​Two months ago, I wrote a partial review of the Crossrope system. I bought their Get Fit Bundle which includes two sets of handles and four ropes.  The ropes are steel cable coated in some sort of plasticized covering.  The Get Fit Bundle includes ¼, ½, 1-, and 2-pound ropes.

​I found there was a little learning curve transitioning from a store-bought jump rope to Crossrope.  I think it stems from the heavier weight which initially has some effect on your jumping cadence. It only took a short time to adapt.

​I never weighed my off the shelf jump rope, but it is lighter than the ¼ pound Crossrope.  I noticed early on getting a better workout with the Crossrope.  Stepping up to the ½ pound rope definitely increased the intensity.  As I mentioned in another article, I think this is somehow more than doubling because you are constantly exerting force on a weight moving in a circular path.  Whatever the truth, moving up was a challenge.

​Yesterday I stepped it up and used the 1-pound rope for the first time.  Crossrope suggests the use of the second set of handles, which are thicker, for the 1- and 2-pound ropes.  More on the handles in a moment.

​Going up to 1 pound was another new challenge.  Initially I noticed the additional momentum and if I didn’t stay focused, I found myself slowly moving off center and off my mat.  Crossrope generally categorizes the two lighter ropes as designed for cardio and the two heavier ropes as a full body workout.  I think that’s about right.  I’m a little sore today from the 1-poundrope. I wasn’t from either of the lighter ropes.

​The handles come in two sizes, slim and power.  I estimate the width of the slim handles at about ¾ inch.  The power handles I estimate at 1 ¼ inches.  The difference is noticeable.  When I first started with the system, I did not like the slim handles because they were a major change from the store-bought rope.  Because they are much slimmer, I had to grip them differently and felt like I had a less secure grip.  I did but not because of their build.  I came to realize how involved my forearms are using these weighted ropes.  As my strength and endurance improved, my concern receded.  Now I can whip the lighter ropes with a confident grip.

​Both sets of handles have a rubber coating.  It has been effective and I haven’t noticed any slipping even when I’m sweaty.  Summer will be the real test.

​If you use Crossrope, I strongly suggest getting a rubber mat.  They sell a couple of their own, you could get one from a sporting goods store, or get rubber gym “tiles” from Home Depot.  It is good for your ankles and knees and will preserve the coating on the ropes.

​All in all, I am very pleased with Crossrope and highly recommend it.    For anyone who is space or time constrained, jumping rope is an excellent workout. Many of the Gliberatti have told us about their preferred type of conditioning exercise and I encourage everyone to do whatever works for you. If you are looking for something new or additional, give this a try.  

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​California’s seven-day average of Covid cases continues to plunge. Yet, we are the only state that keeps gym shuttered due to the government’s overreaction to coronavirus.  Newsom is such a panic monger.  Fortunately, it looks like there is a reasonable chance he will get recalled.  

If this recall turns into the free for all it was last time, then I may toss my hat in the ring. Kids want a savior, don’t need a fake, I wanna be elected.