Useful Tips on How to Choose a Rope for Children or Adults
Rope for Rhythmic Gymnastics
A gymnastics rope is a rope without handles. Instead, strong knots are tied at both ends. The rope is one of the first items that young gymnasts begin to master.
Exercises with a rope are divided into groups: rotating the rope (forward, backward, sideways); looping the rope forward and backward; swings and circles with the rope (in the frontal, lateral, horizontal planes); transferring the rope from one plane to another; throws.
Types of Ropes:
- nylon;
- viscose;
- polyester.
Viscose ropes for rhythmic gymnastics are suitable for beginner athletes, as well as for fans of soft ropes.
Nylon ropes are the heaviest and densest. They better maintain their shape in flight and follow the trajectory of the throw.
Polyester ropes have an optimal weight - more than viscose, but less than nylon. They are obedient in work, clearly depict waves and loops, and do not chafe the hands of athletes.
How to Choose the Right Size
The length of the rope for rhythmic gymnastics is selected according to the gymnast's height. Manufacturers produce ropes in two sizes:
- 2.5 meters (for gymnasts up to 140 cm tall);
- 3 meters (for gymnasts over 140 cm tall).
These are standard rope sizes, but before buying, it is necessary to check if the rope fits the gymnast in size.
To determine the size of the rope for the gymnast, she needs to stand on the middle of the rope with her feet, pull both ends to her shoulders so that they do not sag, then tie knots at shoulder and armpit level, trim the excess ends, and burn them.
Care Recommendations
- To avoid damaging the structure or color of the gymnastics rope, certain care rules must be followed.
- It is strictly forbidden to wash the rope in a washing machine using detergent. This can negatively affect the condition of the equipment.
- Nylon ropes cannot be washed either in a washing machine or by hand, as the thickness of the weave will significantly decrease after washing.
- Also, do not leave the rope in a room with high humidity for a long time.
- The rope should only be put in a case when it is clean and completely dry.
- After each workout, dry cleaning is recommended: simply wipe the equipment immediately with a soft cloth to prevent the fibers of the weave from wearing out due to the aggressive effects of sweat.
- It is prohibited to use auxiliary means (drying chamber, hairdryer, battery) for drying the rope.
Rope Storage
A case made of special dense fabric protects the rope from excessive air humidity, contamination, and snags. Also, the case will prevent the rope from tangling in the bag.