Segmented jump rope

Abstract

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a segmented jump rope. In an illustrative example, a segmented jump may include a flat middle segment, for example. The flat middle segment may, for example, include a threaded mesh material. The flat middle segment may operably couple periphery segments. The periphery segments may include rope from a weighted jump rope. Various embodiments may advantageously enable a user of a segmented jump rope to avoid an injury while jumping rope. Various embodiments may achieve one or more advantages. For example, some embodiments may advantageously enable a user to enhance the user's strength, coordination, and cardio while avoiding injury. Some implementations may advantageously enable a segmented jump rope to be durable. Some embodiments may advantageously enable a user of a segmented jump rope to avoid an injury after landing on the segmented jump rope while jumping rope.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 763,650, titled “Segmented Jump Rope,” filed by Paul Bankowski, et al., on Feb. 26, 2025.

[0002] This application incorporates the entire contents of the foregoing application(s) herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Various embodiments relate generally to a jump rope.BACKGROUND

[0004] Jumping is a fundamental physical activity that has been practiced for centuries, offering numerous health benefits and serving as a key component in various sports and fitness routines. It involves propelling the body off the ground using the legs and then landing back on the feet. This simple yet effective movement enhances cardiovascular health, improves muscle strength, and boosts coordination and balance. Jumping is not only a popular exercise among athletes but also a fun and engaging activity for people of all ages.

[0005] One of the most common ways to incorporate jumping into a fitness routine is with a jump rope. Jumping rope is a versatile exercise that can be performed in various styles to target different fitness goals. Basic hops, where both feet leave the ground simultaneously, are great for beginners and provide a solid cardiovascular workout. For those looking to increase intensity, alternate foot jumps mimic a running motion and challenge coordination. Advanced techniques like double unders, where the rope passes under the feet twice in one jump, significantly elevate the workout's difficulty and calorie burn. Jump ropes are also excellent for interval training, combining high intensity jumping with short rest periods to maximize endurance and fat loss. However, jumping rope with jump ropes can pose a risk of injury.SUMMARY

[0006] Apparatus and associated methods relate to a segmented jump rope. In an illustrative example, a segmented jump rope may include a flat middle segment, for example. The flat middle segment may, for example, include a threaded mesh material. The flat middle segment may operably couple periphery segments. The periphery segments may include rope from a weighted jump rope. Various embodiments may advantageously enable a user of a segmented jump rope to avoid an injury while jumping rope.

[0007] Various embodiments may achieve one or more advantages. For example, some embodiments may advantageously enable a user to enhance the user's strength, coordination, and cardio while avoiding injury. Some implementations may advantageously enable a segmented jump rope to be durable. Some embodiments may advantageously enable a user of a segmented jump rope to avoid an injury after landing on the segmented jump rope while jumping rope.

[0008] The details of various embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary segmented jump rope employed in an illustrative use-case scenario.

[0010] FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary schematic of middle segment.

[0011] FIG. 2B depicts an exemplary schematic of periphery segments.

[0012] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary scenario of an injury that occurs with a traditional jump rope.

[0013] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary scenario of a user avoiding the injury illustrated in FIG. 3 by utilizing a segmented jump rope.

[0014] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary cross-sectional view of a jump rope apparatus.

[0015] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary detailed view of a coupling area.

[0016] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] To aid understanding, this document is organized as follows. First, to help introduce discussion of various embodiments, a segmented jump rope is introduced with reference to FIG. 1. Second, that introduction leads into a description with reference to FIGS. 2A-2B of exemplary elements of a segmented jump rope. Third, FIGS. 3-4 illustrate an advantage of using a segmented jump rope versus a traditional jump rope. Finally, the document discusses further embodiments, exemplary applications and aspects relating to the segmented jump rope.

[0018] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary segmented jump rope 100 employed in an illustrative use-case scenario. The segmented jump rope 100 includes a first periphery segment 105. The first periphery segment 105 includes a gripping area 110 and may include a handle or handle portion configured for manual gripping by a user. The first periphery segment 105 includes a coupling area 115. The first periphery segment 105 operably couples to a first end 120 of a middle segment 125 via the coupling area 115. The middle segment 125 includes a second end 130. The second end 130 of the middle segment 125 operably couples a second periphery segment 135 via the second periphery segment 135 coupling area 140. The second periphery segment 135 includes a gripping area 145 and may include a handle or handle portion similar to gripping area 110.

[0019] In some embodiments, a segmented jump rope apparatus includes a first rope segment and a second rope segment, each formed from a heavy-gauge rope material. The heavy-gauge rope material may be selected to provide a weighted resistance suitable for strength and cardiovascular training while maintaining flexibility for rotational jumping use.

[0020] In some embodiments, the heavy-gauge rope material of the first rope segment and the second rope segment may include natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof. Exemplary rope materials may include polypropylene, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, rubber-coated fibers, aramid fibers, braided or twisted composite ropes, or combinations of such materials. In some embodiments, the rope material may be solid-core, multi-strand, braided, twisted, or jacketed, and may optionally include embedded weighting materials, internal fillers, or coatings configured to increase mass per unit length. The rope material may further include abrasion-resistant outer surfaces, moisture-resistant treatments, or textured surfaces to improve durability and grip during use. In various embodiments, the rope material is selected to provide flexibility sufficient for rotational jumping while maintaining mass characteristics suitable for weighted jump rope exercise.

[0021] The length and gauge of each of the first and second rope segments may be selected to contribute to a target overall weight of the segmented jump rope apparatus. In some embodiments, the target overall weight is 3 to 8 pounds. For example, the first rope segment and the second rope segment may each be approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. In various embodiments, the first rope segment and the second rope segment are approximately a same length to promote balanced rotational inertia. Some embodiments include the segmented jump rope apparatus having a total length of about 110 to 120 inches, subject to typical manufacturing tolerances. According to some embodiments, the first periphery segment 105 and the second periphery segment 135 are each configured to provide a distributed mass along their respective lengths.

[0022] The illustrative use-case scenario depicted in FIG. 1 includes a user 150. The user 150 may, for example, jump rope with the segmented jump rope 100 by jumping over the middle segment 125, as depicted in 155. The segmented jump rope 100 includes a middle segment 125 having a flat configuration. The flat configuration of the middle segment 125 may define a low-profile landing surface configured to reduce rolling behavior underfoot. The flat configuration may advantageously enable the user 150 to avoid injury if the user 150 steps on the middle segment 125 while jumping rope.

[0023] The user 150 may, for example, utilize the segmented jump rope 100 to perform battle rope exercises, as depicted in 160. The user 150 may, for example, hold the segmented jump rope 100 at the gripping areas 110 and 145 or at the coupling areas 115 and 140 and perform stretching or resistance exercises, as depicted in 165. The user 150 may, for example, hold the segmented jump rope 100 at the coupling areas 115 and 140 and jump rope with the segmented jump rope 100, as depicted in 170. Accordingly, various embodiments support multiple exercise modalities using a single segmented rope system.

[0024] FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary schematic of a middle segment 200. As depicted, the middle segment 200 is flat. In some embodiments, the flat, middle segment 200 has a length of 20 to 30 inches. Some embodiments include a length of about 24 inches. The flat shape of the middle segment 200 may, for example, enable a user of a segmented jump rope to avoid injury when landing on the middle segment 200. The middle segment 200 may include a threaded mesh material. In some embodiments, the threaded mesh material comprises a two-layer construction. The threaded mesh material may advantageously enable the middle segment 200 to be durable while maintaining flexibility for rotational movement.

[0025] In some embodiments, the flat segment is formed from a fine-gauge threaded mesh material, including woven, knitted, or braided textile meshes. The flat segment may include one or more mesh layers arranged in an overlying configuration and secured together by stitching, weaving, mechanical capture, overmolding, bonding, or combinations thereof. Lamination, where used, refers to flexible textile bonding and is not required for the flat segment to remain flat underfoot.

[0026] In some embodiments, the flat segment has a width selected to balance underfoot stability with aerodynamic and rotational performance. The width may be selected to resist curling, rolling, or folding underfoot during landing while allowing the flat segment to whip smoothly during rotational jumping motion. In some embodiments, the width of the flat segment varies along its length, including wider central portions and narrower end portions adjacent the coupling areas, to optimize stability and rotational dynamics.

[0027] In some embodiments, the rope segments and flat segment are configured to withstand repeated contact with hard surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, wood, rubberized gym flooring, or artificial turf. Materials may be selected to resist abrasion, fraying, moisture absorption, ultraviolet exposure, and temperature variation while maintaining consistent mass and flexibility characteristics over time. For example, a fine-gauge threaded mesh material may be used as a lightweight, durable material resistant to repeated use on asphalt.

[0028] In some embodiments, a flat segment is formed of a threaded mesh material and centrally interposed between a first rope segment and a second rope segment. The flat segment may, for example, provide a low-profile landing surface at an underfoot position during use. In some embodiments, the flat segment provides less mass per unit length than the first periphery segment or the second periphery segment. Accordingly, a lightweight flat segment may cooperate with heavier periphery segments to provide a weighted jump rope experience while minimizing injury risk at a central landing zone. The flat segment may include a threaded mesh material having a width sized to remain flat underfoot while still permitting rotational whipping during jump rope motion or other exercise motion.

[0029] The middle segment 200 may operably couple to periphery segments in a substantially similar arrangement as described with reference to the middle segment 125 and the periphery segments 105 and 135. For example, at each of a first coupling area and a second coupling area located at opposing ends of the flat segment, the first mesh layer and the second mesh layer may extend circumferentially about a corresponding one of the first rope segment and the second rope segment, thereby providing a secure attachment while maintaining flexibility at the coupling interface. The coupling areas 115 and 140 may be formed using stitching, adhesives, crimping, fasteners, overmolding, or combinations thereof, provided that circumferential engagement between the flat segment and the rope segments is maintained.

[0030] In some embodiments, the flat segment is secured to one periphery segment using a first attachment technique and secured to the other periphery segment using a same or different attachment technique, without departing from the coupled architecture described herein.

[0031] 210 may operably couple to a flat middle segment in a substantially similar arrangement as described with reference to the middle segment 125 and the periphery segments 105 and 135. The periphery segments 205 and 210 may include rope from a weighted jump rope. The periphery segments 205 and 210 being formed from weighted rope may advantageously enable the segmented jump rope to provide resistance suitable for strength and endurance training. The combination of weighted periphery segments and a flat central segment may enable enhanced exercise performance while reducing injury risk. In some embodiments, the periphery segments 205 and 210 include rope having a selected length and gauge. In some embodiments, the length and gauge of the first periphery segment 205 and the second periphery segment 210 are selected to provide a target overall weight of the segmented jump rope system. The gauge may, for example, range from about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches in diameter. Some embodiments include rope diameters from about 1.5 to 2 inches. Some embodiments of periphery segments 205 and 210 may include rope from a speed jump rope or from a beaded jump rope.

[0032] The periphery segments 205 and 210 include gripping areas 215 and 220. In some embodiments, an elastomeric sleeve is positioned over a gripping area and subjected to heat such that the elastomeric sleeve thermally contracts to conform to the underlying rope segment or handle. The elastomeric sleeve may, for example, be formed from rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, silicone, or similar resilient materials. In other embodiments, elastomeric material may, for example, be applied by overmolding, dip-coating, adhesive bonding, mechanical capture, or any non-limiting combinations.

[0033] In some embodiments, the gripping areas 215 and 220 may, for example, include a first handle and a second handle. Some embodiments of a first handle and a second handle include plastic handles. The gripping areas 215 and 220 may, for example, include foam-grip handles. The gripping areas 215 and 220 may, for example, include ergonomic handles. The gripping areas 215 and 220 may, for example, include ball-bearing handles. The gripping areas 215 and 220 may, for example, include weighted handles. Some embodiments include rotatable or non-rotatable handle configurations.

[0034] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary scenario 300 of an injury that occurs with a traditional jump rope 305. The exemplary scenario 300 includes a user 310. The user 310 may, for example, jump rope with a traditional jump rope 305. The user 310 may, for example, land on the traditional jump rope 305 while jumping rope, as depicted in the exemplary scenario 300. The user 310 may, for example, land awkwardly or unevenly on the traditional jump rope 305 potentially causing an injury.

[0035] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary scenario 400 of a user avoiding the injury illustrated in FIG. 3 by utilizing a segmented jump rope 405. The segmented jump rope 405 includes a flat middle segment 410. The flat middle segment 410 may, for example, include a threaded mesh material. A user 415 may, for example, jump rope with the segmented jump rope 405. The user 415 may, for example, land on the flat middle segment 410 of the segmented jump rope 405 while jumping rope, as depicted in the exemplary scenario 400. The user 415 may, for example, avoid an awkward or uneven landing by landing on the flat middle segment 410 of the segmented jump rope 405. The flat configuration reduces rolling underfoot and promotes a stable landing surface, thereby reducing injury risk.

[0036] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary cross-sectional view 500 of a middle segment 125 of a segmented jump rope 100. As depicted in FIG. 5, a middle segment 125 is shown in cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the flat segment. The flat segment, for example, includes a first mesh layer 505 and a second mesh layer 510 arranged in an overlying relationship to define a generally planar profile. The mesh layers, for example, may be formed from a fine-gauge threaded mesh material, such as a woven, knitted, braided, or otherwise interlaced textile, selected to provide flexibility and durability while maintaining a low-profile height relative to adjacent rope segments. In some embodiments, the combined thickness of the first mesh layer and the second mesh layer is substantially less than a diameter of a periphery rope segment, thereby reducing rolling behavior when the flat segment is positioned underfoot. The width of the flat segment, as shown in the cross-section, may be selected to resist curling or folding during use while permitting rotational whipping during jump rope motion. In various embodiments, the mesh layers may be identical or different in material, weave density, thickness, or orientation, and may be secured together by stitching, weaving, mechanical capture, bonding, overmolding, or combinations thereof.

[0037] In some embodiments, the middle segment 125 includes a flat reinforcement member 515 positioned between the first mesh layer 505 and the second mesh layer 510. The reinforcement member 515, for example, may comprise a flexible, high-strength material. For example, such as a nylon strap, webbing, or similar tensile element configured to limit elongation of the flat segment during use. The reinforcement member 515 may extend along at least a portion of the length of the flat segment. In various embodiments, the reinforcement member 515 may have a smaller width than, equal to, or greater than a width of the mesh layers. In some embodiments, the reinforcement member 515 has a width of approximately one inch. The presence of the reinforcement member 515 is optional, and in other embodiments the flat segment may consist solely of the first and second mesh layers without an internal reinforcement.

[0038] In some embodiments, middle segment 125 has a width of approximately 3 inches. In other embodiments, the flat segment has a width selected to balance underfoot stability with rotational flexibility, including widths greater than or less than 3 inches.

[0039] In some embodiments, a total thickness of the flat segment corresponds to a combined thickness of the first mesh layer, the second mesh layer, and an optional reinforcement member positioned therebetween. The total thickness is less than a diameter of the first rope segment and the second rope segment, thereby maintaining a low-profile underfoot configuration.

[0040] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary detailed view of an exemplary coupling area 600. As depicted in FIG. 6, an end of the flat segment is shown coupled to a rope segment at a coupling area. In some embodiments, the first mesh layer and the second mesh layer extend circumferentially about the rope segment at the coupling area, thereby providing distributed load transfer between the flat segment and the rope segment while preserving flexibility during rotational use. The circumferential engagement, for example, may extend partially or substantially fully around the rope segment, depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, the coupling area is formed by stitching, heat-shrink wrapping, adhesive bonding, overmolding, crimping, mechanical fasteners, or combinations thereof, provided that the flat segment is secured to the rope segment to resist relative sliding during use. Opposing ends of the flat segment may include similar or different coupling configurations. Advantageously, the circumferential coupling arrangement may increase attachment strength and durability while maintaining a smooth transition between the flat segment and the rope segment.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, an end of the flat segment is shown coupled to a rope segment at a coupling area. The first mesh layer and the second mesh layer extend circumferentially about the rope segment at the coupling area, thereby providing distributed load transfer between the flat segment and the rope segment while preserving flexibility during rotational use. The circumferential engagement may extend partially or substantially fully around the rope segment, depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, the coupling area is formed by stitching, adhesive bonding, overmolding, crimping, mechanical fasteners, or combinations thereof, provided that the flat segment is secured to the rope segment to resist relative sliding during use. Opposing ends of the flat segment may include similar or different coupling configurations. The circumferential coupling arrangement may increase attachment strength and durability while maintaining a smooth transition between the flat segment and the rope segment.

[0042] Although various embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, other embodiments are possible.

[0043] In some embodiments, the segmented jump rope system includes removable or add-on weights positioned on one or both periphery segments, such as sleeves, collars, or internal inserts, configured to increase resistance without substantially altering the flat, underfoot-stable configuration of the flat segment.

[0044] Although an exemplary segmented jump rope has been described with reference to FIG. 1-6, other implementations may be deployed in other industrial, scientific, medical, commercial, and / or residential applications. For example, a segmented jump rope may be utilized in the fitness and sports industry. A segmented jump rope may, for example be utilized in the health and rehabilitation industry. A segmented jump rope may be deployed in physical education and youth programs, for example. In some embodiments, a segmented jump rope may, for example, be deployed in military and law enforcement training programs. In some implementations, a segmented jump rope may be deployed in competitive sports.

[0045] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope apparatus, including: a first rope segment and a second rope segment, each formed from a heavy-gauge rope material selected to provide a target overall weight of the segmented jump rope apparatus; a flat segment formed of a threaded mesh material, centrally interposed between the first rope segment and the second rope segment, wherein the flat segment provides a low-profile landing surface at an underfoot position; the first rope segment including a first gripping area; and the second rope segment including a second gripping area.

[0046] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope apparatus, wherein the first rope segment and the second rope segment are approximately a same length.

[0047] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope apparatus, wherein the flat segment provides less mass per unit length than the first rope segment or the second rope segment.

[0048] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope apparatus, wherein the flat segment includes a first mesh layer and a second mesh layer, each sized to remain flat underfoot while permitting rotational whipping.

[0049] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope apparatus, wherein, at each of a first coupling area and a second coupling area located at opposing ends of the flat segment, the first mesh layer and the second mesh layer extend circumferentially about a corresponding one of the first rope segment and the second rope segment.

[0050] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope apparatus, wherein the flat segment has a length of 20 to 30 inches.

[0051] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope apparatus, wherein the segmented jump rope apparatus has a total length of about 110 to 120 inches.

[0052] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope apparatus, wherein the target overall weight is 3 to 8 pounds.

[0053] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope apparatus, wherein the first rope segment and the second rope segment are each approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.

[0054] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope apparatus, wherein elastomeric material is applied to the first gripping area and the second gripping area.

[0055] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope system, including: a first handle and a second handle; a first periphery segment coupled to a first end of a flat segment and interposed between the first handle and the flat segment; the flat segment formed of a lightweight, durable material, centrally interposed between the first periphery segment and a second periphery segment, wherein the flat segment provides a low-profile landing surface at an underfoot position; and the second periphery segment coupled to a second end of the flat segment and interposed between the second handle and the flat segment, wherein the first periphery segment and the second periphery segment are each configured to provide a distributed mass along its length.

[0056] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope system, wherein the first periphery segment and the second periphery segment are approximately a same length.

[0057] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope system, wherein the same length and gauges of the first periphery segment and the second periphery segment are selected to provide a target overall weight of the segmented jump rope system.

[0058] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope system, wherein the target overall weight is 3 to 8 pounds.

[0059] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope system, wherein the flat segment provides less mass per unit length than the first periphery segment or the second periphery segment.

[0060] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope system, wherein the flat segment is a threaded mesh material having a width sized to remain flat underfoot while permitting rotational whipping.

[0061] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope system, wherein the flat segment is secured to the first periphery segment at a first coupling area located at a first end of the flat segment, and secured to the second periphery segment at a second coupling area located at a second end of the flat segment.

[0062] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope system, wherein the flat segment has a flat segment length of 20 to 30 inches.

[0063] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope system, wherein the segmented jump rope system has a total length of about 110 to 120 inches.

[0064] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a segmented jump rope system, wherein the first periphery segment and the second periphery segment are each approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.

[0065] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. For example, advantageous results may be achieved if the steps of the disclosed techniques were performed in a different sequence, or if components of the disclosed systems were combined in a different manner, or if the components were supplemented with other components.

Claims

1. A segmented jump rope apparatus, comprising:a first rope segment and a second rope segment, each formed from a heavy-gauge rope material selected to provide a target overall weight of the segmented jump rope apparatus;a flat segment formed of a threaded mesh material, centrally interposed between the first rope segment and the second rope segment, wherein the flat segment provides a low-profile landing surface at an underfoot position;the first rope segment including a first gripping area; andthe second rope segment including a second gripping area.

2. The segmented jump rope apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first rope segment and the second rope segment are approximately a same length.

3. The segmented jump rope apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flat segment provides less mass per unit length than the first rope segment or the second rope segment.

4. The segmented jump rope apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flat segment includes a first mesh layer and a second mesh layer, each sized to remain flat underfoot while permitting rotational whipping.

5. The segmented jump rope apparatus of claim 4, wherein, at each of a first coupling area and a second coupling area located at opposing ends of the flat segment, the first mesh layer and the second mesh layer extend circumferentially about a corresponding one of the first rope segment and the second rope segment.

6. The segmented jump rope apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flat segment has a length of 20 to 30 inches.

7. The segmented jump rope apparatus of claim 1, wherein the segmented jump rope apparatus has a total length of about 110 to 120 inches.

8. The segmented jump rope apparatus of claim 1, wherein the target overall weight is 3 to 8 pounds.

9. The segmented jump rope apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first rope segment and the second rope segment are each approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.

10. The segmented jump rope apparatus of claim 1, wherein elastomeric material is applied to the first gripping area and the second gripping area.

11. A segmented jump rope system, comprising:a first handle and a second handle;a first periphery segment coupled to a first end of a flat segment and interposed between the first handle and the flat segment;the flat segment formed of a lightweight, durable material, centrally interposed between the first periphery segment and a second periphery segment, wherein the flat segment provides a low-profile landing surface at an underfoot position; andthe second periphery segment coupled to a second end of the flat segment and interposed between the second handle and the flat segment,wherein the first periphery segment and the second periphery segment are each configured to provide a distributed mass along its length.

12. The segmented jump rope system of claim 11, wherein the first periphery segment and the second periphery segment are approximately a same length.

13. The segmented jump rope system of claim 12, wherein the same length and gauges of the first periphery segment and the second periphery segment are selected to provide a target overall weight of the segmented jump rope system.

14. The segmented jump rope system of claim 13, wherein the target overall weight is 3 to 8 pounds.

15. The segmented jump rope system of claim 11, wherein the flat segment provides less mass per unit length than the first periphery segment or the second periphery segment.

16. The segmented jump rope system of claim 11, wherein the flat segment is a threaded mesh material having a width sized to remain flat underfoot while permitting rotational whipping.

17. The segmented jump rope system of claim 11, wherein the flat segment is secured to the first periphery segment at a first coupling area located at a first end of the flat segment, and secured to the second periphery segment at a second coupling area located at a second end of the flat segment.

18. The segmented jump rope system of claim 11, wherein the flat segment has a flat segment length of 20 to 30 inches.

19. The segmented jump rope system of claim 11, wherein the segmented jump rope system has a total length of about 110 to 120 inches.

20. The segmented jump rope system of claim 11, wherein the first periphery segment and the second periphery segment are each approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.

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