Dollar store + hardware store = fitness equipment store for cheap?

I buy jump ropes from dollar stores because it’s probably the cheapest fitness equipment(only $2!!) other than my own body weight. They are my favorate equipment compared to anything because it lets me improve my cardio in any space and they fit right in pants pockets.

I bought it some years ago as a backup then forgot about it..

The problem with them is that they don’t last long. I’m not sure whether it’s the quality or PVC ropes in general but they always snaps. It seems not getting any better because the most recent one snapped after 5 days of use, 6 rounds(3 minutes each, 1 minute rest in between) each day.

It always snaps near the end of the handles.

I got sick of this PVC rope so I had an idea after checking out a local home depot store. There is a PVC coated cable that is same thickness as the PVC rope that was snapped.

I bought it from rona

So I measured the length, cut it, paid at the checkout. I needed 9ft so $8.1CAD + tax so… just about $9.

There I have $11.5CAD (almost) indestructible jump rope!

But this also has some problem…

1. It’s way heavier than PVC rope so if you are a fast skipper, be aware of the load on your wrist. I do a lot of double unders, my wrists are sore for few weeks. If you are a fast skipper, find a good quality PVC jump rope and maybe invest in a mat to protect your rope being worn out.
2. I bought exact thickness cable which made it hard to install rope clips(not sure what they are called but the pieces that holds ropes to stop them from slipping out). You may want to bring the handle to check the fit because you may need thinner cable than you think.
3. Even though the cable is very strong, it’s still worn out. Once the PVC coat is worn, the cable is exposed. It will take a long time to break and that’s why I mentioned it’s almost indestructible. But it’s quite cool to spark up on concrete ground though. 🙂
4. Once the cable is exposed, be careful of cable threads(or fibers?). They can cut or poke your skin, clothes and it can be uglier than cuts from knives or papers.