People playing athletics, particularly basketball, football, volleyball, and soccer, are frequently interested in finding ways to improve their vertical leap. There are many exercises and programs available that are specially intended for improving a person’s vertical leap. Before proceeding with any of these programs though, you should at least be in fair general physical shape. Here we list a few exercises that someone could begin with before starting a vertical leap program. These will help get you started.
Warm Ups
Before starting the exercises, you should warm your muscles up. Try jogging around for ten minutes or run up and down s few sets of stairs. 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 used during the jumping process.
Skipping Rope
Jumping rope is an exercise that should not be overlooked, as it will contribute to improving the strength of your legs. It also promotes maintaining excellent overall physical condition. Perform this exercise for fifteen to thirty minutes regularly.
Knee Raises
Grab an overhead bar securely, with your arms about shoulder-width apart. Hang from the overhead bar, with your arms fully extended and knees bent slightly. Holding this position, slowly raise your knees up to your chest. Squeeze your stomach muscles while doing this. Maintain this position for a few seconds, before lowering your legs towards the floor. Repeat the process 5 times.
Knee Bends
One of the best exercises to improve your leg strength is with knee bends (also called squats). Stand in an upright position – straight, with chest out and with your back straight. Now, bend your knees slowly, keeping the back straight. Squat, in a slow action, to the maximum possible extent. Repeat this process 20 times.
Toe Touches
Stand upright. Bend from the waist while keeping your knees locked. Lower yourself down as far as you can go while trying to touch your toes with your fingers. Hold this position for a couple seconds. Do this exercise slowly and do not “bounce” while trying to touch your toes. Repeat this thirty times.
Sit-Ups
Sit-ups can help improve your vertical leap. 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, lift the shoulders off the floor, in a slow movement. Continue to sit up. Do not “pull” on the back of 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 exercise 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 get more information on Improving Your Vertical Jump.
Tags: how to jump higher, improve vertical jump, increase vertical jump, jumping exercises