Do I have to lift weights to improve my vertical jump? This is a common question that I get all the time. I realize that there are many people out there that do not enjoy lifting weights and they want to know if it is possible to increase your vertical jump without them. My answer to them is……YES it is definitely possible to improve your vertical without lifting heavy weights.
I love vertical jump training and I want everyone to be able to benefit from it. There are many of us out there that cannot afford the dues or do not have access to a gym. Don’t let that stop you from training. Below I have included a vertical jump workout that will increase your strength using a variety of body weight exercises that are very challenging.
A Vertical Leap Workout - Without Weights
Step Ups - Start with one foot placed on a platform or bench and the other on the ground. Step Up onto the platform then step down. Now switch legs and step up again. You can easily increase the difficulty of this exercise by either adding dumbells or stepping up onto a higher platform.
Squats - The squat movement is without a doubt the best overall exercise you can do to increase your vertical jump. Bodyweight squats can be challenging if done correctly. When performing squats stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lower down until your thighs are parallel with the ground. Do 3 sets of 20.
Lunges - Lunges are a very common exercise, probably because they are so effective. When perfoming the lunge you want to make sure that you do not step forward too far. There should only be about two and a half feet between your front and back feet. Also, do not let your knee pass in front of your toes. This is another common mistake that people make.
Rim Touches - This one is very easy. Find a basketball rim and jump as high as you can taking no more than a one step jump. EXPLODE up as hard as you can. Do this 5 times. Then rest for a minute or so. Repeat this exercise 3 times. DO NOT perform more reps or a bunch of sets. This will defeat our purpose. We want to train our VERTICAL JUMP EXPLOSION. Doing a bunch of reps and sets will train our stamina and not our ultimate height.
Although it is possible to get significant gains without using weights you will eventually come to a plateau in your workout routine. In order to overcome this you will have to implement weight training into your vertical leap program.
I suggest using a strength training program that uses both weight training and plyometric exercises to get the best results. I was able to increase my vertical leap from 31 to 43 inches by using this type of program. For more information about how I was able to do this take a look at the links I have below:
Interested in learning more about how to increase your vertical leap? Then head over to Brayden Fisher’s website at www.40inchvertical.net for the best workouts and exercises.
Tags: muscle mass, get ripped, skinny guy, weight training program