What are plyometric exercises?
Plyometrics is a form of exercise that focuses on building muscle power. It often involves jumping and can be used on its own or incorporated into your regular exercise routine.
Pyometrics help improve your overall exercise performance as well as have a positive impact on daily living activities. For example, practicing plyometrics can improve your ability to carry your groceries into the house from the car, pick up your young child from the ground, or squat to the ground to pick something up off the floor.
What Are Plyometric Exercises and Who Can Benefit From Them?
Plyometric exercises include box jumps, squat jumps, kicking, throwing, and power push-ups. They are compound exercises, meaning they have two parts. When you land from a jump your muscles lengthen as they contract (contract eccentrically). As you jump again your muscles shorten up (concentric contraction). This repeated pattern of stretching and contracting helps build speed and strength.
Many athletes use these exercises to improve their performance and training. Plyometrics can also be used as part of a larger routine to improve muscular strength, fitness, and power, all of which are important skills for sports and strength activities.
Plyometrics are not limited to elite athletes. Many individuals can benefit from the explosive movements that are involved in plyometrics as long as you are able to safely perform high intensity, high impact exercises. Before starting a plyometric routine, check with your health care provider and ideally work with a trainer to ensure proper technique.
You can perform plyometrics in the gym using equipment like boxes, benches, and battle ropes. Alternatively, you can set up a circuit in the local park or in your backyard to complete a great plyometric workout.
Make sure you have a soft surface to land on so you don't risk injuring your ankles or knees. Always err on the side of caution when you're performing explosive movements, especially if you're a beginner to plyometrics.