USE EXPLOSIVE BOX JUMPS TO SEND
YOUR SQUAT STRENGTH SOARING.Box Clever
SEPTEMBER 2019 MEN’S FITNESS 95The box jump,
like the rope
swing or tyre
flip, is an exercise not
popular with the masses.
To lug a rarely used box
from the corner of the gym
and launch yourself onto
it, repeatedly, is an act
of defiance that speaks
of a high-performance
mindset. That, or the
leg press is busy. Either
way, box jumps aren’t
just a good way to draw
attention to yourself: done
right, they activate the
nervous system for gains
in strength and size.
Performing them regularly- and even as a warm-up
before you get into your
heavy lifting – will fire up
your nervous system and
stimulate the fast-twitch
muscles neglected with
low-intensity weightlifting.
The result? You’ll be able to
lift more and will stimulate
more muscle growth.
JUMP TO IT
● Stand just in front of a
box with feet shoulder-
width apart.
● Swing arms and hinge
hips back with a tall
chest, flat back and
engaged core.
● Swing arms forward,
using momentum to
jump up and slightly
forward, landing softly
with both feet completely
on the box.
● Stand up, locking out the
knees and extending hips.
Carefully step back down
to the ground.