People involved in sports, particularly basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball, are often interested in finding ways to improve their vertical leap. There are many exercises and programs available that are specially intended for improving a person’s jumping ability. Before starting any of these programs though, you should at least be in good general physical shape. Here we go over a few exercises that someone could start with before starting a training program. These will help get you started.
Warm Ups
Prior to beginning any exercises, you should warm your muscles up. Jog around for ten minutes or run up and down s few sets of stairs. It is also a good idea to stretch your muscles prior to beginning your exercises. Warming up prior to doing exercises helps you improve muscle fibers that are used for jumping.
Skipping Rope
Skipping rope is an exercise that should not be overlooked, as it will contribute to increasing the strength of your legs. It also promotes maintaining excellent overall physical condition. Perform this exercise for fifteen to thirty minutes regularly.
Knee Raises
Grab an overhead bar firmly, with your arms straight overhead. Hang from the overhead bar, with your arms fully extended and knees slightly bent. Hold this position and slowly raise your knees towards your chest. Squeeze your stomach muscles during this process. Maintain this position for a few seconds, before lowering your legs back down. Repeat the process five times.
Knee Bends
One of the top exercises to increase your leg strength is with knee bends (also called squats). Stand upright – straight, with chest out and keeping your back tight. Now, bend your knees slowly, keeping the back straight. Crouch, in a slow motion, as far down as possible. Repeat this exercise 20 times.
Toe Touches
Stand upright. Bend from the waist while keeping your knees locked. Lower yourself down as far as you can go and try 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. Repeat this 30 times.
Sit-Ups
Sit-ups can help improve your vertical leap. Begin this exercise laying with your back against the floor, with your knees bent, and your feet flat on the floor. Place you hands behind your head. Now, curl the shoulders off the floor, in a slow movement. Continue to sit up. Do not “pull” on the back of your head with your hands. Concentrate on your stomach doing the work. Exercises for your waist are important for all physical activity as it is the “core” area of your body. Repeat this 10-20 times.
To get the most out of your vertical jumping exercises, you must consider a vertical jump training program. Check out these Vertical Jump Program Reviews to see which are rated the best and to get more information on How To Jump Higher.
Tags: how to jump higher, improve vertical jump, increase vertical jump, jumping exercises