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Why Are Plyometric Boxes So Damn Expensive?!

why-are-plyometric-boxes-so-expensive

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If you like exercise that improves speed, agility, and overall body strength, you’re familiar with plyometric boxes. But did you know that physical therapists also use this equipment to perform exercises that help athletes prevent injury and accelerate rehabilitation?

Additionally, using plyometric boxes effectively helps lose weight because of the high-intensity movements they encourage.

However, these boxes are expensive, with prices all above $50. In this article, learn why it’s costly and what alternatives you can use for the same benefits at a lower price.

Table of Contents

The Main Reasons Why Plyometric Boxes Are So Expensive

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A plyometric box is a sturdy platform used for stepping and jumping exercises. It significantly impacts fitness routines by allowing individuals to do various activities at different levels of elevation. 

The cuboid type of plyometric box is the rectangular-shaped box you can often see in fitness gyms. This type has a flat top, bottom, and sides. However, not all cuboid plyometric boxes are perfect cubes. Others also come in different dimensions, such as the trapezoidal, an elevated platform with a broader bottom than the top, usually covered in rubber.

Plyometric boxes are expensive because of:

Materials Used

Plyo boxes made of wood are simple, beautiful, durable, and easy to build. It’s a piece of effective and affordable training equipment but unsuitable for outdoor exercise as it quickly gets wet. If you’re looking for a durable plyometric box that will last, go with metal plyo boxes that can withstand any weather and have a rubber layer on top for safety. 

A stackable solid foam block covered in vinyl helps you create a soft landing. Foam plyo boxes are less durable than the two types but are very common in fitness centers and home gyms.

Storage Spaces

Most businesses consider the amount of space a product uses when storing. Since plyometric boxes come in different sizes, some take up so much space. Because of its large size, manufacturers and sellers will need ample storage for all their unsold stocks that they can use for other products.

Shipping Process

It’s difficult and expensive to ship plyometric boxes. The packaged weight and dimensions determine the rate of shipping orders. Couriers like FedEx and UPS calculate their rates depending on which has the higher value. They also have to use a lot of bubble wraps and covers to ensure that the item you’ll receive is in good condition. Therefore, these businesses increase the price of plyometric boxes to minimize expenses or losses.

Low Demand

Although plyometric exercise is popular, it’s not in demand. Many people do these exercises without equipment or use what is available in their gym instead of buying plyo boxes. Low demand means these tools are created in limited numbers and thus have restricted stocks.

What Are the Best Alternatives to Plyometric Boxes?

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You shouldn’t avoid plyometric exercises because you can’t afford plyo boxes. Furthermore, some activities don’t need this equipment, like jump lunges, high knees, mountain climber crosses, and many more. 

You can also use cheaper alternatives for plyo boxes:

  1. Utilize your gym’s equipment. If the local gym doesn’t have plyo boxes, use similar tools like a squat box, weight bench, dip bar station, or Bosu ball.
  2. Purchase an aerobic step board. It’s cheaper and requires less storage space. Step boards are effective in other exercises, additional intensity levels, and weights.
  3. Use a shock-absorbing mat with thick and soft material for a soft landing. They are more functional and more accessible to store than a plyometric box. Unfortunately, most workout mats are in the same price range as a plyo box.
  4. Go to a park and use the picnic bench, it’s not high enough, but it still helps. You can also use a regular and sturdy bench you have at home.
  5. Notice your stairs near the ground. However, always be careful when doing plyo workouts on stairs. 
  6. Work the couch. It does a great job in jump training because it’s soft and tall enough for these exercises. Ensure it’s not slippery or anything accident-inducing.
  7. Make your own plyo box. You’ll have to spend money, but it’s still less than buying a plyometric box.

Is a Plyo Box Worth It?

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Yes, plyo boxes are still in production because they are worth it. This fitness training equipment is functional, adaptable, durable, and highly effective in reaching your fitness goals. It helps improve muscle strength, core stability, and coordination. In plyometric exercise, the plyo boxes serve as building blocks.

Trainers use these boxes as a jumping platform suitable for building the muscle needed for the whole training. 

The price reflects the item’s high quality that can withstand continuous high impact, ensures a comfortable feeling when you jump, and has a solid grip to prevent injuries. 

Here are some things to check to get the perfect prime plyo box for you:

  • Pick a plyo box with the correct height suitable for you.
  • Choose the right material.
  • Ensure that it’s sturdy and durable enough to last long.
  • Look for the plyo box with a non-slip surface.
  • It must not have sharp edges, peeling coatings, and bad stitching.

How Many Plyometric Boxes Do I Need?

The answer will depend on your preferences, training, and level of expertise. The average size of plyometric boxes is 20 to 30 inches, with a height of 24 inches.

Most beginners should start at 16 inches, while most men choose 20 inches. After you get comfortable and ready to move to the next level, you can gradually increase the height. 

You can use a higher plyo box or stack them to make a new height combination. However, there is an increased risk of injury, muscle pain, and joint stress when using plyo boxes, especially for beginners. Because of this, you’ll have to begin with light usage and low-impact exercise, slowly progressing as you gain more strength and muscles.

Conclusion

Plyometric boxes are still on the market today because of their effectiveness in exercise routines. Although they are undeniably expensive, their durability, which helps in injury prevention and rehabilitation, is enough to make them worth buying.

However, if they are too costly for your budget, you can always try alternatives first and save up for a real plyo box in the future.

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