People involved in sports, particularly basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball, are frequently interested in finding ways to increase their vertical jump. There are many exercises and programs available that are specifically intended for improving a person’s vertical leap. Before proceeding with any of these programs though, a person should at least be in good general physical condition. Here we list a few exercises that someone could begin with before starting a vertical leap program. These will help get you started.
Warm Ups
Prior to beginning any exercises, you should warm up your muscles. Try jogging around for ten minutes or run up and down s few sets of stairs. It is also a sound idea to stretch your muscles prior to beginning your exercises. Warming up before doing exercises helps you improve muscle fibers that are used during the jumping process.
Skipping Rope
Skipping rope is an exercise that should not be overlooked, as it will contribute to increasing the strength of your legs. Moreover, it helps maintain excellent overall physical condition. Perform this exercise for 15 to thirty minutes on a regular basis.
Knee Raises
Grab an overhead bar securely, with your arms straight overhead. Hang from the overhead bar, with your arms fully extended and knees bent slightly. Holding this position, slowly raise your knees up to your chest. Squeeze your stomach muscles while doing this. Hold this position for several seconds, before lowering your legs towards the floor. Repeat the process 5 times.
Knee Bends
One of the best exercises to increase the strength of your legs is with knee bends (also know as squats). Stand upright – straight, with chest out and keeping your back tight. Proceed to bend your knees slowly, keeping the back straight. Squat, in a slow movement, as far down as possible. Repeat this process 20 times.
Toe Touches
Stand upright. Bend from the waist while keeping your knees locked. Continue bending down as far as you can go while trying to touch your toes with your fingers. Hold this position for a couple seconds. This exercise should be done slowly and do not “bounce” while trying to reach your toes. Do this 30 times.
Sit-Ups
Sit-ups can help improve your vertical leap. Begin with with your back against the floor, with your knees bent, and your feet flat on the floor. Place you hands behind your head. Now, lift the shoulders from the floor, in a slow movement. Continue to bring your body to an upright position. Try to not “pull” on the back of your head with your hands. Concentrate on making your stomach do the work. Exercises for your midsection are crucial for all physical activity as it is the “core” area of your body. Repeat this exercise 10-20 times.
To get the most out of your vertical jumping exercises, you should consider a vertical jump training program. Check out these Vertical Jump Program Reviews to check which are rated the best and to find more information on Improving Your Vertical Jump.
Tags: how to jump higher, improve vertical jump, increase vertical jump, jumping exercises