5 Reasons To Add Plyometric Training To Your Fitness Routine

Do you remember the days when you were still in school and had to take gym class? Well, all of those activities your physical education teachers used to make you do– the running, the sprinting, and jumping all over the place, are all called plyometrics.

Back then, it may have seemed like just a bunch of random physical activities your gym teachers had you do to keep you busy, but in reality, there was a good reason behind all of those moves. Plyometric training activities are an ideal way for you to get your entire body in shape as quickly as possible.

What Is Plyometric Training?

Plyometric Training, also called plyometrics, is a compilation of physical exercises that consist of what are called “explosive” movements.

Some primary examples of plyometric training exercises include:

• Jump lunges
• Burpees
• Box jumps
• Mountain climbers

Benefits Of Adding Plyometric Training To Your Fitness Routine

There can be many reasons why an individual would want to add plyometric training to their regular fitness routine. The benefits and advantages of incorporating plyometrics are many.

Below you find five very good reasons why you may want to consider adding plyometric training to your fitness routine:

1.) Plyometric training helps you get more exercise done in less time

Instead of spending an hour or more on an elliptical or another exercise machine, you can do some plyometrics and the same level of benefits and results in minutes instead of hours, especially with regular practice. Faster and more effective workouts are a no-brainer, and you will have less of an excuse not to work out.

2.) Plyometric training helps your body burn more fat and calories

By nature, plyometrics are high-intensity exercise activities, and they help you burn significantly more fat than other exercises that are slow to moderately paced, like traditional cardio. In addition, plyometric training provides your body with an after-burn effect which means that for the 24 to 48 hours directly following your workout, you will be boosting your metabolism and continuing to burn calories.

3.) Plyometric training helps you build strength

The focus of plyometric training is primarily on increasing fast-twitch muscle fiber strength and efficiency. What this means is with the regular incorporation of plyometrics into your fitness routine you can gain both strength and speed, without ever having to lift any weights.

4.) Plyometric training helps build joint and bone health

Resistance training of any type is beneficial to the building and maintenance of joint and bone health, and plyometrics is a form of resistance training. Incorporating the following exercises in your workout will help you build healthier joints and bones for life:

• Plank jumps
• Squat jumps
• Tuck jumps

5.) Plyometric training boosts overall athletic performance

Regardless of whether you are an avid rock climber, runner, or ultimate Frisbee player, plyometric training can help you get in better shape for and boost your overall performance in any activity or sport that you enjoy taking part in.

Safety First

Plyometric workouts are high impact, which means they are hard on the joints and include high intensity and explosive movements. If you have any medical conditions or concerns, it is important to check with your doctor to make sure that this type of exercise is appropriate for your state of health.

Beginners

When you first start with plyometric exercises, you may find them difficult, especially if you are out of shape or have not been working out consistently for some time. Don’t give up! It may take some time to get through an entire routine when you first begin, but the rewards are great.

Also, don’t overreach in your enthusiasm by doing too much too soon or taking on advanced moves that require advanced strength and fitness levels. Start with beginner moves, low reps, and practice form, even if that means you can only do 5 or 7 minutes in 1 session. Keep adding time and reps as you get stronger and you will see your fitness level improve while avoiding injury at the same time.

A thorough warm-up and cool-down are essential before plyometric training. Moves that increase heart rate along with dynamic stretching and general mobility, especially at the joints make for the best warm-ups.

The cool down should gradually return you to the pre-exercise state; it is never a good idea to stop cold in the middle of intensive training.

Bottom Line

There are many benefits to gain from implementing plyometric training into your regular fitness routine. If you want to experience some of these benefits and advantages, it may be time for you to consider incorporating plyometrics into your exercise routine right away.