The 12 Best Jump Ropes for Your Cardio and Conditioning Workouts

Jumping rope is one of those types of exercise that makes you nostalgic for your childhood. You might recall the days when you used to play hopscotch on the sidewalk and skip rope over the boxes.

But if you're looking to jump rope as part of a workout, know that times have changed — there's more to choosing a jump rope than a plastic string with handles on each end (though that certainly works in a pinch). Finding the right one for you depends on your preferences and goals.

Here, trainers explain the different types of jump ropes, their functions and the best options to buy, whether you're looking to improve your double unders or boost your strength with a weighted rope.

We talked to personal trainers and CrossFit coaches to pick out the best jump ropes you can buy — including outdoor, speed, weighted and fitness ropes. We chose our top picks based on their recommendations and criteria, including:

• Price
• Material
• Length/adjustability
• Durability

For a jump rope you can use for a variety of at-home and gym workouts, opt for a fitness or gym rope (usually labeled on the packaging). These ropes are best for general use to get your heart rate up and burn calories.

They're also great for those who are new to jumping rope, according to Maillard Howell, CPT, a CrossFit Level 2 coach and head of fitness at Reebok. And generally, the price point is pretty affordable.

If you usually take your routine outside, invest in a rope specifically made for the elements. Outside ropes are durable and can withstand damage from concrete, gravel and asphalt, Howell says.

Ropes that are best for outdoors won't necessarily have an 'outdoor' label on the packaging — it comes down to rope materials. Opt for PVC-based ropes. Wire ones (which some outdoor ropes are) damage easily, he says. Even if they have rubber sheaths, they tend to wear out more quickly outdoors.

Jump ropes with beads along the rope (aka beaded ropes) are a good outdoor option, too. Look for rubber-based beads, Howell says. Plastic beads (better for indoors) can crack and break off the rope after hitting the sidewalk.

To jump rope really quickly, you need to find a rope that's labeled as a speed rope on the package.These are thin wire ropes that are light and aerodynamic.

"Speed ropes are great for practicing double unders and working on explosiveness, as the rope enables you to whip it around faster than other heavier ropes," says Eric Rakofsky, CPT, a coach at Kollective, a performance-driven fitness club. "They're used a lot in CrossFit and boxing."

However, speed ropes tend to cost more than other jump rope types. Because the materials in speed ropes are of such high quality, they tend to bump up the price, Howell says.

Although it looks like a standard fitness rope, weighted ropes can move quickly, and they also go a long way in increasing muscular strength.

With varying weights (labeled on the packaging), weighted ropes are great for building strength, Rakofsky says. The muscles in your shoulders, arms and core all benefit from the extra resistance of the rope.

Generally, these are thick, PVC rubber ropes with weighted handles. But sometimes, both the rope and handles can weigh an extra pound or two. And thanks to the rubber coating, they're pretty durable for either indoor or outdoor use.