Is A Jump Rope Better Than A Peloton?

In the past few months, I’ve fallen off my historically strict weightlifting regiment. Currently, I’m weightlifting about once a week, and it has only been as heavy as the 70-pound kettlebell in my apartment.

I could blame the fact that I started a new real estate job, there is a mask mandate at the gym, or that I’ve been snowboarding in my free time. Or that my girlfriend and I are currently sharing a car and both working full-time jobs. But, at the end of the day, it comes down to convenience.

Generally speaking, people stick to workout routines for one of two reasons. First, it is convenient, or second, there is an accountability system. When it comes to at-home cardio, there is nothing more convenient than a jump rope and very few better accountability systems than Peloton.

So, I thought it would be fun to pit them against each other and see which is the better at-home workout tool.

Let’s start with the most crucial factor:

Is jumping rope or Peloton a better workout?

This is no easy question to answer. Cycling is considered a great low-impact exercise, and it is something you can do every day with little risk of injury.

However, life is high-impact. Real-world activities are weight-bearing, and jumping rope will help you build strong bones and muscles, as well as practical strength.

Besides a toned lower body, increased cardiovascular health, and becoming better at cycling, there are no other significant benefits of riding a Peloton.

But who cares? Those three are pretty substantial reasons to hop on a Peloton, and with the ability to vastly increase the resistance, you can use the Peloton to build some serious muscle.

Although, jumping rope offers more benefits, such as the aforementioned increase in bone density. Jumping rope improves your balance, coordination, agility, and power. It is also a total body exercise that strengthens your core and burns a ton of calories.

In practicality, jumping is the basis for most other activities, including running, kickboxing, basketball, and any other sport besides cycling.

Winner: Jump Rope

Jumping rope is something every person could benefit from doing, but it’s not for everyone, which brings us to our next category:

Is a Peloton or a jump rope more accessible to the general population?

One of the most significant selling points of the Peloton is that anyone with two legs can hop on and get a good workout. There is no age limit, minimal risk of injury, and it requires no skill.

Jumping rope is not quite as inviting. First off, you need to have rhythm or take the time to learn the rhythm. I often start people who are new to jumping rope off with an invisible jump rope. An invisible jump rope is a high-tech piece of imaginary equipment that helps introduce people to the pattern of jumping rope. First, you start by twirling an actual jump rope, then take the rope away, pretend you still have it, and jump. This tool is an excellent consequence-free way of practicing jump roping.

In addition, women post-pregnancy or elderly folks would be better off with the Peloton than the jump rope. Nobody wants to pee a little during their exercise routine or trip and fall.

Winner: Peloton

Is a Peloton or jump rope more cost-effective?

This one is a bit obvious as Peloton is one of the more expensive workout trends on the market. You are looking at least $1,495 upfront and $39 a month for eternity.

I don’t think this is anything that crazy, though. Peloton is first and foremost an accountability tool and second a cycling class. Your average gym membership is around $80 a month, and the gym isn’t in the comfort of your own home.

In contrast, a jump rope is incredibly inexpensive. You can get a jump rope for as little as $9, but if you are going to make it your primary form of exercise, I’d invest a bit more in a nice customizable jump rope. Or one that is capable of doing double-unders. There are many excellent jump ropes in the $30 range, such as the Buddy Lee Rope Master or the Elite SRS Fit + (my second favorite).

Even the most expensive jump rope on the market, the Crossrope, a weighted jump rope, runs under $200. So no matter which rope you go with, you can’t possibly come close to the price of a Peloton.

Winner: Jump Rope

Is a Peloton or jump rope better for weight loss?

Last but certainly not least is the primary reason people purchase fitness equipment, weight loss.

The best exercise for weight loss is HIIT or high-intensity interval training. And this style of workout can be performed using anything from dumbbells to a jump rope or Peloton.

HIIT workouts are trying as hard as you can for an interval of time, for example, one minute, resting for an interval, and then doing it again.

In this regard, the Peloton may be better than a jump rope. With a jump rope, you can increase the duration of your session, the tempo of jumping, and even the resistance by jumping on one foot or doing double-unders. You even burn more calories while jump roping than cycling. But you can cycle for a lot longer and more days in a row than you can jump rope.

With a Peloton, you can linearly increase the intensity of your workouts with the touch of a button. Your pace, resistance, and heart rate can be measured against the previous workouts. As a result, your risk of injury is very low on a bike regardless of what propaganda HBO is currently selling.

To avoid injury on a Peloton, you need to have good form and not overdo it.

There is more potential for setbacks when jumping rope, and it is simply less approachable.

In addition, the Peloton being a better accountability tool with its badges, trackers, and “rewards” makes it a better overall system for weight loss compared to an unguided form of cardio like jumping rope.

Winner: Peloton

Overall, which is better?

As you can tell, according to my ranking system, we are tied 2 – 2. Of course, ties are a bummer, but when it comes to home fitness, it is all about what you will get the most use of.

Remember, no matter what anyone tells you about the newest workout fad:

What is the best gym in town? The one closest to your house.

What is the best piece of cardio equipment? The one you use the most.

Is a jump rope better than a Peloton?The one that fits your lifestyle and tastes is better.