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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