Likes:
- Can be used for a variety of exercises
- Come in different heights
Dislikes:
- The base can get warped and wobbles instead of sitting flat
Plyometric exercises are great for developing power, speed, agility, and quickness. Even if you’re not an Olympic or professional-level athlete, anyone can benefit from adding plyometrics to their workout routines. A great way to do this is by using plyometric boxes. I like the ones at my gym, they are made by TDS and they come in three different sizes; 12, 18, and 24 inches. The set can be purchased for around $190. What’s nice is that they’re made from heavy-duty steel and the top is non-skid, ribbed rubber. So slipping is not a concern.
I will start by pointing out what plyometric boxes are NOT used for and that is as a storage place for water bottles, towels, sweatshirts, etc. If I had a dollar for every time I had to remove articles of clothing or water bottles from a plyo box before using it, I would be able to open up my own gym. They are also not for sitting (I’ve had to ask people to move because they were sitting on them and chatting and I wanted to actually use them for exercise). What plyometric boxes are used for is a variety of plyometric exercises that can be done right there in the gym. Whether using all three of them together or just one at a time is up to you. You can use all three together to create a childlike obstacle course for successive hops or jumps.
I like to use the 12-inch box for step-ups, forward jumps, lateral jumps, step overs, etc. I see a lot of people using the padded benches for step-ups and step overs. They are usually accompanied by a personal trainer, so I know that they are supervised. But I would have to say out of experience that the plyometric boxes are a safer option. The padding of the benches creates an unstable landing surface making it more possible for you lose balance and fall. I like the steel construction and the flat, ribbed rubber surface of the plyometric boxes. It just feels more secure, which is an important attribute when you’re standing on one foot, twelve inches off the ground.
Although the plyometric boxes are made of heavy steel, the bottoms can sometimes become a bit warped. So I always make sure before I start any step-ups or step overs, etc. that I check the base for any wobbling. And I did know a personal trainer who injured herself (a huge gash in the middle of her shin) because the rubber mat on the top of the step had started to separate from the steel frame. She was doing jumps and caught her toe under the mat and the edge of the box gouged her shin. A quick safety inspection is all it takes. A set of boxes would be great to have in a home gym, but at $190 a set, it’s not cheap. The ones at the gym can get worn very quickly, so like I said; just perform a few tests before using them.
Plyometrics can only enhance health and fitness, especially when used in conjunction with a strength-training program. Quick feet are not just beneficial for top athletes, all of us could benefit from being quick on our toes. Plyometric boxes provide a wide range of exercise options that enhance power, speed, agility, and quickness.
