People involved in athletics, especially basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball, are often looking for ways to improve their vertical leap. There are many exercises and programs existing that are specially designed for improving a person’s vertical leap. Before proceeding with any of these programs though, you ought to at least be in fair overall physical shape. Here we list a few exercises that someone could start with before undertaking a vertical leap program. These will help get you started.
Warm Ups
Before starting 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 good idea to stretch your muscles prior to beginning your exercises. Warming up prior to exercising helps you improve muscle fibers that are utilized during the jumping process.
Skipping Rope
Jumping rope is an exercise that should not be overlooked, as it can contribute to increasing the strength of your legs. Moreover, it helps maintain excellent overall physical condition. Perform this exercise for fifteen to thirty minutes on a regular basis.
Knee Raises
Grab an overhead bar firmly, with your arms straight overhead. Hang from the overhead bar, with your arms fully extended and knees bent slightly. Hold this position and slowly pull your knees towards your chest. Concentrate on contracting your stomach muscles while doing this. Hold this position for a few seconds, before lowering your legs back down. Repeat the process five times.
Knee Bends
One of the top ways to improve your leg strength is with knee bends (also called squats). Stand upright – straight, with chest out and with your back straight. Proceed to bend your knees slowly, maintaining a straight back. Crouch, in a slow motion, to the maximum possible extent. Repeat this exercise 20 times.
Toe Touches
Stand upright. Bend at the waist while keeping your legs straight. Lower yourself down as far as you can go while trying to touch your toes with your fingers. Sustain this stance for a couple seconds. This exercise should be done slowly and avoid “bouncing” while trying to touch your toes. Do this thirty 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 your shoulders off the floor, in a slow motion. Continue to bring your body to an upright position. Try to not “pull” on your head with your hands. Concentrate 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 should think about a vertical jump training program. Check out these Vertical Jump Program Reviews to see which are rated the best and to find more information on How To Jump Higher.
Tags: how to jump higher, improve vertical jump, increase vertical jump, jumping exercises