It’s Technique Tuesday where we talk about a movement we’re doing tomorrow, WHY we’re doing it, and other fun facts and tips about it!
Movement: Box Jump
Description: Jump from the ground to the top of the box!
Primary Movement Pattern:
Physical Skills Developed:
Tips, Tricks, and Fun Facts: Can you remember the last time you had to jump in a real life situation? The vast majority of us stop jumping at a young age and lose our competence in this movement pattern and the amazing physical skills that it develops! That’s why the box jump is such an important movement to train in the gym, especially the older you are! (Don’t worry, we have scales!!)
Jumping is a natural and functional movement pattern that develops power, speed, coordination, agility, and balance! If you can stand and walk, you can most likely start working on your jumping movement pattern – start by jumping both feet 1 inch off the ground and landing smoothly (grab the rig for stability if needed!)
From there, build up to jumping onto a 2-inch plate. Continue adding height a couple inches at a time as you build confidence and the physical skills required!
Setup:
– Stand about a foot away from the box with feet at hip width.
Initiation:
– Dip to the athletic ready position with slightly bent hips, knees, and ankles and swing arms back in preparation for the jump
– Swing arms forward and up for momentum as you explosively jump both legs to full hip, knee, and ankle extension
– Land on the top of the box, using bent knees to land softly.
– Stand up straight to complete the rep, then step down from the box.
Common faults:
– Cutting the jump short by not reaching full hip extension on the way up
– Feet too close together / knees caving in
Check out our social media for the slow motion video with commentary and have one of our coaches check your technique tomorrow!
Dean