About Gym Climbing Ropes

Climbing ropes are perhaps one of the earliest forms of gym equipment ever used, with historians citing ropes found at the archaeological sites of ancient Greece. Because they are an effective upper body workout utilizing minimal equipment, climbing ropes are popular in schools and fitness gyms alike. If you are looking for a way to test both endurance and strength, climbing ropes might be the answer you are seeking for your fitness needs.

  1. Material

    • There are three types of material available for gym climbing ropes: manila, polypro and polyplus. While all three ropes are extremely strong, the manila is made from natural material, while the polypro and polyplus offer the same strength at two-thirds the weight. Polypro ropes are softer than the other two rope materials, making them ideal for children.

    Length

    • According to Bodyweight Basics, the general rule of thumb for choosing a length for your indoor climbing rope is to add 4 feet to the length that it would take for your rope to reach the floor. This allows spotters to stand on and steady the rope for the climber. Standard rope lengths include 15,18, 20, 22 and 24 feet.

    Attachments

    • Many climbing ropes come with a polyboot attached at the end to prevent fraying and other types of damage to the rope, especially by the spotter or multiple people using the rope at once. Tambourines and safety cables increase the safety of your rope by preventing climbers from climbing too high and adding redundancy to the anchor system.

    Installation

    • A steel clamp is generally affixed to the top of the rope to facilitate ceiling installation along with beam clamps and a chain. Alternatively, you can use an eye-hook construction to attach your rope to a pulley in your gym if you do not have a specific spot from which to hang it.

    Potential Usages

    • The possibilities for training on a climbing rope are endless. Some examples of the types of exercises that one can perform include climbing only with hands, ascending upside down, or even using two ropes to climb. Others choose to perform standard exercises such as laybacks, hammer curls, and pull-ups.