Helpful High Jump Workouts

Here are some high jump workouts which will help you improve your high jumping skills.

Plyometrics are excellent for helping people to jump higher. Examples of plyometric training exercises you can incorporate into your high jump workouts include squat jumps and pop-ups. Pop-ups help you work on your form while building the muscles necessary for the high jump. To do a pop-up, stand with both feet on the ground and your arms at your sides. Drive the knee that will be closest to the bar up. Your arms should be used to give your body momentum to get even higher. Try to land in the same spot that you started from.

Running is sometimes overlooked when a high jumper is looking to train specifically for the high jump event. It shouldn't be, though. The faster a jumper can run, the more momentum he can use to get over the bar. To increase speed, incorporate a variety of lengths and paces into your workouts, including distance, sprints and fartleks.

Running stairs is another good high jump workout. Running up stairs strengthens the leg muscles used for high jumping. It also increases endurance and speed. Find a nearby stadium or set of bleachers and run to the top and back down. Do several sets at a time without stopping.

Lifting weights is good for overall fitness and will build your arm muscles. Your arms are the driving force behind your pop-up at the bar, so you want them to be strong. Work your biceps, triceps and shoulders on one day and your back and chest the next. Start with a low weight that you can lift 12 to 15 times and do 3 sets of each workout.