Since his retirement from competition, 6x Classic Physique Mr Olympia Winner Chris Bumstead has been focusing his training on strength, longevity and functional movement, and the results are already looking impressive.
“Jacked and athletic. Slowly bridging the gap. Apparently a 60 inch box jump was too easy of a goal. Now I need to be able to do it without the run-up.”
“Honestly it’s just fun to be able to express some of my training in different ways to see how I’m improving. Still a long way to go, but I’m proud of the progress.”
60 Inch Box Jump
Want to improve your own jumping skills and build more power? Try these tips:
Build Explosive Leg Strength
Getting stronger in squats, split squats, Romanian deadlifts, and hip thrusts gives you more force to put into the ground. Prioritize controlled heavy reps, then use that strength in faster movements such as jump squats or light loaded jumps.
Practice Powerful Jumping Mechanics
Start each jump with a quick, athletic dip through the hips and knees, swing your arms aggressively, then drive hard through the floor. Think about jumping upward rather than pulling your knees toward your chest. Landing with higher knees can make a box jump look bigger without improving your actual vertical jump.
Use Progressive Plyometric Training
Train jumps regularly, but keep the quality high. Combine low box jumps, broad jumps, pogo hops, and countermovement jumps, using full rest between sets. Increase box height only when you can land quietly and confidently, with no excessive knee collapse or deep squat landing.
