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| The CrossRope system, invented by Navy pilot Lt. David Hunt, features seven interchangeable ropes of varying weights, all designed for different workouts. |
by Jacqueline Klimas: Naval Aviator’s jump rope gives better workout. Lieutenant’s invention turns simple skips into a portable fitness program
These aren’t your middle school jump ropes. The CrossRope system, invented by Navy pilot Lt. David Hunt, features seven interchangeable ropes of varying weights, all designed for different workouts.
Lighter weights can be used for cardio or speed training, while the heavier weights are used for strength or building muscle, said Hunt, an aviator assigned to Patrol Squadron 30 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. The handles have snaps for swapping between ropes.
Hunt came up with the idea for the CrossRope system in 2011 because of his own experience as a jump-roper.
“I liked to try a bunch of different weights, but there wasn’t one product to offer multiple weights,” he said.
Hunt, 30, launched the small business with the help of friends and colleagues, even filing the provisional patent application himself. His invention is still patent-pending.
The aviator, who flies the P-3C Orion and has served in Iraq, Qatar, Djibouti and Bahrain, is confident CrossRope will catch on with sailors.
“I would say that I’ve seen an increased number [of people jumping rope], particularly deployed sailors,” Hunt said. “It’s a fairly portable fitness tool.”
Fit sailors make better workers, he added.
“The Navy has an invested interest in people who are coordinated and have an overall level of functional fitness,” said Hunt, a Naval Academy grad who has served since 2004. “If they’re lugging around heavy cables or ammunition on ship, they’ll get the grip strength they need and coordination jumping with different weights.”
In his first month of selling the CrossRope, Hunt said about 20 percent of his orders have come from Navy personnel.
Hunt said he has talked several times with the manager of the on-base gym at Jacksonville about adding CrossRopes to the facility. He hopes to bring the portable fitness tool to sailors worldwide.
“I’m looking to work with various [Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs] on bases and hopefully spread the word,” Hunt said. “I’ve gotten some good feedback from customers. Hopefully, it’ll be a good addition to Navy gyms around the world.”
Hunt sends an email to each person who buys a CrossRope and hopes the feedback he receives will lead to product improvements.
A representative from the Navy’s Fitness, Sports and Deployed Forces Support Program was unable to comment on the CrossRope because she said she did not have enough knowledge of the system. Navy Recruiting Command, in its Fitness and Nutrition Guide, cites jumping rope as a recommended activity when it comes to exercising in confined spaces.
THE CROSSROPE SALES PITCH: The CrossRope system includes seven interchangeable cables, ranging from two ounces to three pounds. There are also two types of handles, one wood and one PVC, both wrapped in grip tape. The handles have snaps that hold the ends of the cable so the ropes can be quickly and easily switched.
Cost: Set of handles, $34.99, Individual ropes $8.99-25.99, Rope combos, $39.99-$139.99.
Learn more: www.crossrope.com
Story from: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2012/08/navy-aviators-jump-rope-gives-better-workout-080412w/
