Cardio The 10 Best Battle Ropes to Strengthen and Tone Your Body The GEARDO Battle Rope adds a dynamic element to your home workouts By Alena Hall Alena Hall LinkedIn Alena Hall is a writer specializing in health, wellness, and fitness. Alena worked as a fitness trainer for two years. She also has experience in private yoga training. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 13, 2023 Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell / Lecia Landis Battle ropes, also known as heavy ropes and CrossFit ropes, can look intimidating from afar. However, they are some of the most dynamic, portable, and affordable workout tools you can add to your home gym. Reviewed & Approved Our best overall choice is the highly-rated GEARDO Battle Rope because the protective nylon sleeve increases durability. The Profect Sports battle rope is the all-in-one option since it has everything you'll need to get started, including an anchoring system, protective sleeve, and step-by-step exercise guide. You can train with battle ropes in various ways to improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance and build, condition, and strengthen your whole body. Like balance boards, battle ropes are also easy to move and store so that you can do your battle rope workout inside your home gym or in an outdoor space, depending on your preference, on any given day. The anchoring system is an important feature to consider when shopping for a battle rope for your home gym. There are different ways to anchor a rope, and it will depend on the space where you plan to use it. Some ropes have the anchor included with the purchase, and some have to be purchased separately, so read the description carefully. In addition to anchor options, we evaluated battle ropes based on their available sizes, material, and durability. Our research shows these are the best battle ropes on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: GEARDO Battle Rope at Amazon Jump to Review Best All-In-One: Profect Sports Pro Battle Ropes with Anchor Strap Kit at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Beginners: ZENY Battle Rope at Amazon Jump to Review Best Advanced: Fuel Pureformance 2-Inch Battle Rope at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Small Spaces: Hyperwear Hyper Rope at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lightweight : Gronk Fitness Inertia Wave Workout Ropes at Amazon Jump to Review Best Grip: Garage Fit Battle Rope at Amazon Jump to Review Best Portable: AUTUWT Battle Rope at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: AmazonBasics Battle Exercise Training Rope at Amazon Jump to Review Best Toning: Tone It Up Toning Ropes at Toneitup.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQs Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall GEARDO Battle Rope 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon Pros Wear resistant three-strand twisted rope covered in a nylon sleeve Cons Handles may become slippery if your hands are sweating Anchor not included The GEARDO Battle Rope is our best overall pick because it's reasonably priced, made to last, and a versatile option for your home gym. The three-strand twisted design is made of poly dacron and protected by a nylon sleeve that helps reduce wear and tear. The coated 7.5-inch handles provide plenty of grip room, no matter your hand size. It can also be used indoors or outside. The GEARDO Battle Rope comes in both 1.5-inch and 2-inch diameters and 30, 40, and 50-foot lengths, so there is a suitable option for every fitness level. An anchoring system is not included. Price at time of publication: $119 Key Specs Diameter: 1.5-2.0 inches | Length: 30-50 foot | Weight: 18-45 pounds Best All-In-One Profect Sports Pro Battle Ropes with Anchor Strap Kit Pro Battle Ropes View On Amazon Pros Includes anchoring kit, protective sleeve, and illustrated exercise poster Available in 1.5 to 2.5 inch diameters Cons Rope has a stiff, plastic feel You may already have large equipment like an elliptical machine at home and want to add smaller pieces to round out your routine. If you're curious about battle rope workouts but don't want to make a huge investment in your home gym, you can't go wrong with the shortest, lightest option from Profect Sports. This battle rope includes everything you need for an intense, total-body workout. It comes with two high-tensile strengths, reinforced nylon anchor straps, and a stainless steel carabiner to quickly and easily secure the rope wherever you want to use it. The poly dacron rope is also covered with a protective sleeve to minimize friction and wear. In addition, its extra-long coated handles keep it from falling apart at the ends and help your hands stay securely in place throughout your workouts. Like most brands, this Profect Sports Pro battle rope is available in 30, 40, and 50-foot lengths and 1.5 and 2-inch diameters. However, if you're ready to take your fitness to the next level, this rope is also available in 2.5-inch diameter for an even more advanced challenge. Choose the appropriate rope size and master 30 high-intensity battle rope exercises that target five muscle groups using the complimentary workout poster. Price at time of publication: $110 Key Specs Diameter: 1.5-2.5 inches | Length: 30-50 feet | Weight: Not listed Best for Beginners ZENY Battle Rope Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Extra long hand grips for added comfort Cons May be less durable than more costly ropes Brand new to battle rope workouts? It’s better to start with a smaller, shorter rope as you grow accustomed to this type of exercise. With that in mind, the 1.5-inch diameter, 30-foot-long rope from ZENY is an excellent option for newbies. It weighs just 15 pounds and can be moved and stored easily. The durable, 100% poly dacron rope holds up well to intense undulation exercises on the floor. The rubberized handles have an ergonomic design that helps you improve your grip strength. Although the anchor is not included, there is a waterproof protective sleeve where the rope folds at the anchor point, prolonging the life of the equipment. Price at time of publication: $42 Key Specs Diameter: 1.5 inches | Length: 30 feet | Weight: 15 pounds The 11 Best Jump Ropes for Quick Cardio Workouts Best Advanced Fuel Pureformance 2-Inch Battle Rope Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Moisture-resistant Heavy duty construction Cons Not suitable for beginners and some intermediate users Folks looking for a super-challenging workout should opt for a 2-inch diameter, 50-foot-long battle rope like this one from Fuel Performance. The larger diameter paired with a longer length is 23 pounds of heavy-duty polypropylene rope that helps increase your strength, grip, and cardio endurance. The three-strand braid design is built to last, and the rubber handle grips provide comfort and stability. Even though it’s a larger and heavier rope, it can still be moved relatively quickly to different workout locations, depending on your preferences. Price at time of publication: $254 Key Specs Diameter: 2.0 inches | Length: 50 feet | Weight: 23 pounds The Best CrossFit Equipment to Help You Crush Your WOD Best for Small Spaces Hyperwear Hyper Unanchored Battle Rope Amazon View On Amazon Pros Doesn't require an anchoring system Compact size allows rope to be used in various locations Cons Higher price point The Hyperwear battle rope is unique in design and function. It's short, heavy, and doesn't require an anchoring system. The 20-foot rope is 1.25 inches in diameter and weighs approximately 15 pounds. The flexible metal core is covered with multiple layers of 100% polyester braided yarn. This rope only requires 6 feet of space to use without an anchor. It's versatile, portable, and built to last. The Hyperwear battle rope works best on non-abrasive surfaces, whether inside or outdoors. It also comes in a 25-foot, 19-pound option. Both are available in an electric blue or black, UV-resistant design with ribbed handles for better grip. Price at the time of publication: $300 Key Specs Diameter: 1.25 inches | Length: 20-50 feet | Weight: 15-19 pounds The 12 Best Pieces of Portable Exercise Equipment of 2022 Best Lightweight Gronk Fitness Inertia Wave Workout Ropes Amazon View On Amazon Pros Suitable for all fitness levels Commercial grade quality, tested by professional athletes Cons Only available in one size If you’d like an alternative to the typical hefty battle rope, we recommend the Gronk Fitness Inertia Wave Solo. It weighs less than 3 pounds but can withstand over 600 pounds of torque. The built-in reinforced O-ring on the anchoring end, along with military-grade rail straps and carabiners, gives you endless ways to anchor your rope so you can use it just about anywhere. This is an excellent option for your home gym or on the go. From the anchor point to your hands, you will need at least 12 feet in length and up to 7 feet in height from the ground to use the Inertia Wave Solo. You’ll also need about 3 feet of space on your left and right to accommodate some exercises. Similarly to traditional battle ropes, the Gronk Fitness Inertia Wave Solo will help you burn calories and strengthen your core. Using smooth, rhythmic, and coordinated movements, the tubes should not hit the floor. Instead, they hover above the ground about waist high. When appropriately used, the tubes will not fray or tear. The lightweight design makes it suitable for beginners, but it’s still challenging enough for more advanced users, including professional athletes. Price at the time of publication: $115 Key Specs Diameter: 1.5 inches | Length: 9.5 feet | Weight: 3 pounds Best Grip Garage Fit Battle Rope Amazon View On Amazon Pros Two anchor straps with carabiner included Flexible weave makes rope less rigid Cons May not be suitable for individuals with small hands Maintain a secure grip without constantly readjusting your hands using the Garage Fit battle rope. The generous 10-inch handles are slip-resistant and fitted with waterproof, heat-shrink caps to deter fraying and unraveling. The rope is constructed of a three-strand dense polyester blend suitable for indoor and outdoor workouts. The unique flexible weave makes the string less rigid, enabling you to create perfect waves. Garage Fit battle ropes are available in 1.5 or 2-inch diameters and 30, 40, or 50-foot lengths, suitable for beginners and more advanced fitness enthusiasts. Key Specs Diameter: 1.5-2.0 inches | Length: 30-50 feet | Weight: 15-46 pounds Best Portable AUTUWT Battle Rope Amazon View On Amazon View On Sears.com Pros Fun, effective total-body workout Lower price point than conventional battle ropes Cons May not be suitable for shorter individuals Best used on a smooth surface You’ll feel the burn with this shorter, lighter version of a battle rope. Similar to more traditional battle ropes, the AUTUWT weighted jump rope comes in 1.5 and 2-inch diameters. It’s made from a high-density polyester braid and weighs just under 10 pounds. The shorter lengths are what sets it apart and increase its portability. Instead of undulating or slamming the rope, you’ll skip rope to get a full-body workout. The weight of the rope increases the intensity. You can use battle ropes to mix up your routine and take your workout from home to the gym, even outdoors. Gloves are recommended to prevent blisters on your hands. Price at time of publication: $26 Key Specs Diameter: 1.0-2.0 inches | Length: 9.2-9.9 feet | Weight: 3-5.5 pounds Best Budget AmazonBasics Battle Exercise Training Rope Amazon View On Amazon Pros Limited one-year warranty Cons Anchoring system not included No matter your fitness level, keep it simple and low-cost with a 30-foot, 1.5-inch diameter Amazon Basics battle rope. You'll work up a sweat, whether inside or outdoors. Simply secure it to a tree, pole, or a heavy piece of gym equipment and get moving. It's made with three thick strands of a durable polyester blend, so it holds up well against fraying and breakage. It's even backed by an Amazon Basics limited one-year warranty. You'll have to purchase an anchoring system separately if you plan to permanently install your rope safely indoors. Price at time of publication: $55 Key Specs Diameter: 1.5 inches | Length: 30 feet | Weight: 16 pounds Best Toning Tone It Up Toning Ropes Amazon View On Toneitup.com Pros Lightweight and portable 12 pounds of resistance Cons May not be challenging enough for advanced users Waves, slams, rows, and presses are just a few ways you can use these Tone It Up toning ropes. The ropes weigh a mere 24 ounces but offer up to 12 pounds of resistance. Toning ropes are designed to function like battle ropes, so you’ll get an effective cardio workout, but they double as resistance bands for sculpting too. This set includes an anchoring strap that you can attach to any stable, immovable object at home or at the gym. The relaxed length of the ropes is 6.5 feet, so they work in small spaces. The Tone It Up toning ropes are ideal for beginner and intermediate fitness levels. Price at time of publication: $32 Key Specs Diameter: Not listed | Length: 6.5 feet | Weight: 1.5 pounds How to Use a Battle Rope First, you'll need to anchor your battle rope, if required. It can be permanently affixed to the wall or floor using an anchoring system specifically designed for this purpose. Some battle ropes include a kit. Otherwise, it can be purchased separately. If you plan on using your rope in more than one location, you may be able to secure it around a tree, pole, or another heavy piece of gym equipment. Whichever way you choose, be sure that it is attached safely to avoid injury. Battle rope exercise styles vary significantly and can be tailored to all fitness levels. However, a few common motions are worth familiarizing yourself with before you start. Beginner and warm-up exercises often involve waving or undulating movements with the battle rope. In most cases, this will elevate your heart rate without overstressing your joints. Slamming movements are more powerful, requiring quick bursts of strength that encourage muscle conditioning. Explosive movements often incorporate plyometric jumps, muscular strength, and cardiovascular endurance ante in your workout. Finally, compound movements combine these elements to keep your body guessing, and your mind focused in your sweat session. You can use various exercises to curate your high-intensity interval training workouts that cater to your specific interests and needs. Regardless of your chosen exercises, battle ropes challenge multiple muscle groups simultaneously because they require you to maintain proper posture and form during free movement. For this reason, battle rope workouts are particularly beneficial for your abs, shoulders, core, and legs. How We Selected the Best Battle Ropes We did a lot of research to find the best battle ropes. We looked at many factors, including the rope material, length, thickness, weight, price, and user reviews. We also considered the type of workout you can do with battle ropes, such as upper-body or lower-body exercises. Finally, we also looked at how easy the ropes are to set up and take down. After considering all these factors, we narrowed our list down to the best battle ropes. What to Look For in a Battle Rope Diameter Most battle ropes come in either a 1.5-inch or a 2-inch diameter. While half an inch might not seem like much of a difference, it significantly impacts the difficulty of your workout. The thicker the rope, the heavier and harder it is to use. Typically, 2-inch diameter ropes are best for quick, high-intensity sweat sessions, while 1.5-inch diameter ropes are ideal for endurance-focused workouts. Length Battle ropes typically come in three lengths: 30, 40, and 50 feet. Similar to rope diameter, the length of the rope significantly impacts the intensity of the workout. The longer the rope, the more rope you have to maneuver, and thus the more challenging the workout. But 30-foot ropes can still provide an excellent cardiovascular challenge when exercising in limited space. Anchor Unless you have a sturdy pole in your home that you can loop the battle rope around or a heavy kettlebell you can tie it to; you need an anchor to secure it in place for safe workouts. Some ropes come with metal bracket anchors that must be bolted to a stud-braced wall. Some come with strap anchors that provide a little bit more location flexibility, and some ropes require you to buy an anchor separately. It’s essential to consider your anchor needs for home workouts and the rope itself. Rope Material If you want your battle rope to hold up against wear and tear, consider products made with high-quality poly dacron. Poly dacron is a blend of polypropylene and dacron plastic fibers that is surprisingly strong and doesn’t shed as traditional manila ropes do. It’s safe for both indoor and outdoor use. If you want to protect the lifespan of your battle rope even more, consider one that also comes with a protective sleeve over the poly dacron braid. Frequently Asked Questions How do you use battle ropes? Battle ropes can be used for strength and cardiovascular exercise by performing different types of movements. Battle ropes are held in your hands and moved up and down, side to side, and in several other ways. You can hold them while squatting, performing shoulder presses, or jumping. Use them for HIIT workouts or as a finisher after your regular strength workout. What muscles do battle ropes work? Battle ropes work all of your major muscle groups with a strong emphasis on your core. Research has found that battle ropes activate the external obliques and erector spinae through the lumbar spine, shoulders, and glutes. Battle ropes also work your heart muscle since they can increase heart rate substantially. Learn More: Battle Rope Exercises to Build a Powerful Core What size battle rope should I get? Choose a battle rope size and weight that fits your space and your strength level or goals. A heavier battle rope will be better for stronger or larger individuals or for those who are hoping to gain strength. A lighter rope may be best for faster, high-intensity cardio work since you will be able to move it at a quicker rate. Are battle ropes for cardio or strength training? Battle ropes are excellent for both cardio and strength. However, you are unlikely to progress in strength too much using the rope without also including other strength-based exercises. Battle ropes are highly effective for cardiovascular work. How long should a battle rope workout be? The length of your workout will depend on how much time you have, your fitness level, as well as your personal goals. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, however, based on one study, "an acute 10-minute bout of rope training in a vigorous-intensity workout, resulting in high heart rates and energy expenditure, which meet previously established thresholds known to increase cardiorespiratory fitness." In other words, using your battle rope vigorously for even a short amount of time may improve your fitness outcomes. So, start small and work your way up to longer intervals. Learn More: How to Create a Home Workout Routine You’ll Actually Stick to Can using a battle rope help me lose belly fat? Studies suggest that regularly engaging in high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) may help some individuals lose belly fat. Incorporating your battle rope workout into an HIIE training program can help target your midsection since it engages your abdominals, obliques, and other core muscles. Fat loss will vary greatly from person to person based on body composition, fitness level, consistency, lifestyle, and diet. Learn More: 10 Considerations If You're Struggling to Lose Weight Why Trust Verywell Fit? As a former personal trainer, seasoned health writer, and avid exerciser, Alena Hall understands how important it is to pick the right home gym equipment for you. She is always exploring the latest and greatest wellness tools, machines, and gadgets, but more importantly, Alena carefully considers the quality and various features that make these fitness products worthwhile investments. The 12 Best Home Gyms of 2023 4 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Calatayud J, Martin F, Colado JC, et al. Muscle activity during unilateral vs. bilateral battle rope exercises. J Strength Cond Res. 2015;29(10):2854-9. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000000963 Fountaine CJ, Schmidt BJ. Metabolic cost of rope training. J Strength Cond Res. 2015;29(4):889-93. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182a35da8 Fountaine CJ, Schmidt BJ. Metabolic cost of rope training. J Strength Cond Res. 2015 Apr;29(4):889-93. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182a35da8 Boutcher S. High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise and Fat Loss. Journal of Obesity. 2010 Nov;2011,, 2011. doi:10.1155/2011/868305 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit