Plyometric

What does the term plyometric mean? Plyometric is used to describe exercise training that is fast, powerful and designed to improve the function of the nervous system. Plyometric exercises can help athletes improve their performances in a specific type of sport. Plyometric exercises focus on the individual’s strength, elasticity and muscle innervation. A plyometric exerciser may soon find that the training has helped them to jump higher, throw harder and perform at a much higher level than using standard training techniques.

Plyometric training involves using movements in an exercise regime that assists in toughening up tissues and training nerve cells to stimulate certain patterns of contraction so that the muscle can generate more power in less time. What are some examples of plyometric exercise techniques? Some low intensity lower body exercises might include squat jumps, jumps to a box or lateral jumps to a box. Moderate intensity exercises might include split squat jumps, tuck jumps, lateral box push offs and bounding, with or without rings. The highest intensity exercises may see an athlete perform zigzag hops, single leg tuck jumps and single leg lateral hops.

Are plyometric exercises safe? Studies show that these exercises can carry a risk of injury because of the force generated during the training techniques. In fact, health and exercise gurus advise athletes not to try plyometric exercises until you are in a well-conditioned shape, and under close supervision. An athlete needs strength, flexibility and proprioception beyond the norm before he or she even begins to put a body to the test.

Additionally, factors such as age, surface, bodyweight and footwear are important in determining a safe exercise regiment. Low intensity exercises are recommended for younger athletes or adults who can only squat less than one and a half times their bodyweight. For more information on plyometric exercises, visit the link below.