Movement
URLife Gym: Battle Ropes for Cardio
We spoke to a UR.Life trainer to get you the inside scoop on battle ropes. Learn how they can level up your gym workouts.
Doing the same workouts day in and day out can get monotonous. And this isn’t good when it comes to maintaining motivation. That’s why trying new movements and exercises is such a good approach when it comes to fitness. Battle ropes are definitely a switch from most equipment you’ve tried before, and this is likely to increase your own enthusiasm when using them.
Battling ropes are designed to offer significant resistance.They are typically anchored to a point, and the user creates waves, slams, or other movements by rapidly moving the ropes up and down or side to side. This exercise engages multiple muscle groups, including the core, shoulders, and arms, and are effective for improving cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and strength. Many people use them for an intense strength-building and calorie-burning workout.
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Unlike traditional weightlifting, battle ropes provide a dynamic and fun way to break a sweat. For starters, battle rope exercises are fantastic for building upper body strength. They focus on those hard-to-reach areas where fat tends to accumulate, helping you tone and sculpt your muscles. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, battle ropes offer a versatile workout that can be adjusted to fit your fitness level. The constant motion required in battle rope exercises also engages your core, adding an extra layer of benefit to your workout routine. It would not be wrong to call these battle ropes metabolism-boosting magic — makingit a big hit with fitness trainers, and athletes.
According to a 2018 study published by the the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, undergoing an eight-week battle rope training can improve multiple physical fitness dimensions. The same study also found that it improved the shooting accuracy of basketball players after the eight-week training period.
Moreover, if you're looking to enhance your arm strength, battle ropes are a must-try. You can mix things up with different moves like bilateral waves, unilateral waves, rope slams, jumping slams, and circles.The repetitive movements not only build muscle but also improve your endurance and stamina. This is the reason many collegiate and professional strength and conditioning specialists have also begun to incorporate rope training with their athletes.
So, grab those ropes and get ready to feel the burn while having a blast!
Related story: 6 Reasons to Stretch Post-workout
Battle Ropes Exercises to Try
Bilateral Waves
How to do it:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold one end of the rope in each hand.
- Bend your knees slightly and keep your core engaged.
- Simultaneously move both arms up and down, creating waves with the ropes.
Benefits of Bilateral Waves
Bilateral waves come into the picture when the purpose is to stress LUMB muscles (lumbar region of the spine). Both bilateral and unilateral wave movements can be used to provide variations during a single training session or a periodised training program. Bilateral waves are excellent for improving coordination and timing. This exercise significantly enhances upper body strength, especially in the shoulders and arms. Additionally, it provides a great cardiovascular workout and helps boost stamina.
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Unilateral Waves
How to do it:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold one end of the rope in each hand.
- Bend your knees slightly and keep your core engaged.
- Alternate moving each arm up and down, creating waves with the ropes.
Benefits of Unilateral Waves with Battling Ropes
Unilateral exercises have been recommended by trainers and experts to activate hip muscles. For example, a single-leg squat was more effective than the double-leg squat for activating GM. Unilateral waves improve unilateral strength and balance, engaging your core muscles more due to the alternating movement. This exercise is great for boosting arm and shoulder endurance. This is why it is an effective component of a balanced workout routine.
Related story: 6 Signs You Need Personal Training
Rope Slams
How to do it:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold one end of the rope in each hand.
- Raise both arms overhead and slam the ropes down to the ground as hard as you can.
- Return to the starting position and repeat.
Benefits of Rope Slams
Rope slams are excellent for developing explosive power and strength. They engage the entire body, especially the core, shoulders, and arms, making them a comprehensive exercise. Additionally, rope slams are great for releasing stress and pent-up energy.
Related story: 4 Ways to Make Exercises More Fun
Jumping Slams
How to do it:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold one end of the rope in each hand.
- Lower into a squat position.
- Jump up explosively while raising the ropes overhead.
- Slam the ropes down as you land back into the squat position.
Benefits of Jumping Slams
Jumping slams combine strength and cardio for a high-intensity workout. They improve explosive power and coordination while engaging the legs, core, shoulders, and arms. This exercise helps in building endurance and overall fitness.
Related story: Beginner's Guide to your First Pull Up
Circles
How to do it:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold one end of the rope in each hand.
- Make small or large circles with your arms, moving the ropes in a circular motion.
- You can move both arms in the same direction (inward or outward) or alternate directions for each arm.
Benefits of Circles with Battling Ropes
Circles enhance shoulder mobility and strength while engaging the core and upper body muscles. This exercise improves coordination and endurance, making it a valuable addition to your workout regimen.
Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.
When you’re looking to take your exercise regime to the next level, head to UR.Life Studio. We are the premier destination for fitness in Hyderabad, offering customised fitness plans and more for your needs. Our team of celebrity trainers, certified nutritionists and experienced physiotherapists are here to help you unlock your full potential.
Our two locations in Jubilee and Kavuri Hills in Hyderabad offer a swimming pool, gym, spa, rehabilitation centre and cafe to ensure you reach your health objectives. Our gym offers classes in aerobics, CrossFit, Zumba, and more. Come try our world-class gym and experience the difference for yourself.
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