Best Selection of Fitness Rope Online!

Our manilla and nylon ropes come in a variety of sizes to be put to use in any fitness application. We offer 1.5" and 2" versions of each rope to better fit your needs. The materials used for either type of rope are of the highest quality available and our prices are simply the best you will find online for the quality of rope we offer.

What is the Difference Between Manila, Nylon and Poly Rope?

Nylon Rope - Nylon has a very long lifespan and can be used indoors as well as outside; however, nylon rope is UV sensitive and should not be left in the sun since it will cause it to break down over time. Over expsosure to the sun and outside elements is what makes this type of rope have that "fuzzy" look and scratchy feel to it. Nylon rope doesn't shed fibers or shrink when it gets wet like manila will. Nylon is also three times stronger than manila and lighter as well. Nylon doesn't absorb water or sweat like manila rope will, which leads to slipping and lose of grip once your hands begin to sweat. For this reason, nylon rope is not recommended for climbing, tug of war or other activities in which grip and slippage are important.

Manila Rope - Commonly referred to as Hemp Rope or Jute Rope, manila has its advantages and disadvantages over its nylon counterpart. Manila isn't as strong as nylon, but if you are buying rope for exercising and fitness then you won't really care if its breaking strength is 16,000 or 24,000 pounds. Manila is also heavier, making it the better choice for strength training and endurance workouts. Manila rope is less expensive making it a more economical solution for most user or gyms that need multiple ropes. Manila rope has a strong smell when new, which takes awhile to wear off. The rope also "sheds" leaving behind strands of manila fibers. It is recommended that you rub down your new rope with a towel to remove as many of these fibers as possible. You can also apply chalk to the rope to help absorb the trapped moisture which will remove the smell faster. Manila rope will not last as long as Nylon, but if properly maintained and not left outside you can still expect to have your rope for years before needing to replace it. Manilla rope is very rough on the hands and will cause calluses and possibly skin tears. This is why it is recommended that you build up your tolerance to the rope and/or wear gloves when performing rope exercises.

Poly Rope - This rope is made of polypropylene, a water resistant, bouyant material (it floats). Like nylon, this rope is UV sensitive so extended exposure to the sun will cause the rope to slowly break down and become rough and fuzzy looking. Poly rope is cheaper than nylon and a more expensive than manila. It is also lighter than nylon and manila, so it may not be an ideal choice if you are looking for a high weight-to-length ratio.

Rope Storage and Care - All fitness ropes, regardless of material, should be stored indoors and out of the sun. In the case of manila rope, if the rope has gotten wet, try and let it dry in the sun before storing it. Otherwise the rope will develop a mildew smell which isn't pleasant.

Different Rope Exercises and Rope Training Activities

Battling Ropes / Ropes Gone Wild - If you are familiar with the Battling Ropes or Ropes Gone Wild systems then you will most likely know what the workouts consist of and which ropes you need. These programs are geared toward increasing strength and endurance and typically call for 50' and 100' ropes. Any rope type can be used and selection depends on how heavy you wish the rope to be, where you intend to use the rope, and whether you want to use the rope for other exercises as well.

Tug of War Games - A classic game of team strength, tug of war can be played with any size or type of rope, although manila is preferred for its better grip.

Climbing Ropes - Ah, the classic staple of high school gyms everywhere. Climbing ropes have been found in gyms and fitness centers for years and are finally making a comeback. Nothing is more proof of one's physical fitness than being able to drag themselves through space and have the courage to climb back down! The typical climbing rope will be a 1.5" manila rope, although some clibing stations use a 2" rope to really test an athlete's strength.

Rope Workouts - Rope slams, swings, in and outs, pulling and dragging exercises, you name it... there are a multitude of different workouts that can be performed using a heavy rope. While many rope routines are geared towards strength and muscle endurance, you can also give yourself one heck of a cardio workout as well.

Heavy Jump Rope - Instead of buying a weighted jump rope, many customers have opted for 1.5" - 2" thick manila or nylon rope cut to a length of 7 - 11 feet, depending on the users height. This provides an excellent cardio and strength workout and a great alternative to expensive and bulky jump ropes. To select the right length, measure from the floor to the top of your shoulders. Your heavy jump rope should be cut to exactly that length.