Improve Your Vertical Jump? 2 Exercises to Gain Inches on Your Vertical
So many athletes want to know how to improve the vertical jump. Let's face it...even if it doesn't make you any better at your particular sport, being able to jump high as flat out fun.
What are the best workouts to gain hops?
#1) Depth jumps
All you need for these is a tall object (maybe 2 feet high). Then you stand on top of it, step off and instantly spring back on it. This is incredible for developing explosive muscle power. Few things top plyometrics to jump higher and this is at the top of the list.
#2) Weight lifting
Lunges, squats and dead lifts in particular are excellent for helping improve your muscular force and therefore their jumping ability. No matter how fast your muscles are, if you don't have the strength needed get yourself in the air your hops will be very limited.
The ONLY WAY weight lifting will work...
The key in these 3 workouts is to lift as much weight as you can do 6-8 reps with. Do each rep as forcefully and quickly as possible. Many people recommend going slowly with weight lifting but this is more appropriate for endurance training.
Be cautious when starting out
With any of them make sure you get the form right before starting out. All of these have the potential to cause some serious damage when done wrong so be certain you are employing the right technique before starting your regime.
Don't forget about stretching...
This is critical for fending off nagging injuries. However, most athletes hurt themselves by stretching the wrong way.
What TO AVOID when stretching
Stay away from jogging or jumping rope for 2-3 minutes before exercising simply because it wears you out, and you won't be at your peak for the actual workout.
Dynamic stretching is king
I would also focus only on dynamic stretches and save the static stretches until the end. These tips are how to improve the vertical jump now.
