Plyometric training is relatively new in the world of fitness. Unlike straight strength training or cardio like running, plyometric workouts just arose in the early 1970s. Plyometric workouts were originally used as a training program for track and field in the former Soviet Union. It later traveled across the globe where it earned the title “plyometrics” from United States track coach, Fred Witt.
The goal of plyometrics is to increase strength, shorten reaction time, and increase overall power behind quick movements. It improves your ability to run faster, turn quicker, and jump higher. For this reason plyometric workouts are used in a variety of sports and training programs to condition athletes.
Plyometric workouts and moves are all focused on “loading” the muscles for quick explosive reactions. Similar to the way a basketball player can jump higher when they get a few steps in before their jump, loading the muscle prior to any movement gets a stronger and more powerful response. It’s when you push the body to realize a maximum potential in a quick fast movement that real gains are made with plyometric workouts.
Think of how your leg reacts when a doctor tests your reflexes. This is similar to the movements your muscles experience in plyometric workouts. By loading the muscle and training it to contract quickly and powerfully, you can expect quicker and more powerful reactions from your muscles in running, kicking, throwing, turning, and jumping.
Plyometric workouts are important in many sports. Another benefit of plyometrics though, is their ability to work your entire body and get your heart rate pumping. Through big jumps, squats, and explosive movements, plyometric workouts can burn some serious calories while building muscles and shortening reaction times.
P90X includes a great plyometric workout in the series. The plyo DVD is definitely the “beast” of the P90X workouts as it requires you to continually lift your entire body off of the ground. As you gain experience and confidence with this workout, your jumps will get higher and stronger and you will feel great as the moves are called out.
