Finding Fitness is about more than just scoping out the latest fitness trends; it’s about finding exciting new ways to focus on the most important subject of any story: you. From extreme sports to strange and, sometimes, uncomfortable classes, this feature is all about finding the best fitness to maximize your health. Stay tuned to find out about new and exciting fitness endeavors in the area.
What is it?
Battle Ropes is a unique interval training course that utilizes a set of weighted ropes.
Christopher Garcia, group exercise instructor at NSU’s RecWell, said that the Battle Ropes course is completely unique to NSU.
The course consists of performing various cardio exercises while lifting the battle ropes. A wave motion is most commonly used when lifting the ropes, which helps to strengthen the shoulders, upper body and core.
The Battle Ropes course is interval-based and designed to quickly lower and raise a participant’s heart rate.
Aaron Hasenei, group fitness instructor at RecWell, said, “Battle Ropes is more interval-based than most of the classes offered at the RecWell, and you can really get the benefit of getting your heart rate to the higher end of the zone, which is great for metabolic fat burning.”
Both Garcia and Hasenei said that individuals of all fitness levels can participate in the Battle Ropes course.
“If you can use the most basic equipment in the gym like the treadmill or the stationary bike, then you can do Battle Ropes,” Garcia said. “You just have to pace yourself based on your activity level.”
The Battle Ropes course is offered on Wednesday and Friday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on the RecWell’s outside basketball courts. All participants must bring water.
What are the benefits?
A key element that makes the Battle Ropes course effective is the variation of weight as participants lift the ropes during their workout.
“The higher you raise your arms, the more resistance you have, and it’s varying between five and 10 pounds, so it really challenges you,” said Garcia.
Unlike a number of other strength training exercises, Battle Ropes is low impact and does not damage joints.
Garcia said, “You get maximum results, with very little strain on the body. It’s very lax on the joints.”
What are the risks?
Because Battle Ropes is a very low impact form of exercise, there are very minimal health risks associated with it, if practiced correctly.
Hasenei said anyone who suffers from shoulder or wrist ailments, such as carpal tunnel, should not participate in the Battle Ropes course because these areas of the body will be used heavily.
Battle Ropes is an outdoor course, which can put participants at a higher risk for dehydration. Garcia and Hasenei recommend that participants stay adequately hydrated throughout the course.
