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Battle Rope Jumping Jacks

Intermediate

Full-body cardio exercise combining jumping jacks with battle rope waves to elevate heart rate, build endurance, and target shoulders, arms, legs, and core for conditioning.

About Exercise

Equipment

Battle Ropes

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders, Forearms

Secondary Muscles

Calves, Obliques

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Conditioning
Endurance
Power

Training Style

CrossFit
HIIT

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Shoulders

9/10

Anterior Delts, Medial Delts

Forearms

8/10

Flexors

Quads

7/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

6/10

Glute Max

Abs

6/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Calves

5/10

Gastrocnemius, Soleus

Obliques

4/10

External Obliques

Programming

Typical Rep Range

20-60 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet together, holding one end of anchored battle rope in each hand, elbows close to body, knees slightly bent.

  1. Push off ground into jump, extending legs out wide.
  2. Raise ropes explosively overhead or to sides, creating waves.
  3. Jump feet back together.
  4. Lower ropes to sides with control.
  5. Repeat in steady rhythm, core engaged.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep core tight.
  • Drive through heels.
  • Maintain upright posture.
  • Coordinate arms and legs.
  • Breathe rhythmically.

Breathing

Inhale as you return to start; exhale forcefully during the jump and arm raise.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Legs spread wider than shoulders at peak; arms fully extended overhead without locking elbows; ropes create full waves from anchor to hands.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Secure anchor firmly.
  • Use supportive shoes on shock-absorbing surface.
  • Consult professional for joint issues.
  • Start slow to build form.
  • Avoid excessive rope tension.

Spotting

Not required; self-spot with secure anchor.

Common Mistakes

  • Swaying hips or shoulders.
  • Gripping too tightly.
  • Inconsistent rhythm.
  • Insufficient jump height.
  • Poor anchor security.

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee or ankle injuries
  • Hip or shoulder joint issues
  • Poor cardiovascular fitness

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion for jumping
  • Shoulder flexion for overhead reach

Build Up First

  • Master basic jumping jacks
  • Familiarity with battle rope waves

Also known as

Battling Rope Jumping Jack, Battle Rope Jack Waves, Rope Jumping Jacks

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