Plyometric boxes, more commonly known as plyo boxes are now frequently found amongst most gyms across the UK. Whether they are left abandoned stacked up in a corner or lying around in the middle of the gym they are nonetheless a great addition to any facility. Although it can be overlooked or even replaced by a bench, the plyo box is a versatile piece of equipment which provides gymgoers with endless training possibilities whilst also being much more stable and safer than a gym bench.
Having said that, just how much can you do with a plyo box? Where should it go in your facility? And which type of plyo box should you go for? Here we look at all those questions and give you all the tools to make sure you get the right type for your facility.
Plyo Boxes: What are they? Where to use them?
As indicated in the name, the plyo box originates from plyometrics, a training method which aims to develop power (the speed-strength relationship) invented in the 1970s in the former Soviet Union by Yuri Verkhoshansky “the father of plyometrics”. Jumps and skips being the key training aspects of the plyometrics method, along came the first plyometric boxes, often in much less practical formats than the current ones.
Plyometrics now being a staple training method for high performance athletes such as rugby players or footballers it is also found a lot in CrossFit whilst most personal trainers will also use it for clients. As a result, plyo boxes are found in most commercial gyms nowadays, having said that, how many times have you found them stacked in the corner of the gym with no space to use them? At least a few times I’d bet…
Where possible we would recommend creating specific areas in your facility for functional/plyometric training. Not only will users be able to make full use of your functional equipment such as your plyo boxes, skipping ropes, hurdles or slam balls but this will also avoid crowding of the free weight area and make your facility a safer place. Not to mention that users will stop stepping on your gym benches. For help with your gym design get in touch with us now for free non-binding advice!
Which Plyo Box should I GET?
With different users and different goals in mind, there exists a range of plyo boxes, not all targeted for the same training type. We review each type and discuss which one is best for you.
The Wooden Plyo Box
A favourite amongst CrossFit facilities, wooden plyo boxes tend to be the heaviest of the boxes, weighing circa. 25kg, and are therefore also the sturdiest with very little chance of toppling over. Equally, the wooden surface of the box is much less likely to become slippery with sweat, humidity or leaks from water bottles compared to the vinyl boxes.
Recap:
Best For:
+ High intensity training environments
The Multi Sided Soft Plyo Box
The Origin Multi Sided Plyo Box Perfect for anyone starting off in plyometric training, looking to gain confidence in their jumps and avoid the bloody shins that can come with jump training. Giving users 3 options at 20”, 24” and 30” and with a dense foam core to absorb every landing this box gives users a soft but sturdy surface to work with.
Recap:
Best For:
+ Home Gyms
+ PT Studios
+ Physiotherapists and rehab studios
+ Class based circuits
The Stackable Soft Plyo Boxes
Made from the same high-density foam as the Multi Sided Box, the Stackable Soft Plyo Box however offer much more flexibility to users’ workouts. With 5 different sizes boxes at 3”, 6”, 12”, 18” and 24” which can be stacked and velcro strapped together, users can create varying heights as they progress. Perfect for high performance environments, for sports team and athletes the Stackable Plyo Boxes allow users to push their limits and develop their athletic ability to new heights.
Recap:
Best For:
+ Sport Clubs
+ Athletes
Plyo boxes are a great addition to any gym facility, allowing for virtually unlimited training opportunities they are perfect to build strength, power and overall fitness. Chosen correctly and incorporated in the right place in your facility or home gym they they will provide great benefits to yours or your users workout routines.
