The countermovement box jump

Want to fire up your lower body? Then you should be doing this explosive move

W hen it comes to exercises that give you real bang for your buck, don’t overlook the countermovement box jump. Not only does it require muscle recruitment from all the major muscles in the lower body as well as the core, but it can also increase explosiveness, which makes it the perfect choice to boost athleticism. ‘If you partake in any sport, jumping is great, but landing is also very important,’ explains Dan Lawrence, strength and conditioning trainer at Train2win. ‘If you can land properly and absorb ground reaction forces better, you will reduce the risk of injuries when on the field, track or road.’

The benefits to this versatile move don’t end there, though. When performed at high intensity, the countermovement box jump also improves conditioning and is great for fat loss. Use this move the right way and you’ll be seeing improvements across the board.