People involved in sports, in particular basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball, are frequently looking for a way to increase their vertical leap. There are many exercises and programs existing that are specifically designed for improving a person’s vertical leap. Before starting any of these programs though, you should at least be in good general physical condition. Here we list a few exercises that you could begin with before undertaking a training program. These will help get you started.
Warm Ups
Before beginning any exercises, you should warm up your muscles. Jog around for ten minutes or run up and down the stairs for a while. It is also a sound idea to stretch your muscles prior to exercising. Warming up before doing exercises helps you develop muscle fibers that are used during the jumping process.
Skipping Rope
Jumping rope is an exercise that should not be overlooked, as it will contribute to increasing the strength of your legs. It also helps maintain excellent cardiovascular condition. Do this exercise for 15 to 30 minutes regularly.
Knee Raises
Hold an overhead bar firmly, with your arms straight overhead. Hang from the overhead bar, with your arms fully extended and knees bent slightly. Holding this position, slowly pull your knees towards your chest. Concentrate on contracting your stomach muscles while doing this. Maintain this position for a few seconds, before lowering your legs back down. Repeat the process 5 times.
Knee Bends
One of the top ways to increase the strength of your legs is with knee bends (also know as squats). Stand in an upright position – straight, with chest out and with your back straight. Proceed to bend your knees slowly, keeping the back straight. Crouch, in a slow action, to the maximum possible extent. Repeat this process 20 times.
Toe Touches
Stand upright. Bend at 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. Maintain this stance 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 jump. Begin with with your back flat on the floor, with your knees bent, and your feet flat on the floor. Place you hands behind your head. Now, lift the shoulders off the floor, in a slow motion. Continue to sit up. Try to not “pull” on your head with your hands. Focus on your stomach doing the work. Exercises for your waist are crucial for all physical activity as your ultimate all around strength and flexibility start here. Repeat this 10-20 times.
To get the most out of your vertical jumping exercises, you ought to 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