Adding the best plyo box to your fitness arsenal can give you more versatility in your home workouts than ever before.
In fact, whether you're in the gym or at home, a plyo box is a great piece of home gym equipment for performing high-impact exercises that target your stretch reflexes, your lower body, plus your stability.
Basketball players, for example, may use a plyo box to increase their vertical leap by simply upping the height of the box each session to help them reach new heights in their basketball sneakers on the court.
A plyo box doesn't necessarily have to be used just for jumping, though. It can also be used as a stable platform for dips, or even as a makeshift bench to perform some of the best back, shoulder, and chest exercises around.
If this sounds like the kind of equipment you need to kit out your own workout space, then our list of top picks should be the ideal place to begin your search.
Whether you're after something adjustable, like this JFIT set, or a wooden bit of kit, like this Yes4All Plyometric Box, we've got you covered right here.
We've also answered some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding plyo boxes to help you figure out which bit of kit is right for you. Before that though, here's our list of top picks...
Best plyometric box
- BalanceFrom 3-in-1 Plyo Box
- Yes4All Plyometric Box
- JFIT Plyometric Boxes
- Physical Company Soft Plyo Box
- Synergee 3-in-1 Plyometric Box
1. BalanceFrom 3-in-1 Plyo Box
Best plyo box overall
Size: 20" - 30"
If you're looking for a well-rounded but also extremely versatile bit of kit, then this BalanceFrom box could be for you.
It comes in 2 styles, regular and heavy-duty, and features a 20", 24", and 30" platform simply accessed by rotating the box.
Moreover, it is made from foam which should give you a soft landing, and is covered in an anti-slip material designed to reduce the risk of you injuring yourself by falling off the platform.
All in all, we feel this BalanceFrom box is a great option to consider if you're looking to improve your vertical jump or simply increase your lower body strength.
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2. Yes4All Plyometric Box
Best wooden plyo box
Size: 16" - 24"
This Yes4All Plyometric Box looks to be a great pick if you're searching for a durable, wooden platform for leg-based exercises.
It comes in 4 different sizes and 3 different colours to suit your preference, however, this particular box features a 16", 20", and 24" platform for you to train and progress with. Furthermore, Yes4All boasts its plywood construction offers you sturdiness, stability, and safety during your workouts throughout long-term use.
On the whole, we feel it's hard to look past this Yes4All bit of kit if a wooden plyo box is what you're after.
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3. JFIT Plyometric Boxes
Best plyo box for CrossFit
Size: 18" - 30"
We feel there's a lot to like about this offering from JFIT, most notably the fact it is a set of 3 which is ideal for high-intensity circuit training like CrossFit as you can easily and quickly adjust the heights.
Each box has a 16.5" x 16.5" top platform which is ideal for making sure you stick the landing every time. Additionally, the boxes come with durable non-slip vinyl landing surfaces, and non-slip rubber pads on all 4 corners, designed to improve the safety of your workouts.
So, get your best shoes for CrossFit ready because this plyo box set looks to be well worth considering if you're after multiple platforms to add to your CrossFit workout.
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4. Physical Company Soft Plyo Box
Best soft plyo box
Size: 3" - 18"
From steel to foam, this Physical Company Plyo Box is a softer alternative to consider which, Physical Company boasts, helps to reduce stress on your joints during your landing.
Each box is covered in non-skid vinyl too, which ensures that, even if you stack a few of these platforms on top of each other, they shouldn't move under pressure.
Also, it's worth pointing out that if you do decide to stack, each box can be connected to one another via the velcro on the side to further increase stability.
On the whole, this plyo box looks to be a great soft platform for your home gym to help you practice your vertical leap.
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5. Synergee 3-in-1 Plyometric Box
Best budget plyo box
Size: 12" - 16"
Synergee has made a notable appearance on our previous list of top barbells. This time, we shine a spotlight on their versatile 3-in-1 Plyometric Box, showcasing it as an excellent budget-friendly choice for those seeking jumping platforms.
What sets this equipment apart is its adaptable design featuring three height options: 12", 14", and 16". Adjusting the height is as easy as rotating the box, adding to its convenience.
Designed with slightly smaller dimensions, this plyometric platform is an ideal fit for newcomers embarking on their fitness journey. It provides a stepping stone for beginners aiming to progress to larger platforms over time.
In short, Synergee's plyo box is a compelling option to consider if you're seeking an inexpensive yet effective starting point for training.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
With so many different variations of plyo boxes to choose from, you might have a few queries about them, but we're here to clear up a few of the most common questions.
What should you look for in a plyo box?
When looking for a plyo box, there are a few important factors to consider. Firstly, the size of the box should be appropriate for your fitness level and the exercises you plan to do. A good rule of thumb is to choose a box that allows you to jump onto it with both feet comfortably, but not so tall that you have to strain to get on top of it.
You should also pick a plyo box that is made from sturdy materials and can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Look for boxes made from high-quality wood, metal, or plastic, as these should last the longest.
Also, the box you choose should be stable and not wobble or shift during use. Look for boxes with non-slip surfaces or rubber padding to prevent slipping.
Versatility is also another important factor to keep in mind. Consider whether you want a box with multiple heights or one that can be used for other exercises, such as step-ups or dips.
And finally, consider your budget when choosing a plyo box. While you don't want to skimp on quality, there are plenty of affordable options available that will still provide a safe and effective workout.
Should you use a plyo box every day?
This really depends on the kind of exercise you're using a plyo box for.
If you're using it for a variety of bodyweight exercises, then it should be okay to use a plyo box most days of the week. However, if you're intending to use a plyo box for jump squats every day, then we'd recommend incorporating some rest in between sessions.
Consecutive training will likely lead to fatigue and actually detriment your muscular gains as you won't allow your body enough time to recover and repair post-workout.
Is a wooden or soft plyo box better?
This will ultimately come down the personal preference.
Some of the more simplistic boxes are made from wood, however, this is typically quite strong and durable meaning it will likely withstand the test of time.
A foam plyo box will obviously provide you with a softer landing which can be beneficial for your joints, and, in many cases, are stackable so you can up the difficulty simply by adding another box to increase height.
How heavy should a plyo box be?
There's not really a definitive answer as it all depends on the size of the box and the materials used to make it.
What you need to be careful of though is you'll want something that's heavy enough to not easily slip around on the floor when you land a jump onto it. Adding rubber flooring to your setup should stop this though.
Generally speaking, a plyo box can range anywhere from 7 to 27lbs depending on the size, just make sure you select one which you can lift on your own in case you need to move it.
How long does a plyo box last?
There's not really an answer to this question as it depends on its build quality and how often it's used.
A high-quality foam or wooden box should last a good few years though even if used every week.
That said, the weight placed on top of the box will also affect how long it will last. Not necessarily your own weight, but if you begin to stack weight plates on top of your plyo box, for example, then you may create an indentation or even snap one of the sides in the case of wood.
Therefore, make sure you treat your plyo box with care if you're looking to get the most out of it.
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