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We've said it before and we'll say it again: cardio is an integral part of any workout.
But one thing we didn't tell you is after a couple days spent running on the treadmill or elliptical, cardio can feel redundant instead of invigorating.
If you're looking to switch up your routine, you might want to consider picking up a jump rope.
You might think of it as a kid's activity, but jumping rope can prevent ankle and foot injury, improve your coordination, and get your heart pumping. There are many factors to consider when picking which jump rope to buy, including the weight of the handles and the rope's thickness.
With a 4.5/5 rating on Amazon after more than 4,000 reviews, Survival and Cross's jump rope is a top seller.
A favorite among professional trainers and fitness enthusiasts, the jump rope was made with comfort in mind. The two five-inch handles are easy to grip, while the rubber-coated steel wire is lightweight and durable enough to withstand particularly grueling workouts. You can even tailor the rope's length to your height by using its two adjustable screws.
And thanks to thousands of positive reviews, you don't have to simply take our word for it:
"After owning a more expensive rope for many years, it finally broke and [I was] in desperate need of a new one," one commenter said. "I searched Amazon like most other people do these days and I found this gem. Not only is it much less expensive, after a week I found that I could jump faster and longer than with my previous rope. It is so much lighter, which makes such a difference when I am challenging myself to do endurance training."
"I am a dancer and I bought this to help train and improve my leg strength for better leaps," another said. "It is a very sturdy, lightweight rope that I can easily pack up and take anywhere. The adjustable length is awesome and this rope would work for almost anyone. It is a thin rope so it is perfect for double unders, which is great for improving the height of my jumps."
A third commenter summed it up by simply saying, "I love this thing."
Whether you keep the jump rope in your gym bag, bring it outside, or use it to squeeze in a workout on vacation, it seems well worth the $10 cost.
Buy the Survival and Cross Jump Rope on Amazon for $10 >>
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