So I'm thinking about adding barbell jump squats into my routine (explosive lifting for increased MA capability.)

How do you feel about this exercise? I started with deadlifts, then moved onto power cleans, and I think my body is now ready for this exercise... but I wanted to make sure it wasnt dangerous before I began.

I plan on using light loads. I read somewhere that around 30% 1RM is a good weight. Anybody have suggestions?

Thanks.

Like all plyometrics they are very harsh on the joints, so watch out.

They are a good exercise, WHEN done correctly. When done incorrectly, they can be disasterous. Make sure you get your technique 100% right and don't work them into your routine intensively.

Have you considered belt and/or sled runs or any other sprinting exercises?

Plyo-squats with weights? I wouldn't.

hmm I guess I should be a little wary then.

As far as your suggestions go.. I have not and for several reasons.

1. I'm broke... I know that I can get the materials for cheap... but when I say broke, I mean I'm struggling to make sure I have enough to eat.

2. I live in a college dormatory... and my university gym doesnt have anywhere to do something like that either.

I appreciate the comment, but I've already got a routine that I do. I was just debating on whether or not I should add weighted jump squats to it.

the answer to ur question then is no, to much pressure on joints when there are much more practical exercises that can be done

Thanks for the response Jasper

When I used to have a trainer for basketball/weightlifting, a couple exercises he would have me do would be to jump from the floor, onto an aerobic step(w/e u call them) and then back. And sometimes I would have light dumbbells in my hands and do them, with a smaller step, of course. This was for explosive power, which is essential for basketball, to jump high and board some rebounds. Another exercise would be to jump up and touch the ceiling or backboard of a net, then immediately reset and jump again (jump squats?). I would only recommend doing them if you're trying to jump higher, or else theres not really much of a point to them.