Do you want to know how to jump higher? There are many programs out on the internet that promise to double your vertical jump. Many of these programs are really looking to double the size of someone else's wallet with your money. Do a simple Google search for terms like: "how to jump higher", "jump higher", "exercises to jump higher" and you will see what I mean... those really long web pages with lots of highlights and fake testimonials.

If you want to learn how to jump higher what you really need is just some common sense. Learning how to jump higher means exercising not only your muscles but training your nerves and strength force to respond more efficiently. This well documented training method is called Plyometrics Training.

Plyometrics Training refers to a specialized type of training used to produce explosive muscular reactions. When you build muscle, you build strength. But muscle strength is not always used as efficiently as possible. Plyometrics Training involves taking the inherent strength in a muscle and training it to produce explosive muscular results.

More specifically, Plyometric Training involves doing hops, runs and jumps to train. Athletes often use exercise platforms, sturdy boxes or stairs to perform Plyometric Training.

Now here's the "secret" you can use to train your muscles on how to jump higher. Buy a weight vest to implement into your regular or Plyometric training program. Weight vests are no longer bulky or uncomfortable. Advancements in design and technology have made weight vests comfortable, adjustable and stylish. You can buy weight vests with variable weighted allocations. This will allow you to add more resistance as you progress on your quest to jump higher. There are a lot of great weight vests on the market. In my opinion the Hyperwear is one of the best. It was named by Men's Health magazine as one of their top products for 2009.

But how well does it work? Texas Tech University went out and did a study to answer this very question. They chose to test track and field athletes by having some of them train using Plyometric exercises and weighted vests. What did they find? After six weeks, both groups improved their vertical jumping ability. The athletes who did not wear any weighted training devices increased their vertical jumps by 1.3 inches, while the plyometric people soared a full 3 inches higher, a terrific 13% improvement.

So Plyometric training is a great way to learn how to increase your vertical. Using a weight vest to provide added resistance will give even superior vertical leaping capability.