Leather vs. Rubber Jump Rope

Jumping rope is an effective cardiovascular workout, burning as much as 15 to 20 calories every minute. That means in 20 minutes you can burn up to 400 calories, which is good for anyone interested in an efficient moderate- to high-intensity cardiovascular workout. There are many different types of ropes to choose from, including leather and rubber, which can be weighted to increase the intensity of your routine.

  1. Speed

    • For speed workouts, a rubber jump rope is a smarter choice than a leather one. Both ropes provide for effective conditioning and are inexpensive, generally costing between $5 and $12. When it comes to fast footwork, rubber ropes are made into speed ropes. Speed jump ropes are nothing more than jump ropes designed to turn very quickly. Rubber is lightweight and thus turns quickly. Ball bearing swivels or attachments usually connect to the handles to help the rope turn faster. Leather ropes can be made into speed ropes, although leather ropes are slower and heavier, and more difficult to use.

    Endurance

    • The opposite of fancy footwork is endurance, and when it comes to slowing you down, leather ropes are better for that purpose. A leather rope is more difficult to use, offering more resistance particularly if you want to move quickly and attempt more tricks. Thus you will have to work harder, longer and more diligently to accomplish a routine, which is beneficial for building endurance.

    Strength

    • Both rubber and leather ropes help tone and build muscles. Leather ropes naturally weigh a bit more, which helps to build arm muscles. You can also purchase weighted rubber ropes for this purpose. Some leather and rubber ropes also come with adjustable or detachable pieces that can alter the intensity of your workout, helping you build strength as you jump rope. These include weights you can attach to the handles to help build strength and beads you can place on the rope to increase the weight.

    Coordination

    • You may use both leather and rubber ropes to practice coordination. Try alternating leg jumps which improves balance and foot speed. Next jump one leg at a time raising your knee as high as possible each time the rope turns. This offers an intense workout while improving coordination. More advanced moves include the criss cross where you cross your elbows over each other at mid-torso and jump through the rope, allowing the rope to pass under your feet and over your head like normal(Reference 5).