Plyometric Exercises and How They Can Help You Reach Your Goals

Your first exposure to plyometric exercises may be the Plyometrics DVD with the P90X program, and this is one heck of an introduction. Plyometrics involves fast, explosive movements designed to increase your strength, decrease your response time, and burn some serious calories in the process. Plyometrics is a seriously powerful workout and one that you will hopefully grow to love.

Originally designed to increase the strength of Russian track stars, plyometric exercises slowly gained popularity as a training approach in the US. It helps you run faster, turn quicker, and jump higher. The results of plyometric exercises in training programs are to improve strength and reaction time, making it a great choice for coaches and trainers alike.

With the P90X program you will spend a lot of time in the air when you do the plyo workout. With 30 plyometric exercises, this workout will challenge you and rock your body. Initially you may not like this workout. It is tough. It is definitely a challenge for most people and something that you will get better and better at over time. Before long you will be craving the calorie burn and explosive moves of this challenging workout.

Plyometric exercises are based on the concept of loading and releasing muscles. If you squat before a jump, your jump will be higher and more explosive. Similar to how your muscles react when a doctor checks your reflexes, your muscles will learn to respond faster as you get better at the plyometric exercises and you continue your training.

If you are a runner, plyometric exercises can increase your speed. They can also help your jump shot if you like to shoot hoops or make you quicker on your turns if flag football is your weekend game of choice. Plyometric exercises have many benefits waiting for you to discover as you jump your way to total body fitness.