Welcome to the next edition of the Fitchicks Insider VIP Newsletter.
One of the new exercises in this current Fitchick program is a plyometric exercise called the Box jump. Plyometrics, also known as jump training or plyo’s are exercises based around having a muscle exert maximum force in as short a time as possible. Plyometric training conditions the body with dynamic resistance exercises that rapidly stretch a muscle (the eccentric phase of contraction) then rapidly shorten it (the concentric phase of contraction).
The benefit of plyometics is that they are very effective exercise for burning calories and decreasing body fat leading to a lean toned body. The plyometric box jump has also been linked to a achieving a faster 10km running time, Susan Hawley, Lisa Morris and Leanne Williams. (Just in case you needed added incentive!)
Keep jumpin’ girls!
The Box Jump
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Muscles used in the Box Jumps – hamstrings, quads, calf muscles
How to do Box Jumps
- Stand in front of the box with feet directly under the hips and hands by your side.
- Lower yourself into the jumping position by bending at the knees and hips. Keep your head up and back straight.
- Explosively jump from the crouched position whilst swinging the arms.
- Land softly on the centre of the platform absorbing the impact with your legs.
- Stand tall.
- Return to starting position by either jumping backwards off the box, or by stepping down and repeat the movement.
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Land both feet fully on top of the box not on the edge
Ensure both feet are fully on the box and heels are not hanging off the edge or you could lose balance and fall back as well as causing injury to the sole of your foot. Also step down off the box rather than jumping down if you have Achilles problems.
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Newest FitChick jumps right in
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You can’t live without it!
Dave Lambert
Oxygen Health & Fitness
02 4233 2963
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