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Shoulders exercise · rope

Battling Ropes

The battling ropes is a rope exercise that targets the shoulders (deltoids), with the forearms and core assisting.

Animated demonstration of the battling ropes
Battling Ropes — demonstration
Target muscle
Delts
Also works
Forearms, core
Equipment
Rope
Body part
Shoulders

How to do the battling ropes

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
  2. Hold one end of the rope in each hand, with your palms facing each other.
  3. Raise your arms to shoulder height, keeping your elbows slightly bent.
  4. Begin making alternating waves with the ropes by rapidly raising and lowering each arm.
  5. Continue for the desired duration or number of repetitions.

Sets and reps

For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 60–90 seconds of rest is a proven starting point. For strength, use a heavier weight for 3–5 sets of 3–6 reps and rest 2–3 minutes. Add a little weight once you hit the top of your rep range on every set.

Muscles worked

The main muscle is the shoulders (deltoids). The forearms and core work as secondary muscles. See all shoulder exercises or every rope & strap exercise.

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