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Wednesday, August 19, 2009

I Love Jumping! - Bench Jumps

Jumping is one of my favorite little things to do when I'm working out. Jumping rope, jumping up on steps, frog hops, or jumping up on a bench, I'm into it. I make people that take my fitness classes jump, too! It's a skill that you definitely need to keep up even as you get older. Never know when it will come in handy! ;)

Here I am doing one of my favorites - Bench Jumps
(you may have to stop my auto vid in the upper right corner to get this to play in real time)



Jumping is great for leg strength, core strength, agility and it helps strengthen those abdominal muscles because you tense up and hold your stomach muscles every time you jump up onto something.

I have a fitness friend who can jump up onto a desk. But he's so fit that it's ridiculous! While I love jumping up on things, proving that I can jump up on a desk is NOWHERE on my list, trust me!! I think being able to jump up on a bench is cool enough! LOL!

To begin, start with something lower, like a step with no risers. Then add a level of risers after you get good at the low level. Don't start out by trying to jump up on a bench! It's a bit advanced of a move, and you might get hurt!
When landing, bend your knees to absorb the impact and prevent the jarring of your joints. Both feet land at the same time. Try to make as little sound as possible when your feet hit the surface of what you're jumping onto. Like I say to my class members "jump just like a cat, on little cat feet". You never hear a cat when it jumps up on anything! That will help you to learn the exact moment to bend your knees so that you land safely and with those abs totally tight!
Try some jumps in your next workout! I will come back through here with a few more varieties of jumps that I like to do in my workouts. Best to start with basic ones first, though. Happy jumping! ;)


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11 comments:

jacqueline said...

I'm gonna try some jumps today. But I'm definitely starting low. Thanks for the video Ms. Fitness Diva, I'll be thinking "form" the whole time. :-)

Azure Accessories said...

Very impressive workout...not sure why but jumping has always given me a headache...literally!
My favorite form of activity was biking...loved it!
Cheers

Kevin said...

Love it--simple and effective.

One of these days I need to do an interview with you over at strongandfit.net. You're one of the bloggers that inspired me to start a fitness blog.

harry seenthing said...

introduce me......i'm harry from ciamis, wow ur site is very good with articles...i'm glad for read in here, i hope can found something to learn in here. thanks

Wilson Pon said...

Diva, did you know that a minute of 80 times jumping is equal to the running a miles in 8 minutes? So, what are you waiting for? Let's go and have some jump right now...

The Fitness Diva said...

hey, Jacqueline, do add some in! It will increase your fitness level greatly if you do it regularly! ;)

Heather, I love biking, too! I have to admit, though, I've been real lazy with the bike this year. I used to bike back and forth to work all the time (about 8 miles in total). I just can't keep up with the biking, blading, jumping and everything else altogether! :)

The Fitness Diva said...

Hey, Kevin, thanks. I'm happy to have been some kind of inspiration for you. Anytime you want that interview, let me know!

The Fitness Diva said...

hi, Harry and welcome! hope you visit again! :)

Ok, Wilson, 80 times jumping how high? LOL! I am trying to imagine jumping up on the bench 80 times in a minute, that's less that 1 second per jump! I will surely die trying!!! LOL!!!

Urban Thought said...

I've been trying to get my belly flat. It is much harder than I thought it would be. My diet if failing me. I'll have to incorporate this move into my routine.

SIDE NOTE: If you have a moment can you hit me with your e-mail so I can ask you for a few tips?

Powerlifting Academy said...

I love the idea of including jumps for a change. I've been neglecting them for too long. Thanks for the tip.

Custom Labels said...

LOOOOVE box jumps! I've been working on rebounding box jumps as of late.

 
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