How to Work Up to a Box Jump

by Shane Barnard, JD
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How to Work Up to a Box Jump

Before we start jumping up and down, let’s look at why incorporating jumps into your workout may be the boost you need. You may have heard terms such as “plyometrics,” “reactive training” or “power workouts.” These terms may sound like exclusive training methods for professional athletes, but I am here to say (shout!) that you can safely incorporate power into your workouts, too. Some physiological benefits of jumps—and specifically, box jumps—include:

  • Stronger bones
  • Increased neuromuscular efficiency
  • Functional strength
  • Power
  • Cardiorespiratory system stimulus
  • Increased caloric expenditure

Before you incorporate box jumps into your regimen, make sure that you have the proper stability, core strength and mechanics to do them safely. This video will teach you how to work up to box jumps gradually.

To warm up, start with easy body-weight squats. Incorporate some arm swings, and roll up through the ankles to your toes. Standing knee tucks and bottom kickers are great to incorporate full range of motion and joint mobility. You can also always start with a few minutes of cardio, such as light walking or jogging.

Exercises in video:

  1. Box jump progression
  2. Body-weight squats with plantar flexion of foot
  3. Body-weight squats with low amplitude jump
  4. Body-weight forward jump
  5. Power step-up
  6. Low box jump

About the Author

Shane Barnard, JD

Shane is NASM, ACE, AFAA and USATF certified and the creator and founder of the Urbankick format and instructor certifications, co-founder of Urbanplay, a non-profit health and fitness education program for youth, and a business partner at Studio360. With over 20 years of fitness experience, she is a nationally recognized presenter and currently teaches at Crunch, Fitness SF, and the University of California at Berkeley, where she is a health coach. Shane is a CEC provider for ACE and AFFA and an honored ambassador for lululemon. You can work out with Shane and Urbankick anytime, anywhere at BooyaFitness.com.
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