How to Jump Higher

The ability to have a high vertical jump is a gift given to some people. Other people will have to work for it. An ability to jump high comes from explosive power in your legs and the core muscle groups in your body. If you want to jump higher, follow these basic exercises.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Exercise equipment

1. Jump rope. This can be done as an entire workout, a warm-up exercise or a cool-down.

2. Burn your thighs and hamstrings with some deep-knee-bend squats. If you have never done a squat workout before, then start very light. This exercise will quickly build power and explosiveness in your legs.

3. Do some deep-knee-bend jumps. Bend down quickly with your back straight and explode up. Once your feet touch the ground, immediately explode up again. Do this as many times as you can for one set. Rest and get your breath back, then do another set.

4. Build your stomach muscles with crunches. Jumping high is not only about leg strength. Core body strength can really increase your jumping ability. Crunches will strengthen your stomach and improve your vertical height.

5. Strengthen your calf muscles with toe raises. You have already worked on your upper legs, so complete your ability to explode into a high jump by exercising your calves.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not give up after a week or two if you don't see big results. You won't add 4 inches to your vertical jumping ability overnight.

• Always get a doctor's advice before beginning a new exercise program.

• Do not exercise the same group of muscles in your legs, or the rest of your body, every day of the week. Your muscles need time to heal and grow after a hard exercise routine.