Scott, absolutely loved your new box jump vid on YT.  It's one of those 'trophy' exercises that looks amazing if you can pull it out in the gym or even in the street/park, I've wanted to try for ages but pussied out and I've decided, I'm on it now!!   My legs have always been more durable than explosive and since I dont mind laughing at myself I'm going to keep a log of progress, hopefully it will amuse the Nation too.

I reckon it's going to highlight a lot of leg strength/power deficiencies too, hopefully it will expose the need for some remedial exercises and get me thinking more pro-actively about leg drive and explosiveness.  Might need some help with that since I'm a bit of a caveman when it comes to legs, but I'm going to look at some appropriate targets this week and see how I go.

Wish me luck Nation!

On a linked issue I've decided to add a weighted vest to my christmas wishlist   I've wanted one for ages to do pull-ups in but never got round to it. Having never worn one, I'm completely in the dark.  I've seen lots of horror stories about fit, ie: good for squats but not snug enough for running/box jumping.  I originally thought to get one with the ability to add or remove weight but I hear that these types are more bulky generally.  Help?!

If anyone can shed some light, I'd be mighty grateful.  Thanks Nation

Hey BigPete!

Sorry for the delayed response.  Been a bit crazy with holidays and all.  Box jumps are GREAT for building explosive power and will for sure expose weakness.  Especially if your knees cave in when you jump or land.  That is a big no no!

To be honest, the best exercise to get better at them is doing more box jumps and and a weighted vest is a great idea!

The rest vest is key.  You want one that doesn't limit movement and also doesn't smash your face when you jump :)

Check out this one and use the code "shfequipment" for 5% off your order :)  IF for Christmas just be sure to tell Santa to use that code as well haha

LINK: http://www.homefitnessequipment.org/40lbweightedvest.aspx

Once you start jumping, I hope you upload a photo / video! #HTH

Done two box-jumpy kind of sections as part of my circuits since that post.  It's been amusing.  Using a 2ft wall, I've being going for some volume. All good to begin with and then the form goes, the balence goes, everything fucks up!  It's like being a weight-lifting newbie all over again, which is quite a fun experience.. I'm praying for some rapid 2 month gains!!!! In recovery I felt my lower quads getting quite tired and my groin too (allthough I think the groin is still from doing those bloody Groiners the other day.. thanks  a bunch for that crazy idea Scott!!!)

On the positive side, it's nice to have clear, easily definable goals on something..

I've been doing some skater lunges, weighted calf-raises and weighted squats since and am hoping a few weeks of these will power me up.

I used to be able to run for hours as a kid but was never very dynamic in sprints of field events so I figure I'm probably a little less suited than others to box jumps but folks, if you want to test yourself:  do some of Scott's 'Groiners', I'd like to read about other people suffering from that bat-shit exercise too.

Brotha. you keep training like this and you will see all kinds of gains!!!

and yes, groiners SUCK!  I am about to film another DVD series with Lionsgate next week and I made sure those are in the routine.  I wish I could film people at home doing them when fatigued... falling apart... it's madness!