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Battling ropes (also known as battle ropes or heavy ropes) are used for fitness training to increase full body strength and conditioning.[1][2] They were designed by John Brookfield in 2006, who developed the system around his backyard.[2][3] The battling rope can be alternatively used as a resistance training technique. After its development, Brookfield taught the system to Special Forces, the Cincinnati Bengals,[4] and the Olympic wrestling team.[3] Since then, the training system has expanded to mainstream gyms.[5]
With one battle rope per upper extremity, battling ropes work out each arm independently, overcoming strength imbalances.[6] They also reduce orthopedic load on joints -- they are low impact.[4]
Battling ropes are thick, heavy and strong in order to give significant resistance,[2][5] and there are numerous types of rope used.[2][6] The ropes typically have two common diameters (25 mm and 44 mm) and common standard lengths (5 m, 10 m, and 25 m).[2] Some battle ropes now have a flexible metal core, making them heavier, shorter and allowing the user to move during training without being restricted by an anchor point.[7]