Next to the popular treadmills and the busy elliptical machines, just steps away from the weight machines at most gyms, there’s usually a large pile of ropes.
Battle ropes usually come in pairs. They’re each about 50 feet long, and they’re a lot thicker than a jump-rope. While battle ropes may seem intimidating, they actually provide a great cardio and strength workout due to their versatility.
Most gyms have a set of battle ropes — but if you have the space, you can buy a set of your own at performbetter.com starting at around $120 each. If you’re pressed for space, you can link a 50-foot rope around something secure like a pole or wall anchor, and just use the single rope.
Daryl Conant, owner of the Fitness Nut House, a wellness center in Maine and creator of several fitness DVDs and books including “Buff Daddy,” created a workout that will get you familiar with battle ropes quickly.
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