People playing sports, especially basketball, football, volleyball, and soccer, are frequently looking for a way to improve their vertical leap. There are many exercises and programs existing that are specifically intended for improving a person’s vertical leap. Before starting any of these programs though, an athlete ought to at least be in good overall physical condition. Here we go over a few exercises that you could start with before starting a vertical leap program. These will help get you started.
Warm Ups
Before starting 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 sound idea to stretch your muscles prior to exercising. Warming up prior to exercising helps you develop muscle fibers that are used during the jumping process.
Skipping Rope
Skipping rope is an exercise that should not be overlooked, as it will contribute to improving the strength of your legs. Moreover, it promotes maintaining excellent cardiovascular condition. Do this exercise for fifteen to thirty 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 slightly bent. Holding this position, slowly pull your knees towards 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 know as squats). Stand upright – straight, with chest out and with your back straight. Now, bend your knees slowly, keeping the back straight. Squat, in a slow motion, to the maximum possible extent. Repeat this process 20 times.
Toe Touches
Stand straight. Bend at the waist while keeping your legs straight. 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 reach your toes. Repeat this thirty times.
Sit-Ups
Sit-ups can help improve your vertical jump. 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, lift your shoulders off the floor, in a slow movement. Continue to sit up. Try to not “pull” on the back of your head with your hands. Concentrate on making your stomach do the work. Exercises for your midsection are crucial for all physical activity as your ultimate all around strength and flexibility start here. Repeat this exercise 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 find more information on Improving Your Vertical Jump.
Tags: how to jump higher, improve vertical jump, increase vertical jump, jumping exercises