Increase Your Vertical Leap Like an NBA Player

One of the most awe-inspiring abilities to be witnessed at an athletic event is a ridiculously high vertical leap. Show up at any high-level basketball game, and you're sure to be treated to an aerial display for a solid two hours.

If you're one of those people that's ever thought about what it might take to fly like an NBA player, you can be certain that no one out there is offering that ability in a twelve-ounce bottle. You're going to have to put in a bit of sweat, but if you're willing to do just that, then you just might find that you can increase your vertical leap by leaps and bounds. Literally!

Here's a few tips to help you get started...

- Try toting some extra heft on your ankles during your day. I know it may sound weird, but tricking your legs into feeling heavier than they really are can end up paying both psychological and physical dividends, both in the gym and on the court -- and do so sooner than later.

- Do plenty of stretching. In order to increase your vertical jump, getting your muscles stretched out and more flexible is a sure-fire positive activity. Resources that accomplish this goal, like yoga instruction, are a part of the daily lives of athletes of all stripes. But whether you choose the social setting of a class or the solitude of your own home, stretching is a major benefit to any athletic routine.

- Mix in a dose of plyometrics. If you've ever watched your favorite pro athletes in their pre-game warm-ups, you've likely seen them performing some or all of these exercises. They involve following small, pronounced muscle exertions with greater, bursting muscle actions. Reps like squat thrusts, stair hops, leaping lunges and box jumps all incorporate motions that are necessary to increase your vertical leap. It might help you to have in mind that your sports heroes are as human as you when they're working their plyometrics.

- Don't neglect your "core". Much of the motion of leaping vertically is the burden of the body's core muscles. A strong abdomen will definitely help to increase your vertical leap, and exercise routines that feature activities like leg lifts, jackknifes and medicine ball throws will certainly bulk up both your abs and your core in general.

So remember that all of the tips above are proven to be a quick way to increase your vertical jump. Start flying today!