Running Tips: Jump Training

Have you incorporated jumping into your training routine? If not, you aren’t alone. But it is something you should include.

Getting better at jumping helps you improve your ability to get more force with less effort. You may think this only makes a difference for sprinters, but it can be helpful for running at all distances.

One way to do this is by adopting plyometric exercises, which are fast, explosive jumping movements that help build muscle strength.

What Plyometric Exercises Should Runners Do?

It’s recommended to incorporate one 30-minute plyometrics session a week into your training schedule. Aim to perform three sets of 20 seconds of plyometrics, ensuring good form throughout, with a one to two-minute rest between each set. Try these exercises:

  1. Jump squats

  2. Jump lunges

  3. Lateral hops

  4. Burpees

Always pay attention to your form, and take rests as needed.

Charlotte Spangler