When it comes to jumping higher, there are no better exercises than plyometric exercises. Plyometric training exercises are utilized by both professional athletes as well as fitness enthusiasts alike. Proper execution of plyometric routines in combination with an excellent strength training program will provide you with nothing but optimum gains.
Plyometrics are used in order to train the muscles of your body to perform as rapidly and as explosively as possible. It also trains your CNS or Central Nervous System to react quickly as well. The idea behind plyometrics or plyos, for short is to rapidly load the targeted muscle/s and then contract it in that very same way.
There are many plyo routines that can help you in your goal of being able to jump higher. Here is a fine example of a plyometrics workout routine that you can try right away.
The Box Depth Jump
- To perform this pylo drill, you will need an average sized box that you can jump onto. For those of you who are new to this routine, the height of the box or crate that you can use needs to be at least twelve-inches in height. You can slowly increase the height of the box you use, as you progress and become accustomed to this drill.
- Stand in front of the box with feet shoulder distance apart. Next, jump on top of your box using both feet and then back down. Upon landing, immediately spring back up on top of the box. For starters, do three sets with five reps for each set and also make it a point that you take a quick thirty second break in between sets.
- You need to make your ground contact time as minimal as possible in order to get the most out of this drill. Once your body gets used to this drill, you can do a variation of this by jumping sideways instead of hopping forward.