Punk Rope is a playful and creative, mash-up of recess and boot camp for exercisers of all ages, shapes, and fitness levels. Everybody describes it as FUN.

Punk Rope blends fantasy-based functional exercise, games, relay races, core training, rope jumping, fun themes, and raise-the-roof tunes. Relatively short, but demanding activities are followed by brief bouts of rest, allowing you to recharge your batteries so that you can work at a higher intensity throughout the class.

Fitness benefits include improved body composition, bone density,  aerobic capacity, coordination, strength, agility, balance, and timing.

To see Punk Rope in action, check out this video.

Where is Punk Rope?

Punk Rope happens in YMCAs, JCCs, parks & rec centers, health clubs, colleges, schools, private gyms, skating rinks, art galleries, bowling alleys, and city parks.

To find a class near you click here. No class near you? It’s easy to get one started. Email tim@punkrope.com for details.

How many calories will I burn jumping rope?

Caloric expenditure depends on many factors including the exerciser’s weight, fitness level, and work rate. A 150-pound person jumping rope at 145 revolutions per minute—which is a moderate pace—will burn approximately 13 calories per minute or roughly the same as they would burn running at an 8-minute-per-mile pace. To increase your caloric expenditure simply jump at a faster rate or perform more challenging steps such as the criss cross or double under.

Themes

Squat, lunge, push-up. B-O-R-I-N-G! Working out is much more fun when the exercises are driven by a story line. Our themed classes celebrate everything from super heroes to the Super Bowl and help to give meaning to the movements we incorporate. Themes also provide a terrific excuse to dress up. Below, Shana and Tim get ready to teach a Tartan Day Punk Rope class celebrating Scotland.

Learning Curve

Rope jumping is much easier to learn than you’d expect. Most new students easily pick up the basics in 2-3 sessions. If you’re new to rope jumping, consider picking up a copy of Rope Jumping 101. You can grab it here from the Punk Rope shop.

What You Need for Class

Wear sneakers with good cushioning in the forefoot and comfortable workout clothes. The host facility typically supplies  jump ropes, but click here to buy a rope so you can practice at home. Women should wear a good sports bra. You’ll find many options at Title 9 Sports and Ladies Only Sports.

Music

Next to the instructor and the class content, music is the most important element in group exercise. In Punk Rope, you’ll hear all types of high-energy music: punk rock, ska, metal, classic rock, indie rock, merengue, samba, country, psychobilly, rockabilly, surf rock, garage rock, zydeco, techno, hip hop, blues, jazz, and reggae. Singing along is encouraged.

Kids

We love having children in our adult classes, but check with the host facility first before bringing your little one to the gym.

Punk Rope in the News

Punk Rope has received press all over the US as well as in Japan, Italy, Australia, Germany, Israel, and France, even though at the moment we have no classes abroad (note to self: must rectify that). Highlights include coverage by:
The Martha Stewart Show
FitCeleb
MSN
iVillage
SocialWorkout.com
Shape
Take This Class
Boston Globe
LXTV (NBC)
Metromix
Team Saucony
Los Angeles Met Blogs
Syracuse.com

Punk Rope & Community Service

Since its inception, Punk Rope has partnered with numerous non-profit and governmental organizations to promote physical activity, play, and healthful living. Below is a partial list of organizations we’ve collaborated with as well as some of the events we’ve participated in.

Astoria Park Alliance
Brooklyn Heart Walk (sponsored by the American Heart Association)
Camp Dream Street
City Harvest
Eat Right Now
Education Works
Food Bank
Get Healthy Harlem
Girls Rock Philly
HealthCorps
Morrisania WIC
New York City Department of Education
Recess by the River (sponsored by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation)
Relay for Life (sponsored by the American Cancer Society)
Sustainable South Bronx
TASC (The Afterschool Corporation)
Variety: the Children’s Charity
Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls

Comments from the peanut gallery

In addition to the great time we have in class I’m so happy I’ve lost a couple of pounds and Hannah (age 7) is so proud she can jump rope all around the gym. In the past I have taken yoga, swimming, and even marathon training but I got bored. Hannah and I look forward to Punk Rope every Monday. Punk Rope rocks.
—Kayoko & Hannah

I just got the DVD last week and it’s kicking my ass!! It’s GREAT!!! I finally found something to break up the boredom of walking, weights, and stationary cycling. And it’s nice to work out to music I actually like. One of the main reasons I don’t join a gym is because of the crap music they play…LOL.”
—Chelle LaBarge

I work out 6 days a week. I dance, run, and weight train. Punk Rope was one of the best workouts I have ever had! It was intense, but brilliantly designed for people of all fitness levels. The hour just flew by and boy what fun we had!
—Elizabeth D. Croswell, MS • Health Educator/Research & Evaluation Specialist

I had never taken an exercise class before, but the idea of jumping rope to rock music sounded great. I gave it a try and kept coming back. Punk Rope is a perfect combination of a vigorous workout and good music.
—Brendan White • Attorney

Everyone smiles and laughs and you give a high five to the person next to you. It was awesome. Seriously, when was the last time you saw people high-fiving on the treadmill at your fitness center?
—Norm Clausen • Journalist

Teaching Punk Rope

We are always looking for fun, enthusiastic, instructors. First, it’s a good idea to obtain a group fitness or personal training certification from a reputable fitness organization such as ACE, AFAA, ACSM, NSCA, ISSA, or NASM. You should also be certified in CPR and First Aid. Next you’ll need to attend a Punk Rope Workshop. For more information, visit the Workshops section of this website.

Facebook

Friend us at www.facebook.com/punkrope.

Who created Punk Rope?

Punk Rope was founded in 2004 by personal trainer and track & field coach, Tim Haft, shortly after undergoing knee surgery and being diagnosed with two herniated discs in his lumbar spine. Tim had been a long-distance runner and weekend warrior and, at age 44, was starting to pay the price. After hanging up his running shoes, Tim ventured into the gym seeking a fun fitness class that would enable him to stay in shape. He never found the class he was looking for so he created his own.