Subject: An alternative to jumps squats for bodyweight conditioning

The bodyweight jump squat is a solid “strong endurance” developer.

Quickly squat below parallel in a stance slightly wider than your shoulders. The spine neutral, the abs braced, the heels down, the knees tracking the feet.

Explode up, jump, land on the balls of your feet, roll back to your heels, and repeat.

The jump squat lends itself to many A+A protocols—but does not suit many trainees. Like the kettlebell snatch, it is a “restricted entry” exercise. Not everyone can maintain the above technique and safely handle repetitive intense ballistic loading.

A simpler and safer alternative is the split jump squat. It is trained and tested in the military and law enforcement throughout Eastern Europe.

The split jump squat
Extend your hips fully on the top of each jump. Do not go crazy on the height, as this is an endurance exercise.

Make sure your front foot rolls from the toe all the way to the heel as you land.
 
Instead of clasping your hands behind your neck you may hold your hands in a fighter’s guard.

100 consecutive reps are considered good—but we suggest that you stick to A+A programming most of the time: low reps and short rests.

E.g., start with 3 reps every 30sec and build up to 30min—while passing the talk test before every set.

Then switch to 4 reps every 30sec and repeat the process.

Then 5 reps…

Keep adding reps for as long as you are able to keep passing the talk test and your joints are not complaining.

Do the above 3 times a week.
 
Every 2 weeks test your consecutive perfect reps in one set. Report your results on the StrongFirst Forum.

StrongFirst Online Courses
Learn your way around kettlebells, barbells, bodyweight
with STRONGFIRST ONLINE COURSES

For skills of strength, CLICK HERE
LikeTwitterForward
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Ⓒ StrongFirst Inc. StrongFirst® and the shield are registered trademarks of StrongFirst Inc.
StrongFirst, Inc. 9190 Double Diamond Parkway, 89521, Reno, United States
You may unsubscribe or change your contact details at any time.