by Molly Magunga, MS ATC, CPT, CES
Hello everyone! This week’s “Fitness Tip of the Week” is about using the battle ropes! This little (or not so little) piece of equipment is a great tool to incorporate into your fitness routine! If you want to mix up your cardio or improve power, this is a great way to do it. Just be advised, if you have not used them, they are heavier than they appear. It is your upper body doing the majority of the movement, so it doesn’t take long to feel the muscles burning and heart rate increasing. Because each arm must work independently, it is also a great tool for keeping muscle balance between your left and right sides! Why is this important? Muscle imbalances causes compensations. Compensations lead to overuse. Overuse leads to tissue breakdown and possible injury. Just like everything in life, balance is everything!
Tips on Battle Rope Variety:
Although mostly used solely as an upper body exercise, there are a lot of variations to using the battle ropes that incorporate a majority of your muscle groups. What are they you ask? Well, let me tell you:
Standard Waves | Battle Rope Lunges | Battle Rope Plank |
Battle Rope Jumping Jacks | Rope Pull | Battle Rope Russian Twists |
If you have any questions on this topic, please feel free to contact me at mmagunga@healthworksfitness.com or comment below!
Molly’s Fitness Tip of the Week 