It doesn’t take a lot of digging to see that trainers of all stripes are going nuts over the jump rope. What we used to think of as a kid’s toy has now become a favorite tool for boxers, tennis players, and a whole range of athletes, as well as the amateur rank and file who are looking to improve their body response and agility with fitness training.

Along with all of this newfound glory, the jump rope is going through some changes. Buy an old traditional jump rope off of eBay, and you might get a simple braided rope with wooden handles. Today’s jump ropes usually don’t look anything like that. Just as the microchip has brought new style and functionality to just about everything in the American home, modern design has brought some important changes to the jump rope and other very basic fitness aids.

One thing that’s changing in the jump rope is material. These days, you might hear some debate about the various top materials manufacturers use to make the premium jump ropes that we use to train. Lots of ropes are made with synthetic materials, where hand grips are styled in specific contours, and rope is produced for the best elasticity.

But there’s also the leather jump rope, a big contender in the market, where the natural material provides a unique elasticity, as well as some additional weight over most other ropes. Some seasoned jump rope users swear by leather, and others prefer synthetic options.

Another big change in jump rope design has to do with the way this ‘simple machine’ moves – in this case, ball bearings in the handles produce a smooth, reliable swing. In today’s market, you’ll see a slew of jump rope models with ball bearings for unhindered motion on the training floor.

What do you do with all of this technology? The same thing past generations did with the traditional jump rope. Most beginners start off with the standard swing, in a slow, steady rhythm, challenging their body response by avoiding the swing of the rope. Swinging faster provides a progressive workout. Try it, and you’ll see how this simple activity can work your limbs and core while getting your heart rate up!

What we see in the jump rope is something from the past that hasn’t become obsolete at all. In fact, rather than changing the jump rope in for new technology, the modern fitness world has reached out to include it in cutting edge routines for pros and amateurs alike. So don’t be surprised if you see one of these simple ropes hanging next to the newest progressive dumbbell or high-design free weight set at your local gym.

 By Steve, FitnessFuture Expert