What is the name of the thick, heavy rope used for strength and conditioning exercises? It is called a battle rope.
Battle ropes—also called battling ropes or heavy ropes—are long, thick ropes usually anchored at a midpoint or fixed to a sturdy attachment. The user holds one end in each hand and creates waves, slams, circles, or alternating movements. The rope’s mass and friction make each repetition a resistance-and-conditioning challenge.
The modern battling-rope training system is commonly credited to John Brookfield, who developed it around 2006 in his backyard. He later introduced the method to groups including Special Forces personnel, the Cincinnati Bengals, and Olympic wrestlers. The equipment subsequently spread into commercial gyms and athletic training programs.
Battle ropes are often confused with climbing ropes or tug-of-war ropes. Although those ropes can also be thick and strong, battle ropes are specifically arranged for repeated wave-making and other conditioning drills. They train the arms independently while also demanding work from the shoulders, back, trunk, hips, and legs.