At 37 years old, my legs are feeling a little heavier than before.
At this point in my life, one of my training goals is to be more like a child.
Being playful, being free, and being curious.
At 6 years old, I started training myself at home.
Given my stature, I had to find a way to not get pushed over in soccer and run faster than taller kids.
I would do bunny hops, broad jumps, push ups, and pull-ups.
My mother was always worried that it would stunt my growth.
I did them anyways.
When I was 15 years old, I touched the basketball rim for the first time (I was about 5 ft 4 at the time).
What an exhilarating feeling!
That moment crystallized something I’d known since childhood.
Physical training brings possibilities and reveals our potential.
Now, decades later, I’m returning to those roots with a deliberate Box Jump Challenge.
This isn’t just about nostalgia.
It is about applying my understanding of physics, physiology, training, and reconnecting with that childlike eagerness for growth.
To jump high, one must produce force violently to defy gravity.
Where Force = Mass * Acceleration
It is not just about strength- it is about how we generate force and direct energy.
One must compress the body like a coiled spring and let the stored energy unleash.
To accelerate means to increase speed, in a short period of time, precisely at an angle that is the optimal jumping trajectory.
My training focus breaks down to two objectives:
- Recalibrate my body to be able to produce maximum force through a strategic mix of strength training and plyometric exercises.
- Address physical restrictions (E.g. tight hips / hamstrings / scapulas ) that limit my jumping potential, using breathing techniques and nervous system regulation.
Stay tuned as I document this training journey of rediscovering my athletic potential.
One jump at a time.