Skipping ropes & speed ropes: faster, more precise, more endurance
Skipping ropes and speed ropes for double-unders, cardio and coordination: at PRFRM you will find ropes from RPM Fitness, STRYVE, HYGEAR and Sveltus, from beginner ropes to competition speed ropes.
Skipping is one of the most effective forms of training for endurance, coordination and speed. A good skipping rope makes the difference: it turns more easily, stays on track and allows higher speed, especially for double-unders and in cross-training.
RPM Fitness is known for high-quality skipping ropes. The Session range, for example the RPM Session4, offers lightweight aluminium handles, a flexible steel cable and a ball-bearing swivel mechanism for high rotation speed. For competition-level demands there is the RPM Comp4. Spare parts and cables are also available so you can use your rope for a long time.
A speed rope for getting started and training at home.
What to look out for when buying
Criterion
What to look out for
Rope type
Thin steel cable for speed and double-unders, thicker rope for beginners and technique
Handles
Lightweight handles with ball bearings for fast rotation, non-slip surface for a secure grip
Length
The rope should be adjustable: when you stand on the middle, the handles should reach roughly up to your chest
Subfloor
Jump on a mat, wood or rubber flooring, not on rough concrete, which protects the rope and your joints
Training
Speed rope for cardio and double-unders, heavier ropes for muscular endurance
The right rope length
Stand with one foot on the middle of the rope. With the rope taut, the handles should reach roughly up to your chest or armpits. Shorter ropes are faster, longer ropes are more forgiving. Adjust the length to your level.
Workouts with the skipping rope
1. Fat-burning workout (15 minutes)
30 seconds basic jumps
30 seconds rest
30 seconds high knees
30 seconds rest
5 rounds
2. Muscular endurance workout (10 minutes)
40 seconds double-unders
20 seconds rest
40 seconds boxer skips
20 seconds rest
5 rounds
3. Coordination training (5 minutes)
20 seconds side-to-side jumps
20 seconds crossover jumps
20 seconds single-leg jumps
3 rounds
Start slowly and increase pace and duration gradually. If you have any complaints or pre-existing conditions, talk to your doctor or trainer first.
Skipping for beginners
Start with 2 to 3 minutes of basic jumps and increase duration and pace gradually
Jump low, with slightly bent knees and relaxed wrists
Turn the rope from your wrists, not from your arms
Include skipping in your training as a warm-up or in intervals
Why skipping is so effective
Endurance: Skipping challenges the cardiovascular system and fitness in a short time
Coordination: Footwork, rhythm and timing are trained
Speed and jumping power: The short ground contacts train your calves and ankles
Flexible: You need very little space and the rope fits in any bag
Versatile: As a warm-up, cardio finisher or a workout of its own
Which types of skipping rope are there?
Rope type
Properties
Well suited to
Speed rope
Thin, lightweight rope and bearing handles, high speed
Techniques: from the basic jump to the double-under
Technique
How it works
Basic jump
Both feet jump at the same time, low and relaxed, with the rope turning from the wrists
Boxer skip
Easy alternation from one foot to the other, with a rhythm like in boxing training
High knees
Knees are raised alternately, increasing intensity and pace
Side-to-side jump
Jump sideways back and forth, trains coordination and balance
Double-under
The rope passes twice under your feet in a single jump, which requires speed and wrist strength
How to learn double-unders
First secure a stable basic jump for at least one minute
Increase the speed of your wrists, not your arms
Jump only slightly higher, with your feet staying under your body
Practise in short intervals of 20 to 30 seconds and build up gradually
Use a speed rope with bearing handles, which makes getting started easier
4-week plan: from beginner to double-unders
Week
Goal
Content
1
Consolidate the basic jump
5 minutes of basic jumps, 3 times per week
2
Pace and rhythm
Basic jumps and boxer skips, 8 minutes, 3 times per week
3
Double-under attempts
Warm up, then 10 intervals of 20 seconds of double-under attempts
4
Linking
Basic jumps alternating with double-unders, 10 minutes
The plan is an example. Adjust duration and rest to your level.
Typical mistakes when skipping
Jumping too high: Jump only high enough for the rope to pass under your feet
Turning the rope from the arms: The movement comes from the wrists
Wrong rope length: A rope that is too long or too short disrupts your rhythm
Hard surface: Jump on a mat, wood or rubber, which protects your joints and the rope
Skipping for endurance, boxing and cross-training
In cross-training, double-unders are a fixed part of many workouts. Boxers and martial artists use the rope for footwork, rhythm and fitness. For anyone who wants to train endurance, it is an alternative to running that needs little space. You will find more on cardio equipment in the Endurance training section.
Care and wear
Check the rope regularly for wear, especially at the point that touches the floor
Replace worn ropes: for high-quality speed ropes, replacement cables and spare parts are available
Store the rope dry and coiled up
Do not train on rough concrete, as it wears the rope out quickly
Which skipping rope is right for me?
You are
This suits you
Beginner
A robust rope with adjustable length, for example the Sveltus Speed Rope
Cross-training or double-unders
A speed rope with bearing handles such as the RPM Session4
Muscular endurance and variety
The HYGEAR Hyrope adds extra resistance to your cardio
Multiple goals
One rope for speed and one rope for technique or muscular endurance
Pyramid: 30, 45, 60, 45, 30 seconds skipping, each with 30 seconds rest
Finisher: After strength training, 3 minutes of basic jumps alternating with high knees
Warm-up: 2 to 3 minutes of easy skipping before training
Increase duration and pace gradually and make sure you get enough rest between sessions.
Skipping ropes in your training plan
Skipping ropes are an ideal complement to strength and endurance training. Find out more in the categories Endurance training and Functional Training, and Kettlebells for strength and conditioning to go with them.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about skipping ropes
What is the difference between a speed rope and a normal skipping rope? Speed ropes have a thin, lightweight cable and bearing handles for high rotation speed, ideal for double-unders and cardio. Thicker ropes are slower and better suited to learning technique.
What rope length is right? Stand on the middle of the rope: the handles should reach roughly up to your chest. For beginners, the rope can be slightly longer.
How do I learn double-unders? Start with secure basic jumps and build up pace and height gradually. A speed rope with bearing handles makes getting started easier. Practise in short intervals.
How often should I skip? To start with, two to three sessions per week of 5 to 15 minutes are enough. Increase duration and intensity gradually.
What is the best surface to skip on? On a mat, a wooden floor or a rubber floor. Rough floors such as concrete put strain on your joints and wear the rope out faster.
Is skipping good for losing weight? Skipping burns a lot of calories in a short time and is an efficient part of a training plan. Consistency and suitable nutrition are what matter.
Can I also use a skipping rope in an apartment? Yes, if the ceiling height and space are right. Jump on a mat, which protects the floor, your joints and your neighbours from loud jumps.
How long should I skip at the beginning? Start with 2 to 3 minutes at a time and take breaks. Slowly increase the duration to 10 to 15 minutes once your rhythm and technique are secure.
Which is better, skipping or running? Both train endurance. Skipping saves space and time and also trains coordination. Running loads the joints differently. Many people combine both.
When should I replace the rope? When the rope is visibly worn or no longer runs smoothly. With some speed ropes, cables and parts can be replaced individually.