Choosing a Skipping Rope
Before you spend your hard earned cash on a jump rope, thinking it’s the way you’re going to meet all your fitness goals, you really should consider trying one out first. And that means either going to your local gym and playing around with the ropes there for a few weeks or borrowing a rope from your favourite niece. It’ll take more than a few skips and hops to know what you’re going to like and dislike in a permanent skipping rope.
Just so you know what kinds of characteristics you should be looking for, here’s a short list:
Proper skipping rope length
Almost any length of rope can be used, but some lengths are easier to work with than others. When you stand on the middle of the rope the place where the rope meets the handles should reach your armpits.
Type of skipping ropes
Jump ropes can be made of nylon, leather and many different types of plastic. Nylon is usually harder to turn and can be heavy depending on the thickness of the rope. Leather (especially when soaked first) is long-lasting and easy to use. The heavier rope gives muscles more of a workout. There are many different types of plastic jumps ropes, so they can vary widely in weight and ease of use.
Some jump ropes have added weight, most often in the handles. If you feel you need an extra challenge start out slow and work your way up. If you’ve never skipped before it’s probably best to forgo any extra weight for now.
Price
Whatever the type of jump rope you choose, they all vary in price from a few dollars to over $20. Look for a rope that turns easily inside the handles so it won’t get tangled up. And it’s important to get a rope that can be adjusted for length. If you decide to spend a lot of money on a rope you can’t try out first, make sure you can return it if you’re not satisfied.
Now that we’ve got all that covered I should mention the footwear issue. Skipping, as easy as it can be on the joints, still requires some impact. Jumping rope in flip flops is not a good idea. A pair of cushiony cross trainers that provide shock absorption is your best bet. That’s all the equipment you need.