Want to improve your leg strength? Add some hopping, skipping, jumping, and bounding to your workouts.
Just six weeks of plyometric (jump) training resulted in a 10% increase in leg strength, according to research from the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport.
Squat jumps, broad jumps, box jumps, depth jumps, and hurdle hops can be easily incorporated into a workout.
Plyometric training is typically high-intensity, especially as compared to traditional, ground-based strength training. Factors that influence the intensity of lower-body plyometric drills include points of contact (and commensurate stress on muscles, connective tissues, and joints); speed; height of the drill; and the participant’s weight.
Plyometric training sessions should generally be limited to two (2) per week, even if you are strength training with greater frequency. A day (or more) of rest between jump training sessions is recommended.
Here are the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) guidelines for appropriate plyometric volume based on experience:
- Beginner (no experience) = 80-100 “touches” (every time your feet land on the ground or other surface, it’s counted as one touch)
- Intermediate (some experience) = 100-120 touches
- Advanced (considerable experience) = 120-140 touches
Always make sure you warm up properly, wear appropriate footwear, and choose a safe, shock-absorbing landing surface (grass field, suspended floor, rubber mat, etc.) to prevent injuries.
Then get up off your feet and get some air.
Get STRONGER, Get FASTER!
