Is there a way to make a battle rope even better? It would seem the answer is yes, thanks to elastic battle ropes.
Battle ropes are one of the flagship pieces of a high-intensity workout. You can find these tools effective for HIIT training, cross-fit, and other forms of intense cardio. They have become a popular training tool for improving strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness.
Recently, elastic battle ropes have emerged as an alternative to traditional ropes. While many may not be familiar with this particular form of the instrument, there are numerous ways in which the elastic version of a battle rope is actually a distinct improvement.
In this article, we’ll explore the features and benefits of elastic battle ropes, helping you determine if they are the right choice for your fitness routine.
Understanding Elastic Battle Ropes
You’ve probably used, or at least seen, conventionally-designed battle ropes. These ropes are typically made from some form of naturally-occurring element like straw or hemp, or they are synthetically produced with nylon or another strong polymer.
These conventional battle ropes are heavy, rugged, and often rigid. Athletes use these ropes by grasping them on one end and performing various high-intensity movements, such as waves or slams. These movements really bring the burn on your core and get your heart rate going. Most rope exercises will also target your arms and shoulders.
Elastic battle ropes are a variation of the traditional battle ropes. Instead of the thick, heavy material comprising the traditional rope design, these ropes are made from durable elastic material that provides resistance and elasticity during exercise. Because, elastic ropes are often lighter and more easily portable.
Elastic battle ropes offer a unique training experience by combining the benefits of battle rope exercises with the added challenge of elastic resistance. These ropes allow for a range of movements and can be used indoors or outdoors, making them versatile and convenient for different training environments.
When Did Elastic Battle Ropes Get Popular?
While traditional battle ropes have been prevalent in the fitness market for nearly 20 years or so, elastic battle ropes are on the more recent side. Within the last 10 years, some fitness companies began to experiment with the benefits of elastics in a battle rope-style workout.
While there are several options for elastic battle ropes currently on the market, Stroops has spent years putting forth one of its best products: an elastic battle rope set called the Son of the Beast. These ropes are made using the company’s original Slastix resistance band technology. Slastix combines high-grade elastic material with a fabric sleeve, thus creating a system where the rope can be used as strenuously as possible while keeping its user safe and the band durable and intact.
Benefits of Elastic Battle Ropes
Elastic battle ropes offer several benefits that set them apart from traditional ropes:
1. Increased Joint-Friendly Training
Battle ropes are already a low-impact training option great for those suffering from joint pain or weakness. Elastic battle ropes take that benefit even further.
The elasticity of the ropes absorbs impact and reduces stress on joints, making it a super-low-stress option. The elasticity also helps in minimizing strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments during exercises.
Even if you aren’t actually struggling with your joint health, you should still consider this factor if you’re just getting started working out or trying to get in shape. These ropes are meant for high-intensity exercise, and it’s best to prioritize the safest options in the gym when you’re still getting used to the strain of exercise.
2. Enhanced Muscular Activation
Elastic battle ropes provide constant resistance throughout the movement, requiring muscles to work harder to overcome the resistance and maintain control. This happens because you can use elastic battle ropes for traditional rope exercise while stretching the band to keep the resistance up.
Some elastic battle ropes, like the Beast, can be combined with a pull belt or other attachments to work out in other ways. For example, you can use an elastic rope with a belt attachment to strap into and work against full-body resistance when performing sprints and plyometric jumps.
This increased muscle activation leads to improved strength, endurance, and overall muscular development.
3. Portability and Versatility
The average conventional battle rope is between 30-50 feet long, 1-3 inches thick, and will weigh anywhere between 16-30 pounds. Not exactly something you can throw in your gym bag.
Rather than relying on your local gym to have battle ropes available or going through the hassle of trying to set up these heavy ropes in your own space, why not try for a more portable alternative?
Elastic battle ropes are lightweight and portable, making them easy to transport and use in various training settings. The Son of the Beast, for example, weighs roughly seven pounds and is just 10 feet long.
You may wonder: How can I get the same workout with a smaller, lighter rope that I would with a bigger heavier one?
That’s what variable elastic resistance is all about! The rope may be lighter, but the resistance of the elastic stretch will multiply your intensity. It may be shorter, but you’ll get the best workout by stretching the band up to 2-3 times its normal length when you exercise.
Similar to regular ropes, elastic battle ropes can be anchored to most things by either tying down or hooking it up (if the rope has the proper ends). Again, the sleeve technology of a rope like the Son of the Beast is very helpful here. It makes it better for the band if you need to tie it around a rougher object like a tree.
Considerations for Elastic Battle Rope Training
Have you made your choice? Before investing in an elastic battle rope, it’s important to consider a few factors:
1. Resistance Level
Elastic battle ropes come in different resistance levels, allowing you to choose one that matches your fitness level and training goals. Consider the thickness and elasticity of the rope to determine the appropriate resistance for your workouts.
The resistance level of your rope may not affect you as much when performing waves and slams beyond the stress of extending the band out.
However, remember those full-body exercises we talked about before? That’s when your resistance level is a huge factor.
You may be tempted to just go with a rope that matches or is close to your body weight. With the exception of major high-level athletes, this is not a good idea. The elasticity of your rope will constantly work against you. Performing a sprinting exercise against an elastic force that matches or exceeds your body weight is a recipe for disaster. The chart on our Son of the Beast page will help you know what weight level would work best for you.
2. Durability and Quality
Ensure that the elastic battle rope you choose is made from high-quality materials that can withstand repeated stretching and heavy use. Look for ropes with reinforced handles and secure anchoring points to ensure longevity.
Perhaps more so than most other pieces of gym equipment, battle ropes take an absolute beating. Therefore, they need to be built strong enough to handle it. The sleeve technology on the Beast and Son of the Beast is specifically intended for this purpose, preventing the band from incurring cuts and bruises from repeated impact on the ground and other surfaces.
3. Exercise Variety
Perhaps the most defining value of elastic battle ropes is how much they widen the range of exercise possibilities. If you’re looking to do more with a rope, elastic is your friend. Consider the exercises you want to incorporate into your routine and ensure the rope can accommodate those movements effectively.
Wrap It Up
Like we said in the beginning, elastic makes battle ropes better. This modern advancement in the fitness industry offers unique benefits and versatility compared to traditional battle ropes.
If you’re looking for a joint-friendly, portable, and challenging training tool that combines resistance and dynamic movements, an elastic battle rope may be a suitable choice to elevate your workouts and achieve your fitness goals.
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