Jumping Exercises

Athletes in a variety of sports can benefit tremendously from incorporating jumping exercises into their workout routines. The ability to increase their vertical jump can take their sport to a new level of competitiveness. The other benefit of course is a better stronger more fit body.

There are several lower body jumping exercises you can practice to build your strength while increasing your jumping ability. For the moment we'll just focus on a few that are tried and true. These should be more than enough to get your metabolism going and a good sweat!

The Box Jump

This jumping exercise can be done practically anywhere. You really don't need any special equipment. In fact a set of stairs will do fine. As long as you can start on a lower step or landing and then up to a higher elevated one, you can perform the box jump.

Begin with both of your feet flat on the ground facing the elevated step. You should begin first with the lower of the two steps. Come down in a squat position and then as you come up do so in an explosive manner and jump up to the next step up. Immediately step off the step after you land and repeat. Two sets of 8 repetitions.

Explosive Squats

This is an awesome exercise that will not only help you increase your vertical leap but help build really strong leg muscles. This jumping exercise is relatively easy. Begin by going down into a regular squat position. Make sure your feet are hip width apart. It's important to maintain form. Bend your knees slightly, pull in your gut, back straight. You want to be sure you push your butt out as if you're in a sitting position. Now push up through the heels of your feet and jump as high as you possibly can while reaching for the sky with your arms as you come up. Once you land again immediately repeat.

Double Leg Butt Kicks

Another important jumping exercise, this will strengthen your hamstring muscles. Why? Because its your hamstring muscles that give you the power you need to jump higher. To do this exercise spread your feet hip width apart. Bend your knees just a little bit. Straighten up your back. Contract your abs, now jump as high as you can. But while you're in air, kick your butt with your heels. Try to come down to the start position on the balls of your feet and repeat again. Ideally, you want to go non-stop, for 2 sets of eight repetitions. But if you're a little out of shape, take your time and work your way up to that level.

These jumping exercises may be challenging at first. But continue your practice and you will get stronger and your ability to jump higher will improve dramatically over time. Like anything else, if you stay consistent you'll be stronger, fitter and your abilities will only continue to get better and better.