Another exercise for the legs and your cardiovascular system is Squat Jumps. This plyometric exercise is multifunctional and stimulates numerous muscles.
This exercise engages all your lower body. The gluteal muscle group (gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae late), the quadriceps group (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius), the hamstring muscle group (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus), and the flexor group muscle of the lower leg (gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris) are involved in the movement, as well as some core muscles.
Advantages of Squat Jumps
How to Perform Jump Squats
Position your feet at shoulder width with your head up, chest up, and your back straight,
Squat down as you inhale until your upper thighs are parallel, or lower, to the floor.
Press down with the ball of your feet and jump straight up in the air as high as possible, using the thighs like springs. Exhale during this portion of the movement.
Immediately squat down and jump again.
Repeat.
Jump Squats Mistakes
Avoid putting the wrong pressure on your knees. Your knees shouldn’t pass your toes as you squat down.
Avoid keeping your glutes on a neutral position -- Push your booty back.
It is a jump but not a careless move. Make sure to land in a controlled manner with your feet straight in order to avoid sprained ligaments.
Caution: Do not perform this movement if you have knee or back injuries due to being high impact.
Variations: You can also perform this movement with a barbell resting on your shoulders or while holding dumbbells or a medicine ball.
Leg Workout
You can complete your lower body workout with Bulgarian Split Squats, regular Squats, Single-Leg Deadlifts, and Reverse Lunges.
Video of Squat Jumps:
https://youtu.be/ao5FB-1G3Mg
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Adriana Albritton
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