You don’t have to move to Hollywood or go on a shopping spree to look like a star. You can look like one in your own home or at the gym. The star jump exercise is a plyometric exercise, which means it deals with an explosive movement. The idea of this jumping exercise is to make your body into the shape of a star. As with all plyometric exercises, this one can improve jumping ability and muscle strength. This exercise focuses on your legs.
When squatting, do not allow your knees to go past your toes.
Walk or jog for five minutes to warm up prior to doing this exercise.
Aim for 15 repetitions of this exercise; if you feel tired, stop. Increase the number of repetitions as you feel comfortable.
Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercises.
Step 1
Stand with your feet together. Bend your knees slightly. Put your arms at your sides.
Step 2
Bend your knees and lower yourself into a squat position. Lean forward slightly. Lower your hands and bring them slightly in front of you as you squat so that they are at knee level by the bottom of the squat.
Step 3
Jump as high as you can. At the same time, lift your arms into the air and outward in a V position. Open your legs out into an inverted V position with the arms extended as well. The body forms the outline of a star.
Step 4
Bring your arms and legs in as you descend from the jump. Land on the floor with your feet together and your knees slightly bent.
Step 5
Stand up with your arms at your sides and your knees slightly bent. Lower yourself back into a squat position. Repeat the exercise after landing by pushing up again and extending your arms and legs into the star jump.
Tips
Tips
Tips
Warnings
References
Resources
Tips
- When squatting, do not allow your knees to go past your toes.
- Walk or jog for five minutes to warm up prior to doing this exercise.
- Aim for 15 repetitions of this exercise; if you feel tired, stop. Increase the number of repetitions as you feel comfortable.
Warnings
- Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercises.
Writer Bio
Though constantly traveling the world, Julia Williams is based in Chicago and has been writing since 2006. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting. She is also a licensed fitness instructor, specializing in Pilates since 2003 and has written hundreds of articles on exercise and health.