A Move You Should Do MONDAY – Vertical Jump

When was the last time you’ve jumped? The vertical jump is a fundamental move that everyone should be able to do. It is one of those moves that gets lost in the shuffle of life. If you don’t use it, you will definitely lose it.

The How-To

Stand with your feet hip width apart
Reach up quickly and extend your spine to stretch your abdominal muscles
This will allow you to bend forward quickly as you squat, stretching your hip extensors, knee extensors and plantar flexors
Then rapidly jump up as you reach for the ceiling. This is what is called TRIPLE EXTENSION, a coordinated powerful movement of the legs
Land softly on your feet as you “triple flex” to cushion your landing

Notice the word stretch mentioned several times in the description above.

Why does this matter?

Your muscles have a protective mechanism called the muscle spindle which responds to rate of stretch. The faster you stretch your muscles, the quicker this response is activated Practicing triple extension and the vertical jump helps strengthen this response, adding a spring to your step with walking and running.

Don’t let your body forget this important protective response. Give the vertical jump a try.

Because nobody has time to be in pain.

Until next time…