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Build strength and coordination with this portable piece of kit.

Once a nostalgic playground pastime, skipping is now a fitness mainstay (check out Jennifer Garner's IG if you don't believe us), and weighted skipping ropes are a great way to mix up your workouts and boost the benefits. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skipper looking for your next challenge, they're proven to improve agility, coordination and cardio fitness, and we've put together everything you need to know about them, including our edit of the best skipping ropes for 2022. Thank us later.

Weighted skipping ropes look much the same as your regular jump rope, but with weight either added to the handles or within the rope itself. Lots of brands list their weights in pounds, but we've included grams here as a guide. Some models feature removable weights, allowing you to adjust according to your fitness level or training goals.

‘The weight you choose should depend on your fitness level, skipping style, and what type of workout you're doing,’ says Sarah Campus, a personal trainer, nutrition coach and founder of LDN MUMS FITNESS. ‘For instance, lighter ropes (between 227g/0.5lb and 454g/1.5lb) are best for beginners and speed jumping. Heavier options (907g/2lb and up) are typically better for building muscle and training for endurance.’

Skipping is one of the best exercises for burning calories while it also develops coordination and improves cardiovascular endurance. But the added resistance on weighted ropes ups the intensity. ‘Weighted skipping ropes provide both an anaerobic and aerobic workout, strengthening your heart and your body,’ says Campus. ‘They give you a full body workout, targeting your arms, legs, back, chest and shoulders, providing stability and improving core strength.’ But the benefits don’t end there – weighted skipping ropes can also:

The additional feedback you get from weighted ropes also make them an ideal beginner’s training tool. ‘A heavier rope helps you slow down your rotation and the added weight makes it much easier to time your jumps,’ says Campus.

Put simply, yes! ‘Weighted skipping ropes promote weight loss by boosting metabolism through increasing heart rate and working the muscles a lot more than many other activities,’ says Campus. ‘Whether the weighted part is in the handles or the rope itself, a weighted skipping rope can still help you burn calories and improve agility.’

Weighted skipping ropes are suitable for all levels, but if you’re new to them, it’s best to start with a lighter weight and work your way up. ‘Weighted skipping ropes can be used in all aspects of your workout – warm up and in training,’ says Sarah. ‘They are great at raising your heart rate, warming up your body and preparing it for exercise, and can be used in HIIT workouts.’

Follow Sarah’s tips to get the most out of your weighted skipping rope:

Aside from weight, there are a few things you need to consider when shopping for a weighted skipping rope.

From cordless to leather to heavy-duty battle ropes, we've rounded up the best weighted skipping ropes available to shop now. Some we’ve road-tested for you, while others come highly recommended.

Yes, they’re not cheap, but these really are the gold standard when it comes to weighted skipping and are a genuine joy to use. The weight is focussed in the two rubber-coated, braided steel tangle-free ropes – 454g/1lb and 907g/2lb – which some believe gives you a better overall workout than housing weight in the handles alone. Speaking of which, the handles are super comfortable and include clips to easily attach the rope of your choice. This was easily the smoothest rope we tested – steel bearings ensure seamless rotation – and to take the sting out the price, with purchase you get 30 days free access to the Crossrope app, which features a range of workouts and fitness challenges to help you make the most of your rope.

Extras: Choose from sizes XS - XL dependent on your height, with the option to add a jump rope mat.

This sleek, understated design features foam handles for a secure grip and a simple, cut-to-length rope. It was the easiest to adjust we tried - just unscrew the handles and snip with wire cutters - and really comfortable to use. The 600g/1.3lb weight is distributed across the handles and rope for a balanced, full-body burn, while the fine steel cable meant we got a decent speed up without too much wear - until it all got a bit exhausting. The combination of speed and reasonable weight makes for a pretty challenging workout, so advanced skippers step up.

This budget-friendly buy comes with removable 0.18lb/80g weights in the handles, so doubles up as a regular skipping rope. While it’s the lightest we tested at a total 0.35lb/160g, it didn’t take long to feel the burn, but may not suit those looking to build strength long-term. It could have been easier to adjust the rope length – we spent a little longer than we would have liked wrangling with fiddly fixtures – plus it’s only suitable for indoor use, so fine for the gym, but not ideal if you’re looking for something hardwearing. With comfortable handles and smooth, no-snag turns, it’s a great option for the price.

Extras: Adjustable length, cut with scissors.

Fancy mixing up your training? Then stock up on this set of versatile rope weights, which offers three weighted ropes in one. The pack contains two 25g/0.05lb weights, two 50g/0.1lb weights and two 100g/0.22lb weights, so you can build up stamina at your own pace. Yes, you will need to buy the compatible Velites Fire 2.0 rope, but for the flexibility and longevity you get, it's worth the money. Weights simply slot into the handles, which are available in four colours, and thanks to barbell-inspired grip won’t slip through even the sweatiest of sessions.

We love the old school gym look of this weighted rope. Adjustable and removable weights fit snugly inside the non-slip wooden handles, while the rope is made from cowhide leather to withstand even the most punishing of workouts. Instead of disappearing into the handles, the rope swings from external axles, reducing traction for a smooth, effective training session. It is on the light side, with the interchangeable weights at 50-55g/0.11-0.12lb, but the thicker rope means you encounter more air resistance, as well as maintain more control.

Extras: Rope can be cut to length with scissors, comes with an allen key to undo the screws.

No space? No problem. This cordless rope means you can skip to your heart's content without taking out various homewares as you go. While most cordless options house their weights in the handles, here a weighted ball is attached to each handle to simulate skipping, with an added burn. It’s a more modest weight at a total 230g/0.5lb, with cushioned memory foam handles to keep you comfortable, and stainless steel bearings for steady rotation.

Extras: Available in six colours.

With the lightest option weighing in at 1.1kg/2.4lb, the Mirafit Battle Jump Rope is the heaviest on this list, suitable for those looking to build strength and endurance – or after a real challenge. Rubber-coated handles prevent fraying while saving your hands from blisters, and you can choose between three diameters for the heavy-duty rope, depending on your goals.

Extras: Six different length and weight options available, from 2.8m/1.1kg/2.42lb to 3m/3.9kg/8.6lb.