People playing sports, particularly basketball, volleyball, soccer, and football, are often looking for a way to increase their vertical jump. There are many exercises and programs existing that are specially intended for improving a person’s vertical leap. Before starting any of these programs though, you ought to at least be in good overall physical condition. Here we list a few exercises that someone could start with before undertaking a training 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 the stairs for a while. It is also a good idea to stretch your muscles prior to exercising. Warming up before doing exercises helps you improve muscle fibers that are utilized 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. Moreover, it promotes maintaining excellent overall physical condition. Perform this exercise for 15 to 30 minutes regularly.
Knee Raises
Grab an overhead bar firmly, with your arms about shoulder-width apart. Hang from the overhead bar, with your arms fully extended and knees bent slightly. Hold this position and slowly raise your knees up to your chest. Concentrate on contracting your stomach muscles during this process. Hold this position for a few seconds, before lowering your legs towards the floor. Repeat this 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 keeping your back tight. 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 position for a couple seconds. Do this exercise slowly and avoid “bouncing” while trying to reach your toes. Repeat this thirty times.
Sit-Ups
Sit-ups can help improve your vertical jump. Begin with with your back against the floor, with your legs bent at the knees, and your feet flat on the floor. Place you hands behind your head. Now, curl your shoulders off the floor, in a slow movement. Continue to sit up. Try to not “pull” on your head with your hands. Focus on your stomach doing the work. Exercises for your midsection are crucial 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 ought to think about a vertical jump training program. Check out these Vertical Jump Program Reviews to check which are rated the best and to get more information on How To Jump Higher.