Stretch for Higher Jump

One of the more important items to work on to improve your jumping ability or for any kind of sport for that matter, is stretching. It is important to stretch for the purpose of increasing flexibility, relaxing the muscles and to help move lactic acid from the muscles. These will help you recover from the workout and prepare you for the next.

Increasing your flexibility will give you a wider range of motion which in turn will give you the ability to generate more force and it will help prevent injury and speed recovery. As you get older your muscles become less pliant so increasing flexibility will make them feel better and you will be able to move better.

When you do your stretching is very important, do not do it while your muscles are cold. I like doing it after I have warmed up some then again after the workout is finished. How long you hold the stretch is up to you, 10 to 20 seconds is about what most use. Some hold for only a couple seconds. It is also believed that a longer hold will give the muscles time to adapt to their lengthening. Do not bounce as this can cause more damage than good. The act of stretching creates micro tears that is part of lengthening the muscle, bouncing will over do it. Do not stretch an injured muscle

The length of time to stretch is up to you but try for at least 5 minutes. That should give you time to work the major muscle groups, if you are not in a hurry more time would be better. Another great way to gain flexibility is with Yoga, not only will it improve your muscles, it will also help your joints. What ever sport you participate in, take advantage of increasing your flexibility and you will be able to move more freely and reduce the chance of serious injury.


Go to Learn to Jump for more information on improving your jumping abilities. Tim Archbolds interests are in Fitness Training and Health.