People playing sports, particularly basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball, are frequently interested in finding a way to increase their vertical leap. There are many exercises and programs available that are specifically intended for improving a person’s jumping ability. Before starting any of these programs though, an athlete ought to at least be in fair general physical shape. Here we go over a few exercises that you could start with before undertaking a vertical leap program. These will help get you started.
Warm Ups
Before starting the 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 used during the jumping process.
Skipping Rope
Jumping rope is an exercise that is often overlooked, and shouldn’t be, as it can contribute to increasing the strength of your legs. Moreover, it helps maintain excellent overall physical condition. Do this exercise for 15 to 30 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 raise your knees up to your chest. Concentrate on contracting your stomach muscles while doing this. 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 called squats). Stand upright – 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 exercise 20 times.
Toe Touches
Stand straight. 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 few seconds. This exercise should be done slowly and avoid “bouncing” while trying to touch your toes. Do this thirty times.
Sit-Ups
Sit-ups will help improve your vertical jump. Begin with 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 from the floor, in a slow motion. Continue to sit up. Try to not “pull” on your head with your hands. Concentrate on making your stomach do the work. Exercises for your midsection are crucial for all physical activity as it is the “core” area of your body. Repeat this exercise 10-20 times.
To get the most out of your vertical jumping exercises, you must 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 Improve Your Vertical.