A jump rope that comes with a DVD? When I unpacked my new Crossrope starter set from its shipping box, I found that a tad intimidating. Instead, I focused on the ropes themselves. Crossrope is an interchangeable weighted jump rope system. You can attach and detach the ropes – weighing from two ounces to three pounds – to a pair of sturdy handles.

My circuit training class helped me test them. We tried the very light black rope, and a heavy bright orange rope that looks like an extension cord. The light rope was fun and quick. The orange was brutal! I’d never used a weighted jump rope before and wasn’t prepared for how much more arm work it is. I probably made it 30 seconds before needing a break.

People who are serious about their jump roping will love the Crossrope set. It will travel well, too, especially the lighter-weight ropes. The only thing I don’t like about it is I find the catches on the handles a little hard to open – thought I’d bend my fingernails back switching out the ropes.