Are you looking to increase your vertical jump? You know, the real trick in order for you to do so is to develop your overall strength, flexibility and stamina and more specially the muscles groups of your legs. In this age, where information about many things is abundant, it is quite easy to find basic routines as well as advanced plyometric exercises which are specifically designed to dramatically improve your hops and make your vertical leap higher. What is even better about jump higher exercises is that, you can simply perform them in the confines of your own home. To kick start your goal, here are some exercises that will help you concentrate and work on the important muscles that you use whenever you go for a jump.
The force or power of your jump is dictated by the strength of your calf muscles. With this in mind, you need to have a strong pair of calves. Calf raises can be performed in order to empower your calf muscles. If you have a barbell at home, load it with heavy weights and rest the bar on your shoulders and start pushing or lifting your body upwards by standing on your toes. If you do not have any free weights, what you can do is to walk around on the tip of your toes for a couple of minutes. Repeat this routine all throughout your day. To intensify this routine, you can walk around backwards while on your tiptoes.
You will also need powerful thigh muscles to be able to jump high up into the air. Performing squats regularly is an excellent way to strengthen your thighs. Again, you can use free weights while you perform this or you can choose to do it without them. Sprinting is another great exercise that will maximize the strength of your thighs.
Performing plyometric exercises also come highly recommended if you wish to augment your jump height. Here is one plyometric exercise that you can try. Stand straight with feet shoulder width apart. Straighten both arms out right in front of you with palms facing the floor. Next, crouch a bit and then jump up as explosively as you can without making a step. This is perfect for improving your ability of doing a standing jump. If you want to improve your running jump, you can perform this jumping routine on a wide open space. Make it a point that you jump up using both feet. This is but one of the many plyometric exercises that you can do. For more advanced plyometric routines and drills, go look for the Jump Manual eBook. The Vertical Jump Bible is also a fine source of great plyo routines. Go browse for them online and take your pick.
