The 9 Best Jump Ropes for Boxing

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Jumping rope may bring back memories of double Dutch and trying to do crossovers and double-unders (without whipping yourself), but jump ropes don’t just belong on the playground. They can actually be a super useful tool for building stamina and improving cardiovascular fitness in a short amount of time—great if you are training to box competitively or punching it out in a stress-relieving workout.

Since they are so affordable, they are also a great option to add to a home gym—plus they take up much less space than a treadmill or boxing equipment. But if you are thinking of pulling out your old childhood rope that has been hiding in your garage to take to your next boxing workout, it’s time for an upgrade.

Unlike the skipping rope of your past, today’s jump ropes for boxing are designed to be fast, durable and tangle-free, made to spin quickly without risking a rope-induced injury. You can choose from options like weighted ropes or handles which can help increase intensity and help to give your arms more of a workout as well.

Since there are a lot (and we mean a lot) of jump ropes for boxing for you to choose from, we narrowed it down to what we think are the best available, with options for all types of boxing workouts, fitness levels and budgets.

Our Picks for the Best Jump Ropes for Boxing:

• Best Overall Jump Rope for Boxing: TRX Speed Rope
• Best Jump Rope for Boxing with Ergonomic Handles: Bala The Jump Rope
• Best Weighted Jump Rope for Boxing: TRX Weighted Jump Rope
• Best High-Tech Jump Rope for Boxing: CrossRope AMP
• Best Durable Jump Rope for Boxing: Lululemon Adjustable Jump Rope
• Best Adjustable Jump Rope for Boxing: Echelon Adjustable Jump Rope
• Best Tangle-Free Jump Rope for Boxing: Rep Fitness Competition Speed Rope
• Best Conditioning Jump Rope for Boxing: Everlast Weighted & Adjustable Jump Rope
• Best Budget Jump Rope for Boxing: Rep Fitness Speed Cable Jump Rope

Best Overall Jump Rope for Boxing: TRX Speed Rope

Key Features:

• Weight: Unweighted
• Handle material: Plastic and urethane
• Length: 10 feet (adjustable)
• Price: $34.95
• Standout Feature: Rotating handles prevent tangling

The TRX Speed Rope is super lightweight and built for quick bursts of pre-boxing cardio. It has rotating handles which help prevent any resistance and keep it spinning fast and smooth. A high-precision ball bearing system prevents the rope from twisting and getting tangled, and a coated wire which increases durability and smoothness while spinning, and won’t hurt too bad if you smack yourself. The cable is also adjustable up to 10 feet long, so it can be fit to your height, and the tapered handles make them ergonomically sound and comfortable to hold through the entirety of your workout.

Pros:

• Comfortable, ergonomic handles
• Spins smoothly
• Lightweight and built for speed

Cons:

• A bit pricey for the design

Best Jump Rope for Boxing with Ergonomic Handles: Bala The Jump Rope

Key Features:

• Weight: 0.5 pounds in each handle
• Handle material: Silicone
• Length: 10 feet (adjustable)
• Price: $55.00
• Standout feature: Beautifully aesthetic design

Jumping rope can easily make you feel like you belong on a playground, but this rope from Bala is all grown up. It comes in three aesthetic colors—charcoal, blush and sand—and is made with high-quality, durable materials. It has soft silicone handles which are comfortable in hand and are grippy even after taking sweaty hands out of boxing gloves, plus they are weighted with a half pound each which helps to engage your lower arms and wrists. An intuitive locking mechanism makes the ropes easily adjustable, and it comes with two 10-foot ropes so you have a replacement if the first one wears out, extending the longevity of the product.

Pros:

• Large, grippy handles
• Weighted handles
• Comes with an extra rope

Cons:

• Pricey

Best Weighted Jump Rope for Boxing: TRX Weighted Jump Rope

Key Features:

• Weight: 0.5-pound weights in each handle (removable)
• Handle material: PVC, rubber
• Length: 10 feet
• Price: $44.95
• Standout feature: Very grippy rubber coating on handles

The TRX Weighted Jump Rope features a half-pound (nine-ounce) weight in each of the handles that boxers will love, as it’s ideal for strengthening the arms and legs during your cardio workout. Since the handles are heavier than normal, the brand added a durable, grippy, rubber layer to the outside to help you hold on as you speed up your rope. It comes with a 10-foot vinyl coated cable which you can adjust to your ideal length, and it has a solid PVC interior which helps it last for a long time—even with consistent use. The coated wire in combination with steel bearings also helps the rope sail smoothly around without getting snagged or twisted.

Pros:

• Weighted handles
• Grippy handle covers
• Very strong rope

Cons:

• Very basic design

Best High-Tech Jump Rope for Boxing: Crossrope AMP

Key Features:

• Weight: Comes with 0.25, 0.5 and one-pound ropes
• Handle material: Plastic covered with silicone grip
• Length: From seven feet to 9.5 feet
• Price: $199
• Standout feature: Smart handles track workout stats

Jump roping may be lauded for being both simple and cheap, but there are also some high-tech options. If you’re a fan of smart home gyms, you’ll love the Crossrope AMP jump rope—designed with Bluetooth-connective handles which count and track your jumps so you don’t have to. You can connect the rope to your phone or tablet, and even follow along with classes on the AMP app. It will also track your stats and progress over time to help you reach your fitness goals.

The app features three modes—personalized classes, free jump and benchmark mode—which is available for $9.99 a month. And it comes with a 60-day trial period, so if the ropes aren’t living up to your hopes, you can send them back for a full refund.

The rope itself also has the option of sizes ranging from XXS-XL for people that are 4’6” to over 6’2”. The ropes also come in a set of three with three different weights ranging from a quarter to a full pound. If you have any other Crossrope products, they are compatible with the AMP handles.

Pros:

• Tracks your workouts
• Sized ropes
• Connects via Bluetooth

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Limited sizes in stock

Best Durable Jump Rope for Boxing: Lululemon Adjustable Jump Rope

Key Features:

• Weight: Unweighted
• Handle material: Plastic
• Length: 8.6 feet (adjustable)
• Price: $38
• Standout feature: Durable braided steel rope

As a boxer, you’re likely going to be using a jump rope consistently, so you’ll want one that’s built to last. This Lululemon Adjustable Jump Rope is well-equipped to handle some serious use. It has a braided steel wire interior which is incredibly strong, and it is coated with a polyurethane layer which helps protect the core from deterioration and protect your skin in case of contact. It also has steel handles which are coated with a grippy rubber that help keep them solid in your palms. The rope length is also adjustable—though it will require the use of some hefty pliers to get it cut to your ideal length.

Pros:

• Very durable rope
• Rubber coated steel handles are light but tough
• Holds up over long time of use

Cons:

• Can be difficult to adjust length

Best Adjustable Jump Rope for Boxing: Echelon Adjustable Jump Rope

Key Features:

• Weight: Unweighted
• Handle material: Padded foam grips
• Length: Nine foot adjustable rope
• Price: $19.99
• Standout feature: large, comfortable foam handles

At just under $20, the Echelon Adjustable Jump Rope is a great affordable option for those building up their boxing workout accessories. But the price is not its only selling point. It has a 9 foot adjustable length rope made from a super durable steel cable. It does need to be cut with combination pliers, but once cut to the proper length it is easy to secure it back in place. It also has super comfortable handles made with plush foam padding. This makes the handles a bit larger than most which allows you to grip a bit looser and prevent any hand cramping or discomfort.

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Large, comfortable handles
• Durable rope

Cons:

• Nine foot rope may be too short for some

Best Tangle-Free Jump Rope for Boxing: Rep Fitness Competition Speed Rope

Key Features:

• Weight: Unweighted
• Handle material: Metal
• Length: Nine feet eight inches
• Price: $25.99
• Standout feature: Twist and tangle-free design

Nothing kills a workout quicker than a tangled rope. This Rep Fitness Competition Speed Rope is specifically designed to prevent any twisting and tangling because it is meant to be a speed jump rope. If you are more of an advanced jump roper or you will be doing double unders, you will definitely need a rope that can keep up and won’t kink mid-jump, possibly leading to injury.

Since it is designed for speed, this rope is also incredibly lightweight and low profile—even the handles are super slim, comfortably fitting in any hand size. The rope is made from a galvanized steel strand which is lightly coated with rubber for additional protection. Unlike some ropes which require pliers to adjust, this one can quickly and easily be changed using only your hands.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Slim, comfortable handles
• Easy to adjust

Cons:

• Metal handles can get slippery

Best Conditioning Jump Rope for Boxing: Everlast Weighted & Adjustable Jump Rope

Key Features:

• Weight: 0.4 pound in each handle—removable
• Handle material: plastic
• Length: 11 feet
• Price: $21.99
• Standout feature: Adjustable handle weight

The Everlast Weighted & Adjustable Jump Rope is a great option for beginners and experienced jumpers looking for an affordable option with added weight. It comes in at only $22, and has two removable 0.4-pound weights in the handles. The rope can be used with or without the weights which makes it a versatile piece of equipment for those that may be looking to improve strength over time, which can help to improve boxing form.

The rope itself is 11 feet long—about a foot longer than average—so it is a great option for tall individuals. It is made with a durable coated cable, and the handles are plastic coated with a grippy rubber.

Pros:

• Very long rope
• Durable, coated cable
• Removable weights

Cons:

• Handles could be more durable

Best Budget Jump Rope for Boxing: Rep Fitness Speed Cable Jump Rope

Key Features:

• Weight: Unweighted
• Handle material: Plastic
• Length: Nine feet eight inches
• Price: $11.99
• Standout feature: Super slim and lightweight

You don’t need to drop a bunch of cash to get a quality jump rope. This one is super slim, making it easily stored in your bag with your boxing gloves. This lightweight rope is great for speedy sessions. It was specifically designed for cross-training and HIIT, and is easy and quick to adjust by hand.

The rope is made from rubber-covered galvanized steel, and is 9.8 feet long—this is slightly shorter than an average 10-foot rope, so if you are particularly tall it may be a bit short for you. The handles are made from a lightweight plastic and are four and a half inches long, so they fit nicely in your palm without sticking out too far.

Pros:

• Very durable rope material
• Very affordable
• Slim, lightweight handles

Cons:

• Rope could be a bit short for tall people

How to Choose the Best Jump Rope for Your Boxing Training Session

Whether training for boxing as a sport or just as a fun way to get fit, jump roping can be your best friend—and make you feel like you stepped into a Rocky movie. But it’s not just a great way to make you look and feel hardcore, jump roping is actually an incredibly effective cardio workout. It can burn between 600-800 calories in an hour which is great if your goal is weight loss, and when done properly, it is actually a low impact activity—despite jumping up and down—because you are constantly using your energy to spring up instead of landing and pushing forward like running.

While you can essentially jump any old rope, there are some key features that will set apart a quality model and make your experience all the more enjoyable and allow you to train to your fullest potential.

One of the most important features of your rope will be the length. Most professional and training jump ropes will be adjustable either through a quick clamp or a permanent solution that has you cut the rope with pliers to your desired length. Generally, ropes are about 10 feet long which is long enough for those six feet tall and above, but if you do need to shorten it, the best way to tell is by placing the middle of the rope under one of your feet, and pulling the handles up towards you. Ideally, the handles will be right at armpit height when stretched taut. If the rope is too long, this is where it should land after adjusting.

The handles are also important. You want something that will be comfortable, grippy, and won’t slip out of your hands as you speed up. Most ropes will have some sort of silicone or rubber coating that help increase grip though some types meant for speed will opt for a sleeker design—these generally tend to be a bit longer though, so the extra surface area helps them stay in hand despite not having a coating. Some handles will also have removable or permanent weights built-in. They usually range from a half to full pound and are a great way to engage the arms for more of a full body workout. Though it may not seem like a lot of weight, you will absolutely feel the burn after a while, so beginners are probably best going for an unweighted or removable model.

It is also important to consider the durability of these ropes. Look for models that have a coated steel cable. They will not only be super strong, but the coating protects the steel from the elements and helps prevent any erosion—plus it makes it sting a bit less if the rope catches your legs.

How We Chose the Best Jump Ropes for Boxing

When looking for the best jump ropes for boxing available we considered options that appeal to a range of different priorities, preferences and of course budgets. While they may all have specific features that make each one stand out, they are all ideal choices for boxing training and boxing-adjacent HIIT workouts.

We looked to expert sources, our own previous reviews and reviews left by those who bought these jump ropes for themselves.

Benefits of Using a Jump Rope for Boxing Training

Not only is jump roping a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness, but it also helps improve and strengthen the fast twitch muscles in your legs. These muscles are what allow you to move with speed and power—and exactly what can help you improve your boxing footwork either when sparring with another person or using a punching bag on your own.

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Since it is such an intense aerobic workout, it can also help to improve overall stamina as well as helping you to lean out if weight class is a concern for you. And we can’t forget that boxing is also mentally taxing as well as physically. Jumping rope can help improve your spatial awareness as well as improve your mental stamina to push through discomfort and get to the next level of your fitness.

Types of Jump Ropes for Boxing

There are three different types of jump ropes—basic, speed and weighted. All of these have their individual uses, and owning one of each can have its benefits.

If you are a beginner, you can easily opt for just a basic jump rope. This will be easy to hold, and will be relatively lightweight. The cable will also be a bit thicker than a speed option so it is easy to see and jump without getting tangled.

A speed jump rope will be your most minimalist option. It usually has a super thin cord as well as long slender handles. They are incredibly smooth and designed to move seamlessly—even when you pick up the pace.

A weighted jump rope will be the chunkiest of them all. They can either be weighted in the handles or in the rope, but either way, they will have a bit of bulk. Some will come with removable weights in the handles which makes them more versatile, but if you are looking to focus on strength, this is the rope for you.

Try This Jump Rope Workout for Boxing

We reached out to Noam Tamir, CSCS, CEO & Founder of TS Fitness for some advice on some effective boxing workouts and tips on jump roping for boxing. He created a cardio workout for all levels that you can try at home.

Boxing jump rope routines are done according to rounds which are three minutes long with a one minute recovery period. If three minutes is too long, work your way up. Start with one-minute rounds to build your endurance up.

Boxing-Specific Jump Rope Workout

How to do it: Complete four rounds, performing each move for three minutes with a one-minute rest break between.

Round One: Boxer skips

How to do it: Alternate hopping from one foot to the other, staying light on your feet and close to the ground.

Round Two: Alternating single-leg hops

How to do it: Begin jumping rope as normal. Once you've established a rhythm, alternate landing on one foot, then the other. 

Round Three: Side shuffle

How to do it: Start standing, then lower into a squat position. With core braced, shuffle 5 steps to the right, then shuffle back to the left to return to starting position. Repeat.

Round Four: Criss-cross

How to do it: Begin jumping rope as normal. Once you've established a rhythm, as the rope comes over your head, begin to cross your forearms and bring the rope underfoot. Uncross your arms to bring the rope back over your head and repeat.

Jump rope and bodyweight workout by fitness level

Complete three rounds, and take a one-minute recovery between each round.

Beginner workout

• 60-second jump rope
• 10 bodyweight squats
• 10 push-ups
• 20-second plank

Intermediate workout

• Two-minute jump rope
• 15 bodyweight squats
• 15 push-ups
• 25-second plank

Advanced workout

• Three-minute jump rope
• 20 bodyweight squats
• 20 push-ups
• 30-second plank

Jump Rope for Boxing FAQs

Should I jump rope before or after boxing?

You can do either. It is a great way to quickly warm up the entire body before starting a workout, or you can do it afterwards at a lower intensity to help cool down the body.

Do boxers use speed ropes or weighted ropes?

They can use both, for different purposes. The speed ropes are great at going super fast and doing HIIT cardio work for workouts like CrossFit, and working on strengthening your fast-twitch muscles. Weighted ropes may slow you down a tad, but will help work the arms and are effective at improving forearm and wrist strength.

How often should boxers jump rope?

A few times a week is best. You don’t need to do it every day—even once you have built up a stamina for it. For beginners, try five to 10 minutes, three times a week. Tamir suggests opting for every other day at most, because you need to take time to properly recover.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a way to improve your cardiovascular health, increase stamina or as a great way to warm up before a boxing workout, a jump rope is a great option for you. They are affordable, versatile and fit in any space. If you live in an apartment, you can use it outside, or even keep it in your car so you can get in a quick workout on-the-go.

Whatever your goals, a jump rope is a great option to have in your workout arsenal, and it can have positive effects for those picking it up at any fitness level.

Looking for some more ways to stock your home gym for boxing? Check out our top picks for punching bags.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.