Increase your Performance Through Plyometrics
For those of you who were with us today you may be wondering why we were jumping around so much. The jumping motions are called Plyometrics. According to Wikipedia, Plyometrics is a type of training designed to produce fast, powerful movements, and improve the functions of the nervous system. During a plyometric movement a muscle is loaded and then contracted in rapid sequence, using the strength, elasticity and innervation of muscle and surrounding tissues to jump higher, run faster, throw farther, or hit harder, depending on the desired training goal. Plyometrics is used to increase the speed or force of muscular contractions, often with the goal of increasing the height of a jump. This is commonly practiced amongst athletes to increase performance.
Plyometrics engages the myostatic-reflex, which is the automatic contraction of muscles when their stretch nerve receptors are stimulated. Plyometric exercises use explosive movements to develop muscular power.
Plyometric training acts on the nerves, muscles, and tendons to increase an athlete’s power output without necessarily increasing their maximum strength. The most common form of exercises include, hops jumps, and bounding movements.
Plyometrics is not inherently dangerous, but the highly focused, intense movements used in repetition increase the potential level of stress on joints and musculo-tendonous units. Therefore safety precautions are a strong prerequisite to this particular method of exercise.
Plyometrics Safety Tips
You should have high levels of leg strength prior to performing plyometrics. Warm up thoroughly before starting plyometrics. Start slowly with small jumps and gradually build up, land softly to absorb shock. Allow plenty of rest between plyometric workouts. Stop immediately if you feel any pain in your joints. Pay attention to Injury Warning Signs. Use footwear with plenty of cushioning. Perform plyometrics on soft or cushioned surfaces only.
Check out these videos for some examples and powerful workouts!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amKCWpa_zY8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLzI1mcvIv8
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
Henry David Thoreau
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