighted Jump Rope
Crossrope Weighted Jump Rope
Crossrope describes itself as the "Ferrari of skipping ropes" and, well, they might be onto something. The ergonomic handles are a joy to hold, a swivel bearing means you can build up to some serious speed, and its innovative fast clip mechanism makes switching out different weights of rope a doddle. The brand's app offers unique skipping workouts and will track your performance and progress, although it does require a subscription.
Anvin Weighted Ropeless Jump Rope
This cordless rope is ideal for beginners. It has a weight attached to each handle (instead of an actual rope) to prevent you tripping while you focus on building up your speed and stamina. Just don’t forget to jump.
It’s 2021 and even your skipping rope is high-tech (eat that, Rocky). This particular number projects your reps via built-in LED lights, saving you from the torture of jumping and counting at the same time. Naturally, it syncs with your mobile devices to record all of the usual metrics.
Decathlon Wooden Skipping Rope with Removable Weights
Decathlon Wooden Skipping Rope with Removable Weights
Wooden handles feel pretty special, but the price is far from premium. Not only will this beginner rope help prevent your hands from slipping, you can even add in 45g weights to take things up a notch.
Another smart rope, this one shows your stats in a smart display in the handle. Not only will that help push your progression, it allows you to monitor your progress by looking back over previous workouts. Which can be handy when your motivation inevitably starts to wane around the one minute mark.
Sundried Skipping Rope
This speed rope is ideal for taking things up a notch. It’s lightweight, looks great and – best of all – features ergonomic thumb grooves to stop your hands from slipping when things get sweaty.
Epitomie Fitness Sonic Boom M2 High Speed Jump Rope
Epitomie Fitness Sonic Boom M2 High Speed Jump Rope
There’s speed ropes, and then there’s speed ropes. This one is the latter. Sure, it features comfortable, non-slip handles, but it also boasts ball bearing-weighted handles to help add that extra bit of resistance.
adidas Skipping Rope Set With Carrying Case
adidas Skipping Rope Set With Carrying Case
This 9ft long rope is suitable for people of all heights (except maybe professional basketball players). It comes with a lovely case to cart it around in, but the real selling point is a set of variable weights you can add inside the handles, to up the ante at will.
Buddy Lee Jump Ropes Buddy Lee Patented Swivel Jump Rope
This is a great looking skipping rope. But great looking isn’t enough. What we really like is the O-ring swivel which makes it very difficult to tie yourself up in knots. And, in theory, makes it easier to progress to those show-stopping rope tricks. Probably why this one's a favourite of the best CrossFit athletes.
Mirafit Battle Jump Rope Heavy Skipping Rope
Think you’ve mastered skipping? This offering from Mirafit thinks you’ve only just begun. Forget weighted handles – here the entire rope is weighted to help bulk up those arms and shoulders while getting your core shredded.
Download Eastnine at eastnine.fit
Watch Next
The Best Massages To Book Now
Stephen Smith: The Agony and Ecstasy of Angling
A First-Hand Guide to the New Age of Psychedelics
Train in Style in London's Best Luxury Gyms
