I started out jumping with a leather rope and weighted handles.

Despite being very careful about how I’d hang it up in-between uses, the rope often got tangled and kinked.

After breaking two of the leather ropes, I decided to spend more money on a better rope. I bought a system that includes one set of handles that are interchangeable with different weights of rope. There is a quarter-pound, half-pound, one-pound and two-pound rope that each provide a different style of workout. One of the best benefits of the jump rope system is the free app that I downloaded onto my phone. It provides a series of guided workouts with options that change every week. I can choose from beginner, intermediate and advanced levels that last anywhere from ten minutes to an hour. The programs are sometimes strictly jumping with the various weights of ropes and sometimes included exercises such as push-ups, crunches, lunges and burpees. Each one includes the option of a warmup, and provides brief rest periods between the activities. They target endurance or strength or HII, and the app keeps track of my workout history. I can look up how many calories I’ve burned in a single workout, over the course of the month or all-time. I even earn badges for consecutive or number of workouts. I like following the app because it prevents me from being lazy. It often pushes me beyond my comfort zone. It’s extremely motivational. Since adding the app to my phone, I’ve significantly increased my skills and stamina. Because of impact on my ankles, feet and knees, I only allow myself to jump rope three or four times per week.

Workout classes