Plyometrics are a way of utilizing fast, powerful movements to develop lower body strength and power through improving the way the nervous system works.   Although commonly used by athletes to improve performance in sports, they can also be a very important addition to any regular fitness regimen.  The addition of plyometrics can be a great way to “shock” the body and boost up your regular fitness regimen to prevent plateau.

Top 5 Benefits:

1. Increase muscle power

Regular plyometric work can produce results fairly fast by improving muscle explosiveness and their ability to contract and produce force more quickly.

2. Increase lower body strength and endurance

Plyometrics significantly work all the muscles of the legs leading to the development of lean muscle mass, resulting in a stronger base of support.  Muscle endurance and stamina is also improved allowing the legs to work and perform at a higher intensity for a longer period of time.  Plyometrics can also be performed with the upper body, producing similar results in upper body strength and endurance.

3. Burn more calories

Not only will you burn more calories during a plyometric workout, due to the increase in lean muscle mass that results, resting metabolic rate will also be increased.  This means your body will burn more calories throughout the day at a resting state and even more calories during workouts.

4. No Equipment is needed

All you need is your body weight, an open space, and things you can find lying around the house or at a local park to perform a plyometric program.

5. Can be easily altered to suit any fitness level

You don’t have to be an athlete training for a competitive sport to take part in a plyometric routine.  Anything from skipping to 2 foot jumps on and off a bench can be classified as a plyometric exercise.  It is easy to increase intensity by increasing the distance or height of each jump or the number of reps performed in each set.

Safety Precautions:

• Performing plyometric training the wrong way can result in injuries, so be sure to use proper progression and techniques.  If you are unsure about how to add plyometrics into your fitness regimen, consult a personal trainer for guidance.
• Ensure a proper warm-up including cardiovascular activity and dynamic flexibility is performed prior to taking part in a plyometric program to reduce injury potential.

Email Michelle@CORE-Condition.com for more information about how to safely add plyometric exercises to your fitness routine.

Michelle Roots BA KIN, CSCS, PES

www.CORE-Condition.com