If you are planning to do plyometric training, then it will be worth investing in a plyo box to practice your jumps. You can even use this to perform common upper body exercises with interesting variations. Note that crossfit plyo boxes come in different shapes and sizes. They each have their pros and cons so buyers have to get familiar with each design to figure out the right fit for them. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common designs below:
Adjustable Boxes
The goal of plyometrics is to increase your vertical leap. You start out using small boxes and work your way up to taller ones. The problem is that constantly buying new boxes for each set height can burn a hole through your pockets. Fortunately, some designs allow you to adjust the height as you progress. This means that you only need one box to go through a certain range. The adjustments can be incremental or discrete. Most of these are made of metal with thumbscrews that you can insert at different points along the legs.
3-in-1 Boxes
You could also purchase wooden 3-in-1 boxes which are rectangular prisms that have a different measurement for each side. For example, you might find something that has 12, 14, and 16 inches. You might also see options with 16, 20, and 24 inches. Pick one that best corresponds to your current level and immediate goal heights. You can always buy a bigger one later on. These boxes are super easy to use can you only have to lay them on the right side to get the vertical displacement that you desire. Some have cushioning on all sides to reduce your impact upon landing. These can really save the joints if you jump a lot.
Tapered Boxes
This type of box can only provide a single height but don’t count it out because it has other great features that make it a favorite among some fitness enthusiasts. For example, the fact that the base is slightly wider than the top provides this box with more stability. It is less likely to topple down when you land at the top. The tapering also means that your feet are less likely to hit the top edge. You can land more smoothly and reduce the risk of injuries. As a bonus, the shape lends itself well to crossfit plyo boxes when placing them in storage.