Box jumps are one of my favorite exercises. There’s just something about jumping onto a high object that makes me feel like a kid again. Aside from being fun, though, they are also very good for me. Not only do they work all my lower body muscles at once and provide an excellent cardio workout, but they also improve my coordination and balance.
Box jumps can be intimidating to many people, though, Luckily, they are easy to scale. If jumping onto a plyo box is not for you, jump onto something shorter like a smaller box or stacked plates instead, as shown in the video below:
You can start with something as small as a single 10 pound plate and increase the height of your jumps as your confidence grows. Just remember to stand all the way up at the top. I also recommend stepping rather than jumping down off your box or plates. It’s safer and easier on your legs.
Box jumps are not for everyone, though. They are high impact and can strain your joints. If box jumps are not an option for you, try box step-ups instead. Pick a height that is appropriate for you and step up onto the box, standing tall at the top of the movement. Step back down and alternate your legs.
Please use extreme caution while doing box jumps! Though they are fun, they can also be dangerous. It is extremely easy to trip and skin your shin while doing box jumps. If you find yourself tiring as the workout progresses, please switch to step-ups. You will still get an excellent workout, I promise!
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