How Do I Increase My Vertical Leap? 3 Easy Steps to Increase Vertical Leap
Step one and probably one of the easiest tricks is walking on your toes. Your calves are vital to your ability to jump higher. People with stronger and more explosive calves can jump higher. The trick to this is when you are walking around just finish each step by coming all the way up onto your toes. It will probably feel very awkward at first and, truth be told, you will probably look pretty funny doing it. It will make a big difference though!
You will appear and even feel like you?re almost bouncing. So you might want to work on it at home. Plus, you probably won?t be able to continue this for very long, because your calves will start to burn. This is normal; you are flexing the muscle each time so it?s just like a workout.
It should start to feel more natural and you should be able to go longer each time. It should start to feel like you?re pushing through the floor instead of bouncing up each time. Your upper body should not bob up and down, and your knees should never lock, or hyperextend. You will notice that you are doing an extension with your calves, by using the floor and your upper body as resistance. No matter your size you are already one step closer to throwing that basketball down!
Step two is stretching. I know you?re probably thinking this is a waste of your time but I?m not talking about Pilates, Yoga, or any slow-and-hold type of stretching. I?m actually referring to plyometrics. This is a form of dynamic stretching. Jumping is a power move, so to increase your vertical you need to increase your power. Power = force x velocity. So, quick rapid movements will help you increase your power. Stretches like; high knees, butt kicks, side steps, back peddling and many more. You can find these stretches in any Bigger, Faster, Stronger program or in most vertical programs, which brings me to my next step.
Step three is finding a legitimate vertical program. You should find a regiment that?s specifically designed to increase your vertical leap and follow it. A program will give you exact steps to follow and exercises to replicate, so you are guaranteed results. Without a program to follow you may be setting yourself up for failure, or not maximizing your vertical leap!
My final recommendation would be to stay away from any shoes that promise to increase your vertical. A lot of the ?jump shoes? promise to increase your vertical a great deal but they are risky. The shoes are acting as a prop to help build strength in your calves, so when you take away the prop, you have a higher chance of injuring yourself.
Hard work and patience will get you there; gimmicks and short cuts will keep you from getting there. So be patience, find a guide for success, and work hard to get there!
If you would like more information on increasing your vertical, you might want to check out http://www.we-review-for-you.com/rvertical.html
Brad McCleary has been involved in the fitness industry for over seven years through athletics and personal training. He has helped clients set and reach all kinds of athletic goals. You can read his, or his wife?s other articles, or check out their website at http://www.we-review-for-you.com/
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