Vertical Leap Exercises - How To Increase Your Vertical Leap Without Weights

By Brayden Fisher

Do I need to lift weights to increase my vertical leap? I get this type of question all the time. Although I personally love it, there are many people who do not enjoy lifting weights. These people would like to know if it is possible for them to improve their vertical jump without weights. And the anser is.....YES they definitely can improve their verticals.

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 Jump Strength Workout - (Without Weights)

Step ups - Step ups are a simple exercise and can be done pretty much anywhere. All you need is a bench or platform. Step up onto the bench and then step down. Once you are back on the ground step up again with the opposite leg. You can make this exercise more difficult by holding dumbells.

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 and they are effective as well. Step forward with one leg while lowering your body. Try not to take too large of a step, you should have about 2 1/2 feet between your front foot and back foot. Keep your shin perpendicular to the ground and do not let your knee pass in front of your toes. Push yourself back up and repeat this with the other leg.

Rim Touches - Although these are called rim touches you can perform this without a basketball hoop if you want. Find a basketball rim and jump as high as you can. Do not take more than one step before you jump. Now EXPLODE up as hard as you can. We are only going to do this five times. Then rest for a minute and repeat this exercise three more times. DO NOT do more reps than this. In order to improve your vertical jump you need to train your EXPLOSION and if you do a bunch of reps you will be training your stamina and this will not improve your vertical.

It is possible to get significant gains in your vertical jump without weights. BUT.....yes there is a but, most people are not going to even come close to their true vertical jump potential without using a proper weight training program. If you only train using body weight exercises there will come a time when your vertical leap gains stop and the only way to further your progress is to improve your base strength.

Using both weight training and plyometric exercises is the best way to increase your vertical leap. It will give you excellent results. In fact, I was able to improve my vertical from 31 to 43 inches over a 7 month period of time by using this type of training. If you would like more information about how I was able to improve my vertical leap then check out the links I have below: - 31494

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