Basic Stretching for Increasing Vertical Jump Performance

When we talk about the process of maximizing explosion performance in athletics, we are always going to be talking about numerous internal body factors working together to produce the whole result.
In relation to the actual training process this will inevitably mean that training will be like a puzzle. All the pieces must be properly accounted for to help create that important total whole outcome.
The process of reaching our maximum vertical explosion potential includes factors like strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, quick twitch muscle development, proper nutrition, correct rest (to allow the muscles to rebuild), and flexibility through proper stretching. The bottom line with regard to that last puzzle piece of stretching is that it is the one which is least understood out of the entire list.
I frankly don't know one male elite athlete who has acquired the correct knowledge regarding what is what is proper stretching without the aid of a paid trainer. The obvious problem is these trainers cost money. So what about the rest of us who might want to know how to jump higher but aren't going to be able to pay a trainer? How do we learn proper stretching principles and techniques for our maximum jump height? We will look at the basics below with a vital joint and muscle group for jumping higher: the hip flexor.
--What is the hip flexor?
The hip flexor is actually a group of front muscles constituting the upper thigh from the hip to the knee. They are important in jump higher because they are primary working muscles in any full body explosion movement. To effectively stretch all the muscles making up the hip flexors of each leg you must concentrate on movements which are more pull and move, rather than grab and hold.
--Two simple dynamic stretch moves which are tailored to maximizing the flexibility of the hip flexor.
Again, when attacking the hip flexor you are wanting to think in terms of stretches which are done in a moving fashion rather than the more traditional hold or static form.
In stretch one you will want to get on your side and gently pull the leg back using your hand grabbing on your ankle. Go back as far as you can then release the hold and let your leg snap back forward slowly lifting as high as you can with the knee. Think about how high your knee would go up if you were standing and marching. Do this 10 or 15 times with each leg. This is an easy and powerful stretch which many athletes have never done.
Stretch two is also simple but powerful. Get on one knee with your other leg bent in front of you and the foot flat to the ground. Pull your shoulders back so your chest sort of sticks out in an exaggerated fashion. Roll forward with the upper body for a two count and back for a two count. 10 or 15 times is also a good number for this stretch. Remember with both basic stretches to be constantly moving but slow and controlled.

John Volk is founder of http://jumphigherexperts.com which he started after finding the resources to help him reach the goal of dunking a basketball at an advanced age. Join the fun at the website and at the Facebook fan page address: http://www.facebook.com/jumphigherexperts

Action Sportswear for BMX Riders

When it comes to BMX riding, it is hard core and it is necessary to have the right action sportswear not only to ensure that the rider is safe and protected but to also show style. Action sportswear is a form of active wear that is designed entirely for the use of athletic and sporting events.
Many designers create action sportswear exclusively as BMX apparel to make sure that the riders are safe as they take on the rush of adrenaline by doing flips and aerials while riding on their dirty path or ramps. In many cases, BMX riders have a style all of their own. With the popularity of the sport, some professional BMX riders even endorse certain designers as a form of commercialism. This helps the rider not only stay safe in the action sportswear but to also create a branding technique.
Some of the top riders in the world wear certain BMX apparel that has been given to them for the purpose of showing off the designer brand. Action apparel also helps a rider to create their own identity. Take for example, if a rider is wearing BMX apparel such as lime green shoes, they might be come to known to spectators that this is a certain rider and they should pay close attention to the high energy and expertise of the rider. It becomes a part of their signature look.
Fashion alone is not the only reason that BMX apparel is necessary for riders. The extreme sports pros must follow a specific dress code with action sportswear so that they are safe while they are riding their BMX bikes for fun and competition. It is necessary for a BMX rider to choose action sportswear that is comfortable yet functional. They must fit properly and not be loose fitting or otherwise the rider has risk of the clothing to get caught in the mechanics of their cycle which could cause a major accident and serves as quite a risk.
Some of the most common BMX apparel and action sportswear consists not only of a t-shirt and pants but also includes protective gear. BMX riders should wear shin and elbow guards in case they were to fall off the bike, protecting them from serious injury. Many times, BMX apparel will also consist of long sleeve jerseys. These can be found at a great value that includes graphics, cuffs that are made of elastic to avoid slippage on the arms and even a lightweight construction. That makes these jerseys useful in all types of weather.
There are also certain pants that BMX riders have available to choose from which are action sportswear called race pants. Many of these types of pants are designed with nylon for the best in construction and durability. The lightweight material allows a BMX athlete to ride in comfort without weighing a rider down or overheating them. These are also designed for flexibility so that added protective gear can be worn underneath the action sportswear.

Erika L. Rich is an Extreme Sports fan, Blogger, Social Media and Internet Marketer. If you are looking for a new and upcoming extreme sports designer with clothes that are made in the USA and are comfortable, check out http://FrithCoShop.com which is home of Frithco Extreme Sports Fashions based in Southern California and designed by Zach Lurie.