| How did the ancient Greek athletes get such perfect | | | | sets of six to eight jumps using heavy weights will |
| bodies without all the modern equipment we have | | | | develop explosive power and give an overall body |
| today? The secret could be painted on a vase! | | | | workout. |
| The ancient Greek long jump is an exercise I started | | | | It can also be done with lighter weights in the hands to |
| using after studying the ancient Olympic Games and | | | | give a great cardio workout. I found that alternating |
| other athletic events. Although the exercise is virtually | | | | between 30 seconds of Greek long jumps and 30 |
| extinct these days, there are still clues in the form of | | | | seconds of recovery is a demanding, but excellent, |
| paintings and drawings on ancient vases. | | | | form of High Intensity Interval Training (HITT). |
| These illustrations make it clear that today's long jump | | | | And of course, doing some long jumps with no |
| is very different from the original Greek version. | | | | weights, just with clenched fists, is a great way to get |
| Originally, the athlete took no run up before the jump. In | | | | the blood flowing and warm the body up before |
| the ancient version, he dropped to a squatting position | | | | heavier exercise. |
| while swinging his arms back and down. He then | | | | Of course, as with any type of training, you need to be |
| launched forwards, swinging his arms up and forward | | | | sensible here. Don't be reckless and start by using |
| as he jumped. | | | | weights that are far too heavy. Start small and |
| Weights called halteres were held in each hand to | | | | practice using good form before building up to more |
| assist with propulsion. Unlike today's version, the ancient | | | | demanding workouts. Protect your feet, ankles and |
| Greek long jump didn't consist of a single jump. The | | | | knees by using the right shoes and only jumping on a |
| idea was to perform several jumps, such that the | | | | safe surface. This exercise isn't suitable for everyone, |
| landing from one jump immediately became the | | | | so consult your doctor if there's any doubt. |
| take-off for the next. | | | | But if you do start to incorporate the Greek long jump |
| Even though this exercise has been long forgotten, I | | | | into your training, it won't be very long before you see |
| believe it's still incredibly worthwhile. Instead of stone | | | | a jump in your physique too. This really is one giant |
| halteres, today one can use modern dumbbells. A few | | | | leap for mankind! |