The Rope Vs. The Run

[GlassJaw]

Hey all, just trying to tweak my routine a bit lately. (been doing the same one for what seems like forever) and was just wondering what everyones favorite main cardio exercise was. I know it's probably going to be running , but I've been shaving off some of my running time to dedicate more to the speed rope as I feel it improves my footwork a little more.

I do however notice it's a much faster pace and might not benefit my conditioning over the long run. What does everyone think?

[Standard]

Why not split it up, if you like both than do both. Most of the studies that have come out as of late do prove that something along the lines of HIIT is overall more beneficial than running.

Sparring is probably the best though with bag work being a distant second

[neomacro]

I started cardio just like a month back (yea, lazy and fat). Tried rope and running, but I liked rope better. It needed more concentration and rythm. So I started doing rope till I was comfortable jumping rope for small amounts of time. Over a period of time, I plan to increase my rope to a full cardio workout. But last night after rope, I did a short interval based run/walk combo and liked that too. So I'll prolly do a combo of both and work on both sides.

My advice to you to start with one that you like and develop a little base and aerobic condition in it. Once you're comfortable in it to the point where you can do it regularly, add the other one to the workout. That way, while you improve your primary cardio, you can develop a base for the secondary. This is just an advice from a layman beginner.

[Gavin LeFever]

I like the rope because the weather is always shit when I want to work outside.

I'm almost able to do doubles for 2m straight now, but that's a lot of pounding for guys 185+ so I only do it once a week. And 5m rope rounds are fun to me.

[Revok]

I'm at the same point as neomacro. I can jump rope but not well enough to improve my cardio with it, so with me it's a warm-up/cool down thing I can do for no more than 10 minutes.

My favourite cardio at present has to be burpees. I can bust out hundreds a day, utterly destroy myself, and somehow never suffer DOMS or splints.

[neomacro]

I want to add burpees to my workout once get a little base in running. But I jump rope/run in an isolated portion of my apartment complex (basically a tar road around the tennis court used to park large vehicles). Tried doing burpees there and the tar scratches my palms. Can't do it at home cause floor are made of cheap wood and people downstairs will get irritated. Thinking of getting some gloves or a rubber mat is an option.

And Revok, rope isn't a warmup for me. It is my workout at present. Like 2 sets of 5 min interval training rope. Like I said, fat and lazy.

[mrsneakyz28]

In my MT class we do rope for 10min as our warm-up, then do some squats and other leg conditioning. Then technique and finish up with some bag work. I honestly hate running and I prefer to just jump rope and hit the heavy bag/spar. Rope helps you get a better rythym and as someone said footwork. Also much better for your cardio in a shorter period of time so you can focus more on actually fight training rather than just running for cardio.

[GlassJaw]

Thanks all, the responses where actually quite different that i expected. I appreicate the insight!

[U.S. Soldier]

Both

[December]

i prefer rope i have a rope that has weighted handles about 2 1/2 lbs and i get a nice burn in my arms a few minutes in and my arms usually give out before i gas out