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Jump Rope for Cardio: Everything you should know

last updated: Jan 17, 2020

There are a whole lot of different options when it comes to getting in a great cardio workout. Some of them can cost quite a lot of money. One of the most effective happens to be among the cheapest – jumping rope.

You would think there is not much to think about when buying a jump rope to enhance cardio. But you would be wrong. There are inferior ropes on the market you want to avoid. They are not only likely to prove pretty useless functionally, but they are also potentially dangerous. In this article, we will discuss our ten best choices for quality and more information about choosing the best jumping rope.

This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:

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WOD Nation Speed
92.6/100 our score
Features
95
Effectiveness
95
Durability
89
Ease of Use
90
Portability
94
WOD Nation Speed
Why is it better?

4 ball bearings in each handle

Steel cable

Tapered handles

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Features Effectiveness Durability Ease of Use Portability By Default
Rank
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Name
Rating
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#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Features
98 %
Effectiveness
97 %
Durability
90 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Portability
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.6
Features
95 %
Effectiveness
95 %
Durability
89 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Portability
94 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$19.99
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.4
Features
90 %
Effectiveness
95 %
Durability
87 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Portability
90 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.8
Features
90 %
Effectiveness
90 %
Durability
87 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Portability
87 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.2
Features
85 %
Effectiveness
90 %
Durability
86 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Portability
85 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.2
Features
85 %
Effectiveness
85 %
Durability
86 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Portability
85 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$7.99
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
85.6
Features
85 %
Effectiveness
84 %
Durability
85 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Portability
84 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.8
Features
80 %
Effectiveness
82 %
Durability
85 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Portability
82 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.4
Features
80 %
Effectiveness
82 %
Durability
85 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Portability
80 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.2
Features
80 %
Effectiveness
81 %
Durability
85 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Portability
80 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$9.59

10 Best Jump Ropes For Cardio

1. Survival & Cross

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Survival & Cross
Amazon Link
Features
98
Effectiveness
97
Durability
90
Ease of Use
90
Portability
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Steel cable

Adjustable length

Ball bearings

Cons:

Not ideal for slower skipping

The Survival and Cross Jump Rope is made with wide 5-inch handles and ten-foot of cable. It is fully adjustable to give you just the right amount of speed and endurance for your workout. It is perfect for beginners or the most experienced athlete. They have lightweight handles. The cable is coated and is tangle and twist-free with ball bearings at the handles for proper rotation. This rope is smooth and fast so it is perfect for light warm-ups or grueling cardio routines.

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The Survival and Cross Jump Rope is a high functioning rope that is made from a steel cable with a polyurethane coating. That means that the rope is not only very strong; it also will never kink or bind. This rope is great for both indoor and outdoor use. It has screws that can be tightened to increase the rope’s longevity.

The handles have ball bearings inside give you a faster, more smooth action. This rope is lightweight which makes it ideal for speed rope training. The length of the rope can be adjusted loosening the clamp screws, adjusting the length and then retightening.

This rope is lightweight and easy to bring anywhere so you can work out anytime you have a free moment. It fits in your backpack, briefcase or purse.

2. WOD Nation Speed

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.6
WOD Nation Speed
Amazon Link
Features
95
Effectiveness
95
Durability
89
Ease of Use
90
Portability
94
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$19.99
Pros:

4 ball bearings in each handle

Steel cable

Tapered handles

Cons:

Not appropriate for beginners

The WOD Nation rope is fast and will create a stable rope swing so you can recover from inaccurate swings. You can customize your jump rope with a snip from a wire cutter so you will be able to string together multiple double-under.
This rope is designed not only spin fast but to last a long time. It comes with a free carrying bag so you can take it with you anywhere you want to go.

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The WOD Nation jump rope features nylon resin handles and patented smooth liquid steel bearings. The handles are connected by a kink-resistant nylon covered steel cable. This jump rope has a unique bearing system with four balls, two balls in the handles and two more on the tips which hold the coated steel cable. This gives the rope a lightning-fast revolution speed. The wide handles are tapered at the end to give it an ergonomic feel. You can adjust the cable length so it is perfect for your height. It comes in a wide variety of colors so you can pick one which matches your personality. Your purchase even comes with a convenient carry bag.

The sturdy handles are articulating swivel bearing. They are 6.75 inches long and have a tapered end so you can easily keep your grip. They also have four high-grade metal ball bearings. The cable is 2.5mm and coated. You can adjust it with a cable cutter. It comes with a 10-foot length so there is plenty to work with.

3. Fitness Master

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.4
Fitness Master
Amazon Link
Features
90
Effectiveness
95
Durability
87
Ease of Use
90
Portability
90
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Tangle-free

Ball bearings in handles

Carry case and instruction booklet

Cons:

Maybe too light for some people

The Fitness Master jump rope is designed specifically to help you perfect your double-unders and jumping speed. They produced this speed rope which is fast and lightweight. The rotating rods give you faster rotations and the lightweight steel cable is even more stable with PVC coating. The cable exits the rod at the end instead of through the handle. The smooth handles give you a better grip. The set includes extra screws and a carrying bag.

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The Fitness Master is designed for speed and ready for an intense workout. It will work for any calorie-burning workout program. You can also use it for leisure exercise or slow jumping for practice. The cable is quick and easy to adjust it to your desired length so it is perfect for your height. Then you can cut off any excess cable. It is suitable for any height up to 6 foot. You can find instructions as well as a spare screw set included with the set.

This is a high-quality rope with easy to grip handles. It is perfect for MMA or boxing training, bodybuilding, mastering double under exercises, or cardio exercises. You can use it at home or in the gym. The handle turns at a 90-degree angle which will give you fast spinning with no friction or tangling. The handle design is unique with a cord that exits perpendicular to the handles. The steel cord is covered with durable plastic to give you smooth and rapid rotations.

4. Eiptomie Power Skip

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.8
Eiptomie Power Skip
Amazon Link
Features
90
Effectiveness
90
Durability
87
Ease of Use
90
Portability
87
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Comes in 3 colors

Adjustable rope

Memory foam handle

Tangle-free

Cons:

Maybe too light for some

The PowerSkip Jump Rope is a perfect combination of rugged durability and high-performance technology. This rope is fully adjustable and made of tangle-free polymer. It comes with a bonus training video. It has a weighted speed cable
as well as memory foam handles. This rope is perfect for fitness anywhere and at any moment you get some free time. You will not have to worry about skipping workouts.

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The PowerSkip rope is smooth and fast, with a ball bearing system in the handles. The polymer-coated cable gives you the smoothest and fastest rotations. The jump rope cable is also tangle-free. This rope has a convenient adjuster inside each of the foam handles. Then the rope can be used by the whole family or training partners. It is suitable for users between the heights of 5 foot to 6 foot 8 inches.

The lightweight handles are coated with memory foam grips to give you plenty of comforts. They are ergonomically shaped as well. When it is time for a long rope jumping session, you will be ready to get the most out of it. This rope comes with online access to a bonus training video so you can learn to jump rope like a pro. There are routines for every level and "How To" videos.

5. Valeo Deluxe

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.2
Valeo Deluxe
Amazon Link
Features
85
Effectiveness
90
Durability
86
Ease of Use
90
Portability
85
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Lightweight and compact

Sealed ball bearings

Foam grips

10-foot adjustable rope

Cons:

Have to cut the rope to adjust

The Valeo Deluxe rope is a solid and durable rubber rope that is about 10 feet long and adjustable. The molded handles are made with foam grips and ball bearings to give you an even rotation. It is designed to give you consistent and fast training. The rope has sealed ball bearings which help keep the rope rotating quickly and evenly for fast jumping. It is very portable and will give you a great way to get a fantastic aerobic workout anywhere.

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The Valeo Deluxe rope gives you an adjustable 10-foot long exercise tool which is durable, made of solid rubber. Though it measures at 10 feet long, this rope can be adjusted to any length. You can set it up for any height to fit multiple training partners or family members. The custom foam handles are molded for your comfort so you can get the most from your workouts.

The sealed bearings in the handles give you the speed you need for an even, smooth, and fast rotation. This rope is an effective tool for building speed, developing cardio endurance, and improving your coordination. You can improve your muscle tone and lose weight by burning calories.

6. XYLsports

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.2
XYLsports
Amazon Link
Features
85
Effectiveness
85
Durability
86
Ease of Use
90
Portability
85
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$7.99
Pros:

9 foot 8-inch adjustable rope

Comfortable foam grips

Easy to uncoil

Durable construction

Cons:

Not good outdoors

The XYLsport rope is perfect for getting an aerobic exercise that will take up little time while burning lots of calories. The handles are soft on your hands so you can comfortably get a good workout in. It is a speedy and relatively light jump rope which is adjustable so you can get the perfect length for your height. It is perfect for boxers. This is a good jump rope and easy to adjust so you have the perfect size for you.
Jumping rope is one of the most portable and cheaper exercises that you can do virtually anywhere. This workout can burn an insane amount of calories per minute, more than almost any other type of workout out there. Get jumping now and you'll be burning calories in no time at all and having fun at the same time. One awesome part of jump roping is that you can include your kids and they will be having so much fun that it won't even seem like exercise to them.

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The XYLsports Jump Rope gives you the tool to get the best aerobic exercise for burning calories, slimming your figure, developing core strength and getting a good cardio workout. This rope is 9'8" long and adjusts easily to match the right size for your height. The handles are comfortable foam grips. The cable swings smoothly with less effort, will uncoil easily when you get ready to use it and will resist tangling. This is a premium quality, durable jump rope which has been designed exclusively for fitness and sports lovers.

7. RopeFit Heavy

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
85.6
RopeFit Heavy
Amazon Link
Features
85
Effectiveness
84
Durability
85
Ease of Use
90
Portability
84
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Poly Dacron rope

Comes in different sizes

Helps strengthen your shoulders

Cons:

Not good for small hands

The RopeFit Heavy rope is made of high-quality poly dacron with a soft exterior which will not damage mats in the gym as cables can. It comes in a choice of sizes and weights so you can find the one for your height. Jump roping is an effective aerobic exercise which improves your cardio and provides a great workout. It strengthens your shoulder and rotator cuff and increases flexibility.

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The Rope Fit rope will help you reach your fitness goals and help you reach the next level of your workout. It is made of durable, heavy material, which will challenge your cardio and muscle strength to new, more extreme levels.

This rope by RopeFit is a heavy-duty jumping rope made from rugged, durable, poly dacron rope that happens to be the same material they use for their battle ropes. It will give your muscles and lungs a workout that you have never experienced with any other rope out there in today's market. The jump ropes measure nine feet long and come in two different diameters to choose from; 1.5" and 2". Custom lengths can be made available upon the customer's request.

8. Master of Muscle

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.8
Master of Muscle
Amazon Link
Features
80
Effectiveness
82
Durability
85
Ease of Use
90
Portability
82
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

90-degree handle turn

Will not kink or tangle

Comes with carrying bag

Adjustable length

Cons:

Not good for speed jumping

The Master of Muscle rope will help you blast fat, get that perfect lean body and master your Double Unders in half the time. Just ten minutes of jump rope gives you the same calorie burn as thirty minutes of slow cardio. This rope works for beginners as well as seasoned athletes. This rope is durable, made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with black coated wire for maximum protection.

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The Master of Muscle Whipper Jump Rope has a fast 90-degree handle turn and a durable wire cable to keep you jumping. You do not have to worry about kinking, tangling, or bending like PVC or leather ropes.

You can work out anywhere with this compact set that comes with a carrying case. The jump rope will fit inside a small bag or suitcase so you can take it with you and get your workout in. It is designed to be adjustable so you can get it perfect for your height.

9. Fitness Factor

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.4
Fitness Factor
Amazon Link
Features
80
Effectiveness
82
Durability
85
Ease of Use
90
Portability
80
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Tangle resistant cord

Comfortable foam grip

Ergonomic design

Durable ball bearings

Cons:

Is thicker than some people like

The Fitness Factor Jump Rope is a fully-adjustable rope made with high-quality materials. It is designed to be easy to use.
The comfortable foam handles will reduce your hand strain. The rope is tangle-resistant which saves your time and frustration. This jump rope is durable so you do not have to worry it is going to snap, crack, or break. It will work for any jump rope workout. You will not need to buy additional ropes. It comes with a personal trainer's guide. It comes with step by step instructions to get you started.

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The Fitness Factor will make you look like a pro regardless of your skill. You will skip rope smoother and faster using the tangle-resistant rope and ball-bearing handles. This rope has a lightweight design and foam handles which will keep your hands comfortable as well as reduce strain. You can burn calories and get in a great workout.

Our jump ropes can be used by men or women for almost any workout. Jumping rope gets your cardio training in. It is a fun way to get in shape.

10. Limm All Purpose

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.2
Limm All Purpose
Amazon Link
Features
80
Effectiveness
81
Durability
85
Ease of Use
90
Portability
80
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$9.59
Pros:

Comes in a variety of colors

Has an adjustable length

High-quality premium ball bearings

Ergonomically designed handles

Cons:

The cord is kinda light

The Limm All Purpose Jump Rope has a precise ball bearing system which helps this rope turn smoothly while you exercise. It is a quality rope that is not going to tangle. An exclusive feature of this rope is the plastic pieces inside the handles. They are made in a way that lets you adjust the length simply and safely. It is also a durable rope, ready for an intense workout.

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The Limm jump rope is quick and easy to adjust from nine-foot down to the perfect length for your height. It is perfect for all ages and experience levels. You will not have to worry about tangling because of the high-quality premium ball bearing. It gives you a smooth and effortless spin.

The ergonomically designed handles give you extra comfort and also prevent palm sweat. It will give you a firm grip so you can get the most out of your workout. The jump rope is lightweight and portable. There are easy to follow the sizing instructions and tips included.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Features

When it comes to features for jump ropes, we are not talking about the kind the kids use on the playground. These ropes are specifically designed to enhance your workout.

The 'rope' is actually often a cable. They are steel cables which are coated with durable softer material. They are specifically designed not to tangle while you are using them. They are also designed to be adjustable so you can make it the perfect length to go with your body height.

The handles are specialized too. They need to be wide enough to fit your hand. Some are tapered to help you keep your grip. They are ergonomic to fit your hand and cushioned with foam to help keep your hands comfortable during a long, intense workout.

These ropes also have ball bearings which help the rope to spin with the handles so you can smooth movement when you are speed jumping or working on your Double Unders.

Most of them come with a carrying case so you can bring the rope with you. Many of them come with instruction videos to help you with your techniques or show you new exercises. They also come in many different colors whether you want something basic like black or something brighter and more fun. These are not the playground jump ropes you remember.

Effectiveness

Jump ropes are effective in so many different ways. They give you a fantastic cardio workout and help improve your coordination and focus. It is a fantastic aerobic exercise and will help you burn calories faster than most exercises.

These ropes have some special features which make them effective. They are designed to fit your body by having handles which are specifically designed to keep your hands comfortable during a lengthy workout. The cables are designed to be tangle-free and able to be adjusted to the perfect length so you can get the best workout.

Many of these jumping ropes come with instruction manuals or even training videos which will help you to learn techniques and exercises to get the most out of your workout.

Durability

You need a jumping rope for your workout which is durable, one which is stand up to your intense workouts as you work to improve your health.

The handles are durable, made of materials like nylon resin which will last. They are covered with durable foam to protect your hands. This foam should be high density and affixed to the handle firmly so it will last.

The cables are sturdy steel and coated with a durable material like nylon or PVC which will stand up to years of use. It should also be designed not to bend or twist easily. A lot of this is done with ball bearings which should also be durable, even encased to keep them protected and able to last through years of workouts.

Ease of Use

These jump ropes are designed to be easier to use. The handles are specially designed to be easy on your hands with memory foam handles and ergonomic designs which help to keep your hands comfortable which you are exercising.

The cables are designed to be easily adjustable so you can use the length which is perfect for your body height. They are constructed in a way which will keep them from tangling or twisting which interrupts your workout and causes frustration.

The bearings in the handles make the cable turn easily so you can have a smooth workout, even when you are speed jumping. You can be confident that your jump rope is going to work with your body movements and let you focus on your cardio and exercise instead of fighting with it.

Most of these jump ropes also come with instructions and training videos which will help you learn the right techniques and exercises to get the results you are working towards.

Portability

Jump ropes are, by their general nature, portable but you still want to take a look at your choices. If you plan to take your rope with you to the gym or to your office, you need one which is not going to get kinked or twisted out of shape when you put it in your gym bag. It also needs to be designed so that once it is rolled up, it will come easily unrolled when you are ready to use it and not have issues keeping its shape.

Many of these ropes come with handy carrying bags as well which is very convenient because you put it in the bag, you slip that into your gym bag, and you do not have to worry about the rope getting all tangled up in your other belongings in the gym bag. That is very handy.

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expert tips icon
Learning How To Jump

In order to get the most out of your aerobic exercise, it is important to make sure you are jumping properly. You do not want to injure yourself or develop stress fractures. When you are jumping, you should be sure to propel yourself with your hips, knees, calves, and ankles. Push the balls of your feet down into the floor as you jump, with your toes down when you leave the ground. When you are landing back on the floor, the goal is to land softly and make only brief contact with the ground. Focus on dispersing the shock through your legs. Your heels should not even touch the ground.

Working On Double Unders

The first mistake an athlete makes when they are trying to learn how to tackle Double Unders is they swing their entire arms in a circle like a giant windmill. Using your whole arm is an inefficient technique which is just going to exhaust you quicker. Make sure that you are using a speed rope and remember, the best technique is in using the wrists. You should also start out by jumping a little bit higher than you think you need to so that you know that you can clear the rope without tripping. You will not want to get into this kind of habit, but it will help you to get a good feel for how to swing the rope so it goes under you twice. You will quickly discover it's not nearly as hard as you might think.

Other Factors to Consider

Adjustability

There are not too many things to talk about when it comes to adjustability. What is adjustable on the jump ropes is the length. You are able to adjust the length of the rope so that it is perfect for a user which is your height. You just pull it to the right length, tighten it down and cut off the excess. They make it very simple.

If you have a rope which is used by multiple users, like exercise partners or family members you might want to look for one which is continuously adjustable. You measure it for the right length, tighten it down and then tuck the excess into the handle. Then the next person can repeat the process for their size.

Materials

The materials used for these jumping ropes are designed for durability. Some of the handles are made of nylon resin which is constructed into the perfect shape to fit your hand and be ergonomic. There are other materials like thermoplastic polyurethane and other types of plastic which are strong to withstand your workouts as well as being durable to last a long time.

Most of the "ropes" are actually made of a steel cable which is coated with nylon or PVC. This makes them durable and also gives a good weight so the swing will be smooth when you are jumping. The other thing which makes the rope swing smoothly and evenly are the ball bearings at the ends of the cable. These are made of smooth liquid steel or other sturdy material and are often encased for extra protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: What are the benefits of jumping rope?

a:

There are so many benefits it would be hard to list them all. Jumping rope will help you burn calories, about 14 calories a minute in fact. It will also help the EPOC effect kick in, which basically means your metabolism will speed up for around 24 hours after your workout is over. A jump rope is the ultimate in portable workouts. It is so easy to bring with you. It fits in great with weight training and so many other workouts. It will also improve your coordination, balance, and sense of bodily awareness.

q: Are weighted ropes better than regular ropes?

a:

Weighted ropes are especially good for beginners. A light rope might cause a lot more trip-ups and mistakes which will get you frustrated and make you feel uncoordinated. A heavier rope will help you slow down on your rotations and it will become much easier to time your jumps. If you use a heavier rope you will also amplify all of the fitness benefits you are getting. Your body will work harder to swing the rope and more muscles will be engaged. You will also end up burning more calories.

q: How can I add jump roping to my fitness routine?

a:

You can use jump roping as your warm-up before you get ready to exercise. You could also use it at the end of your routine as your finisher. You can use a light rope to work on your weight loss goals or use your heavy rope to work on strength goals.

q: Is rope jumping cardio?

a:

Yes, it is definitely a great cardio exercise. The boxers in the old days knew what they were doing. If you jump rope for just ten minutes, you will get that heart pumping and you will burn as many calories as you would if you were jogging at a good pace.

q: Is skipping good for burning fat?

a:

When you jump rope you are working out your whole body, so you will burn plenty of calories in a short amount of time. It will not necessarily burn fat in itself, but with a good diet and as part of a healthy exercise program, it will definitely help.

Sources

  1. Kathryn Watson, Jumping Rope To Lose Weight, Article
  2. Jon Hinds, Jump Rope Cardio, Article
  3. Staff, Is Jumping Rope Better Than Running, Article
  4. Alena Hall, Jump Rope, Article
  5. Matt Hopkins, 6 Surprising Benefits, Article