JUMP-OFF BOX LANDINGS

Before you learn how to jump, you must learn how to land. Start on an elevated surface that doesn’t feel too high. It could be anywhere from 2 inches high to a full foot.

The move: Step onto the elevated surface then step forward to the edge. Jump off and land softly on the ground. Land on your toes first, letting your feet roll back until your heels tap the ground. Bend your knees and stick your hips back as you land. You should barely be able to hear your feet hit the ground. Make sure your legs aren’t stiff when you land — the more your joints bend, the more force they’re absorbing. After you land, turn around and step back onto the box, then jump off again.

BOX JUMP

After you learn how to land, you can practice jumping. It’s best to jump up to an elevated surface because there’s less impact force, which allows you to do more repetitions. Make sure you’re using an appropriately sized box. Using a taller box doesn’t necessarily mean you’re jumping higher. It’s easy to cheat this exercise by raising your feet to meet the box instead of jumping higher.

The move: Stand facing the box, then squat back to propel your body up to the box. Don’t focus on the height of the box you’re using; rather, focus on jumping as high as possible and simply use the box as a landing pad. Land softly then step or hop down and repeat.

LATERAL SKATER JUMPS

Most of the movements you do in the gym are linear, meaning you move straight forward and backward — running, squatting and lunging are examples of linear movements. Lateral movements are important to use in your routine because they build a set of muscles you’re probably neglecting. To work on your side-to-side agility, try lateral skater jumps. As you improve, you’ll be able to jump further. You can also focus on jumping higher to make it more difficult. Since this movement is lateral and performed off one leg you can’t jump very high, minimizing impact. It’s also easy to control how far you go on each jump.

The move: You can use a small hurdle to jump over or lines on the floor that are 2-or 3-feet apart. Raise your inside leg and push off your outside leg. Jump up and over, landing on the opposite leg. As you land, remember to bend your knee and stick your hips back, softening the blow.

BANDED BROAD JUMP

Bands usually make exercises harder, but in this case they make the exercise easier. The band limits how far you can jump and softens the landing. Simply step backward then repeat the exercise.

The move: Loop a resistance band around a fixed object, like a pillar. Put the band around your waist. Face away from the pillar, dip down into a squat, then jump and throw your arms forward. Jump forward as far as you can and land softly.

SQUAT JUMP

After you learn how to jump properly, you can start jumping without equipment. Start with the jump squat because it’s simple and easy to learn, according to New York City-based personal trainer Christina Esposito. Perform only 3 sets of 5 reps at first, since the impact from landing jars your joints.

The move: To perform a squat jump, squat down a few inches and throw your arms toward the ground. Then, jump up and reach your arms overhead. Land softly, on your toes, bending your legs to soften the blow.

JUMP ROPE

While it’s not a high-flying maneuver, jumping rope is an excellent plyometric exercise for developing foot speed and calf-muscle strength.

The move: Start by jumping rope with your feet together. Then, progress to hopping on one foot. This places more stress on your ankle and calf muscle. Once you’re comfortable with that, you can alternate feet on each skip, essentially jogging in place.

UPPER BODY PLYO EXERCISES

Upper body plyometric exercises are difficult because your arms aren’t as strong as your legs. You have to use a medicine or Dynamax ball for resistance to build explosive speed or do exercises that take away most of your bodyweight.

PUSHUP HOP (FROM KNEES)

Clap pushups are impressive, but they’re difficult and can be dangerous. Start with something simpler, like a hop pushup from your knees. You may only hop a few centimeters off the ground, but you’re still practicing explosive speed.

The move: Setup like you’re doing a regular pushup from your knees, with your legs bent and hands under your shoulders. Bend your elbows and drop down to the ground. Push yourself back up as fast as possible, launching into the air. Instead of clapping, keep your hands under you to catch yourself.

BALL CHEST PASS

Instead of struggling to do clap pushups, build your chest and arm muscle speed with the medicine ball chest pass.

The move: Kneel a few feet from a wall with a medicine ball in your hands, held at chest height. Throw the medicine ball at the wall as hard as you can. Try to throw it so hard that the ball bounces back to you.

WALL BALL

This exercise works your shoulder speed and explosiveness.

The move: Hold a ball in front of your head and stand about a foot from a wall. Squat down slightly, then stand up and throw the ball as high up the wall as you can. The ball should lightly tap the wall, then fall back down to you. Catch the ball and repeat.

BALL SLAMS

Work out a little frustration and build upper-body speed with this exercise.

The move: Grab a ball and raise it overhead. Reach so high you’re standing on your tippy-toes. Then squat down, stick your hips back and slam the ball into the ground as hard as you can. Keep your hands near your face to quickly catch the ball in case it jumps back up. Make sure you perform this exercise on a concrete floor that can withstand the pounding.

Plyometric Exercises Workouts: Power, Speed, and Athletic Performance

Plyometric exercises workouts, often simply referred to as “plyometrics,” have gained significant popularity in the world of fitness and sports training. These explosive and dynamic movements are designed to enhance an individual’s power, speed, agility, and overall athletic performance. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the world of plyometrics, delving into their definition, benefits, various exercises, workout routines, and safety considerations.

Understanding Plyometric Exercises

Plyometric exercises, derived from the Greek word “plyo” (meaning “to increase” or “to augment”) and “metric” (meaning “to measure”), are high-intensity movements that involve rapid stretching and contracting of muscles. The primary objective of plyometrics is to generate maximum force in minimal time, making them invaluable for athletes looking to improve their explosive power.

The key principles underlying plyometric exercises include the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) and the utilization of elastic energy. During plyometric movements, muscles are rapidly stretched (eccentric phase) and then immediately contracted (concentric phase), utilizing the energy stored in the stretched muscle to produce a powerful contraction. This cycle mimics many athletic activities, such as jumping, sprinting, and change of direction.

Benefits of Plyometric Exercises Workouts

Plyometrics offer a wide range of benefits for individuals looking to enhance their athletic performance and overall fitness:

1. Increased Power and Speed

Plyometric exercises improve the ability to generate force quickly, leading to enhanced power and speed. Athletes can jump higher, run faster, and change direction more explosively.

2. Improved Athletic Performance

For athletes in sports like basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field, plyometrics can directly translate into improved performance on the field or court.

3. Enhanced Muscle Strength

Plyometrics engage fast-twitch muscle fibers, promoting muscle strength and hypertrophy, especially in the lower body.

4. Better Coordination and Agility

The rapid movements in plyometrics help improve coordination, balance, and agility, critical for sports that require quick changes in direction.

5. Cardiovascular Benefits

Plyometric workouts can provide a cardiovascular challenge, helping improve heart health and overall endurance.

6. Time-Efficient Workouts

Plyometric exercises are typically short and intense, making them suitable for individuals with busy schedules.

Plyometric Exercises and Workout Routines

Plyometric exercises cover a wide range of movements, targeting various muscle groups. Here are some common plyometric exercises and a sample workout routine:

Common Plyometric Exercises

1. Jump Squats: Begin with a squat and explosively jump upward, extending your legs fully before landing softly and returning to a squat position.
2. Box Jumps: Jump onto a sturdy box or platform, then step or jump back down.
3. Burpees: Start in a standing position, drop into a push-up position, perform a push-up, and then jump back to the standing position.
4. Tuck Jumps: Jump as high as possible while bringing your knees to your chest in mid-air.
5. Lateral Bounds: Jump laterally from side to side, emphasizing a quick and explosive push-off with each jump.

Sample Plyometric Workout Routine

Warm-Up: Always begin with a thorough warm-up, including dynamic stretches and mobility exercises to prepare your muscles and joints.

Main Workout (Perform each exercise for 3 sets of 10-12 reps):

1. Jump Squats
2. Box Jumps
3. Burpees
4. Tuck Jumps
5. Lateral Bounds

Cooldown: Finish with static stretching to improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness.

Safety Considerations

While plyometrics offer numerous benefits, they also carry a risk of injury if not performed correctly. Here are some safety considerations:

1. Proper Form: Maintain proper form during exercises to reduce the risk of injury. Land softly and absorb shock with your muscles, not your joints.
2. Progression: Start with basic exercises and gradually increase intensity and complexity as you become more experienced.
3. Surface: Perform plyometric exercises on a soft and supportive surface to minimize impact on joints.
4. Footwear: Wear appropriate footwear with good cushioning and support.
5. Rest and Recovery: Allow sufficient rest between plyometric sessions to avoid overtraining and reduce the risk of injury.
6. Consultation: If you have existing injuries or health concerns, consult a fitness professional or healthcare provider before beginning a plyometric program.

Conclusion

Plyometric exercises workouts are a dynamic and effective way to enhance athletic performance, increase power, and improve overall fitness. When incorporated into a well-rounded fitness routine with proper technique and safety precautions, plyometrics can help individuals reach their athletic and fitness goals while minimizing the risk of injury. Whether you’re an athlete aiming to excel in your sport or someone looking to boost their fitness level, plyometric exercises offer a challenging and rewarding path to success.