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Do I have to lift weights to improve my vertical jump? This is a common question that I get all the time. I realize that there are many people out there that do not enjoy lifting weights and they want to know if it is possible to increase your vertical jump without them. My answer to them is……YES it is definitely possible to improve your vertical without lifting heavy weights.

I have a passion for vertical jump training and I think everyone should be able to benefit from it. Let’s face it, not everyone can afford a gym membership these days. However, that should never stop you from training. Below I have listed several body weight exercises that are not only challenging but are excellent at increasing your vertical leap.

A Vertical Leap Workout – Without Weights

Low Peterson Step-Up – The Peterson Step-up begins with one foot on a low platform. Lift the heel of the foot on top of the platform and position the toes so they are just behind the heel of the opposite leg that is on the ground. Now lift the toes of the foot you’re standing on, as this will increase the emphasis on the working leg. From this start position straighten the leg on top of the platform while lowering the heel. Use a slow 3 second lift phase and 2 second lowering. Increase the height of the step for more difficulty. Do 2 sets of 25 with each leg.

Bodyweight Squats - Squats are BY FAR the best overall exercise you can do to improve your vertical leap. They target every muscle group that we are looking for. When squatting make sure you come parallel to the ground. If you want to increase the difficulty, try one-legged squats….very difficult

Lunges – Lunges are a very common exercise and they are effective as well. Step forward with one leg while lowering your body. Try not to take too large of a step, you should have about 2 1/2 feet between your front foot and back foot. Keep your shin perpendicular to the ground and do not let your knee pass in front of your toes. Push yourself back up and repeat this with the other leg.

Rim Touches – Although these are called rim touches you can perform this without a basketball hoop if you want. Find a basketball rim and jump as high as you can. Do not take more than one step before you jump. Now EXPLODE up as hard as you can. We are only going to do this five times. Then rest for a minute and repeat this exercise three more times. DO NOT do more reps than this. In order to improve your vertical jump you need to train your EXPLOSION and if you do a bunch of reps you will be training your stamina and this will not improve your vertical.

It is possible to get significant gains in your vertical jump without weights. BUT…..yes there is a but, most people are not going to even come close to their true vertical jump potential without using a proper weight training program. If you only train using body weight exercises there will come a time when your vertical leap gains stop and the only way to further your progress is to improve your base strength.

Using both weight training and plyometric exercises is the best way to increase your vertical leap. It will give you excellent results. In fact, I was able to improve my vertical from 31 to 43 inches over a 7 month period of time by using this type of training. If you would like more information about how I was able to improve my vertical leap then check out the links I have below:

Interested in learning more about how to increase your vertical leap? Then check out Brayden Fisher’s website at www.40inchvertical.net for the best workouts and exercises.

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