What are Plyometrics?

I just realized that some may not know what plyo's or plyometrics are. Plyometrics are a type of movement used in training. These movements are referred to as 'explosive' movements, for they engage muscle groups and your nervous system rapidly, with quick bursts of force. The most common type of plyometric movements involve jumping or push ups.

Lots of athletes use plyometric movements to become more flexible, stronger, and faster. They are so superb for leaning out, and the best part is you can do most of the exercises at home!

Here are some examples of exercises:

I refer to this movement as the 'ice skater', you jump laterally (from side to side) as far as you can. This movement is great your legs and your core.

Box jumps are another form of plyometrics. There are so many varieties to the box jump too.

This move is a 'jump lunge' and you do just as it says. Begin in the lunge position then jump switching your landing leg so that when you land, you lunge on your other leg.

This is an upper body example of plyometrics, although this move is not something I can do!

Benefits of Plyometric Training:

• Lower resting heart rate & better aerobic health
• Can increase bone mass & osteoporosis prevention
• Improved nervous system
• Targets small and fast twitch muscles thereby improving definition
• Builds muscle and leans away the fat

Essentially, the plyometric movement consists of stretching & contracting the muscle, or lengthening (eccentric) and shortening (concentric) bursts. But be careful, it it easy to injure yourself and often people who have bad joints should avoid this training.