subject: Do You Know The Perfect Jumping Exercises? [print this page] You may have been looking all over the internet to find the best vertical jump exercises to boost your jump. Well to be truthful there is so much out there at the moment and you have such a massive selection - so that the question still remains what are the best jumping exercises?
Let me just break it down to you on what I feel is the TOP 3 jumping exercises you should do without fail to increase your vertical jump to permit you to jump higher.
1 - LUNGES
One of the best jumping exercises to build those muscles in your quads permitting you to increase that vertical jump is lunges. The beauty of this jumping exercise is that you may use weight if you need to take it to that next level. Stand in a split-stance ( one leg forward, one leg back ). Bend knees and lower body into a lunge-position, keeping the front knee and back knee at ninety degree angles. Keeping the weight in your heels, push back up ( slowly ) to beginning position. Never lock your knees at the top and do not let your knee bend past your toes. Variations : front lunges, back lunges and side lunges. Do this exercise 2-3 times per week for 12 to 16 reps.
2 - SQUATS
By far one of the best jumping exercises to help in building your leg muscles. Again you may use weights, or you don't have to. Stand with feet hip-width apart, toes facing straight ahead or angled barely outward. Slowly bend the knees and lower hips towards the floor, keeping your torso straight and abs pulled in tight. Keep your knees behind your toes ; ensure everything's pointing in the same direction. Don't go lower than 90 degrees. Do this move 2-3 non-consecutive days each week for 12-16 reps.
3 - PUSH-UPS
Push-ups build your chest, shoulders, triceps, back and abs giving you the extra strength you want to jump higher. Position yourself face down on the floor, balancing on your toes / knees and hands. Your hands should be wider than shoulders, body in a straight line from head to toe. Don't sag in the middle and don't stick your butt up in the air. Slowly bend your arms and lower your body to the floor, stopping when your elbows are at 90 degrees. Breathe out and push back up. Variations include incline, decline, wall push-ups or, for masochists, one-armed push-ups. Do this move 2-3 non-consecutive days each week and add a rep each time you do the exercise.
