Have you ever walked into a gym and seen someone jumping off a rectangular box? You were probably impressed or even wanted to try these interesting-looking routines out. That box is a plyometric box, also called a plyo box.
The good news is that plyo boxes aren’t only for gyms. They’re best for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and are especially great if your workout routine includes a lot of cardio. If you can’t do an outside workout but still want to sweat it off, plyo boxes are good investments for your home workout routines.
This article will discuss how to integrate a plyo box into your workout routines, regardless of what you’re training for, and the different exercises you can perform with it.
Table of contents
Benefits of Using a Plyo Box
Using plyometric boxes have several benefits, including:
Improves Strength and Power
Exercises you do with a plyometric jump box are high-performance, muscle-strengthening workouts. Some of these exercises, like box jumps and depth jumps, get your muscles stretching and contracting rapidly. Doing these exercises repeatedly trains your muscles to generate more force in less time, and over time, you get stronger and more powerful enough to do other workouts at a stretch.
Boosts Cardiovascular Health
Plyometric workouts involve high-intensity movements that are good for your heart. Doing a jump squat or burpee on plyometric jump boxes will elevate your heart rate and push your cardiovascular system to adapt.
Increased heart rate means your heart and lungs are working more efficiently to handle more stress. It makes everyday activities and other exercises less strenuous on your heart.
Increases Agility and Coordination
Single-leg hops, lateral jumps and alternate steps up on the plyo box will challenge your neuromuscular system, giving you better motor coordination and proprioception.
Why? These exercises require precise body control and balance, and when you do them consistently, you become more agile and better control your movement coordination, especially if you’re in sports.
Versatility in Workouts
You can use plyometrics boxes for different kinds of workout routines. You can use them:
- to strength train — with step-ups and elevated push-ups;
- to condition your cardiovascular muscles — with box jumps and Burpees box jumps;
- to train flexibility — with mobility exercises like the hip flexors and hamstrings.
It’s a versatile workout equipment that you can use regardless of what you’re exercising or training for.
Different Types of Plyometric Boxes
Now that you know you can use a plyometrics box for different workout routines, you should also know there are several types of these workout jump boxes. They include:
Wooden Plyo Boxes
Wooden plyo boxes are made from high-quality, heavy-duty wood. These boxes can handle intense workouts, and they support a significant amount of weight— about 400lbs. Wooden plyo boxes are constructed strongly to remain stable during high-impact exercises, which reduces the risk of it tipping over mid-workout.
Foam Plyo Boxes
Foam plyo boxes are safer and more comfortable. They’re made from high-density foams that absorb impacts and minimize the risk of injury. These boxes have a soft, cushioned surface that’s advisable for beginners who are cautious about high-impact exercises. They’re also great for rehabilitation and recovery workouts as a gentle alternative to wooden or metal boxes.
Adjustable Plyo Boxes
Adjustable plyo boxes can be adjusted at different heights, which means you can start from the lowest level and progress from there or tailor the box height to specific exercises.
Metal Plyo Boxes
These types are made from steel, and can handle heavy and repeated use without showing signs of wear and tear. They’re more stable, even when you’re doing the most intense workouts.
How to Choose the Best Plyo Box for Your Needs
To select the best plyo box for you, you must understand what you need it for. We have some guides you can use to make the best decision.
1. Consider Your Fitness Goals
Your fitness goals determine what type of workout box you should choose. If you’re building strength, a wooden or metal plyo box is stable and durable enough.
If you’re a beginner or just recovering from an injury, your priority should be safety and comfort, and your best bet is a foam plyo box. If you want to explore different exercises and difficulty levels, consider getting an adjustable plyo box.
2. Assess Your Space and Storage
Consider how much space you have to store the box. Wooden and metal boxes are bulky and require more storage room, while foam boxes are lighter and easier to store.
Adjustable boxes would be more space efficient since you can increase or reduce their height options. Make sure you have enough space to perform plyometrics exercises safely and store the box when it’s not in use.
3. Consider Your Budget
When buying a plyometrics jump box, it’s important to balance cost and quality. Wooden and metal plyo boxes are more expensive because they are more stable.
Foam boxes are generally more affordable, but they may not last long under intense use. Adjustable boxes offer good value for money because you can change the height. The goal is to invest in a box that meets your needs, while still safe and boasting enough quality.
VEVOR Plyo Jump Box Features
VEVOR adjustable plyometric box sets are a good investment. These boxes come in four different heights — 12 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches, and 30 inches. Each height can conveniently hold 500 pounds of weight.
These boxes are cushioned with silicon pads to help users grip well. This makes them ideal for both beginners and more experienced users. They are covered with silicone leather that’s easy to clean and won’t wear fast.
VEVOR boxes have four rubber pads at the bottom to keep the grip for a safe and effective workout. They’re a perfect purchase because they are lightweight, adjustable, and can be stored easily.
Best Plyometric Exercises to Try
Adding a plyo box set to your workout can positively change your fitness routine. It adds a new dynamic to your previous exercises. These are some of the best plyometric exercises you can try:
Box Jumps
Stand in front of the workout plyo box with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and jump on the box softly. You can step or jump back down and repeat. This exercise will increase your leg power and improve your cardiovascular health. Research and take the proper form so you don’t injure yourself.
Step-Ups
Start step-ups by standing in front of the box for box jumps. Step one foot onto the box, then drive through the heel to bring the other foot up to stand fully on the box. Step back down with one foot, then the other, and repeat. You can add weight to increase resistance. This routine will improve your balance and stability.
Lateral Box Jumps
Lateral box jumps can help improve your agility and coordination. To do these jumps, stand beside the workout plyo box. Jump laterally onto the box— both feet should land softly, and then jump off to the other side. Repeat this for as many reps as you want. It targets the lower body muscles and improves your lateral movements.
Box Push-Ups
Box push-ups are best for building upper body strength. Place your hands on the box edges of the plyo box and take a push-up position. Lower your chest to the box, then push back up. Box push-ups target the chest, shoulders, and triceps.
Depth Jumps
Stand on the workout plyo box. Step off the box and land on both feet, then jump back immediately, as high as possible. The goal is to spend minimal time on the ground, to train your muscles to react quickly and powerfully. Depth jumps are effective for athletes who need to improve their vertical leap and explosiveness, although it must be done with caution so they don’t get injured.
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How to Safely Perform Plyometric Exercises
Knowing some of the best plyometric workout routines is one thing, performing item safely is another. We’ll discuss everything you should check before, mid, and after doing plyometrics exercises in this section.
Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down
You must warm up before starting any high-intensity workout. We recommend starting with light cardio, like jumping jacks or jogging—it’ll increase your heart rate, and you won’t struggle to catch up when you eventually start the exercises. After your workout, try to do some light cardio again and then stretch to help your muscles recover and avoid being sore.
Correct Form and Technique
A correct form will save you from injuring yourself or your muscles. When you’re performing exercises like box jumps or step-ups, make sure your knees align with your toes, and don’t let them cave inward. Always land softly with knees slightly bent to absorb the impact. Don’t try to be fast; instead, control your movements, so you don’t strain your joints.
Gradual Progression
Don’t start at a high-intensity level, especially if you’re a beginner. Start small—lower heights, simpler movements—and gradually increase the intensity of your plyometrics exercises as your strength and coordination increase.
Using the Right Equipment
The plyo box you choose also matters. Use a plyo box with a stable and non-slip surface that won’t move around during use. The VEVOR plyometric box is a perfect investment since it guarantees stability and features a non-slip surface. It is advisable to invest in a high-quality box to avoid injuring yourself.
VEVOR Plyo Jump Box: The Best Choice for Your Workout
The VEVOR plyo jump box is one of a kind as it ticks all boxes surrounding safety, performance, durability, and value for money. This section provides a comprehensive review of this plyo box, and provides insights on why it’s the best option to purchase right now.
Product Overview
The VEVOR Plyo Jump Box has a trapezoidal workout design, which makes it sturdy. The boxes come in sets of 4, each with a 500-pound weight capacity.
What we like about this product is that it is effective for several types of workout. It is suitable for box jumps, push-ups, or step-ups. You can use it to train your arms, shoulders, legs, and chest.
Benefits and Advantages
The VEVOR Plyo Jump Box has several benefits that set it apart from other exercise plyometric boxes. One that stood out to us was its ease of assembly. All you need to do is tighten the components, and when you’re not using it, you can disassemble it for convenient storage. The silicon cover ensures that your plyo box doesn’t wear after a few intense uses.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
We read many customer reviews and feedback, and users consistently praised the VEVOR Plyo Jump Box’s quality and performance. Many users, like Sontae Flowers, said they were skeptical at first, but using the product cleared their doubts.
‘‘I was worried about the sturdiness and stability, but that was quickly brushed off. My Vevor Box is absolutely perfect. It’s sturdy, well constructed, beautiful and I know it will last forever.’’ – Sontae Flowers
Why Choose VEVOR Plyo Box
We recommend the VEVOR plyo box because of its overall outstanding quality. It has safety features and sturdy construction, meaning users can be sure of safe usage and durability. Customer reviews and user ratings have also shown that it’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to add plyometric exercises to their fitness routine. We recommend that you choose the VEVOR Plyo Jump Box to upgrade your workout sessions.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to using plyo boxes — exercising with them will help in improving your strength, cardiovascular health, agility, and make you feel stronger. However, choosing the right plyo box is essential if you want to enjoy all these benefits. After comparing all the options in the current market, we think the VEVOR Plyo Jump Box makes the best sense for people looking to invest in a plyo box. You should visit the VEVOR store today or visit other online merchants stores such as Amazon to get this perfect plyo jump box that will transform your training experience.