How to Do Box Jumps

Want to learn how to do box jumps? This workout targets your glutes and lower body muscles (quads, hamstrings, and calves), but it’s really important to have the proper form; otherwise, you risk injuring yourself. Oh, and you need a box. Keep reading to learn how to do the perfect box jump.

What are box jumps?

Once you’ve got the proper form down (more on that below), all you really need to do is jump on and off your box to get the benefits of this lower-body exercise. We recommend buying a Plyo box, or a box used in plyometric exercises like box jumps, although technically you can use a chair or something else that sits one or two feet off the ground. But be careful—you don’t want the box to topple over, hence the recommendation for the professional kit.

How to Do Box Jumps: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s the correct way to do box jumps.

1. Facing the box with your feet shoulder width apart, bend your knees and push your hips back in a hinge motion.

2. Propel yourself into a jump using the balls of your feet as your base, swinging your arms forward to launch yourself onto the top of the box.

3. Land on the box gently, with your body and feet in their original position—knees bent, hips back.

4. Jump off the box if you’re an expert, or simply step off of it if you’re still learning. You’ve now done one box jump!

Box jumps certainly aren’t a beginner’s exercise. You should have a good level of lower-body fitness before attempting these, since leg strength is crucial to getting motions right. Once you’re ready for the challenge, though, box jumps are a great way to test your power and build those lower-body muscles.

Want to learn more?

For exercises using equipment, it’s often easier to work out in a gym environment instead of at home. If you’re looking to take that next step, your local Gym has all the equipment, space, and personal trainers you need to smash your fitness goals and take things to the next level.