The Best Battle Ropes For Training

Buying Guide

While most people might turn to traditional weights to build muscle, battle ropes provide variety and can increase your cardio more effectively. They work each arm or leg separately, which eliminates strength imbalances. You can also use them to work your core, back and chest. They come in different thicknesses and lengths, and thicker, longer battle ropes are more challenging. If you’re new to battle ropes, it’s a good idea to begin with a lower weight.

Battle ropes get anchored to walls, and some are sold with the anchors and hardware. These consist of a wall bracket, anchoring screws and a metal loop; if you don’t see an anchor in the product description, you’ll have to buy one separately. The ropes can be wrapped around heavy objects like posts, but ensure that the object is firmly secured to the ground. You can also use the ropes for jumping rope, but the best-known maneuver is the battle rope wave, which consists of standing in a squat position, holding on to both ends, and performing a waving motion.

Poorly made battle ropes tend to discolor, weaken and fray over time. Look for those made from solid and durable materials like polyester, polypropylene and nylon twisted into strands. Some come with protective covers that completely cover the ropes, but these usually cost more. Make sure that the rope has strong handles on the ends, too.

• Battle ropes usually come in 30, 40 and 50-foot lengths and 1.5, 2 and 2.5-inch diameters.
• The ropes get bent in half, so a 30-foot one will give you 15 feet in each hand.
• When working out, you’ll want an extra 5 feet of room on top of the rope length.
• Battle ropes are high intensity but low-impact.
• Just 10 minutes of swinging a battle rope can burn up to 112 calories.
• Start with about eight exercises, spending 30 seconds doing each with one-minute rests in between; repeat three times.
• Always stretch out your muscles before working out to warm them up and afterward to cool them down.