You might have heard the word plyometrics before and wondered what in the world it meant.
Well it's a fancy word for jumping exercises.
There is a well known science behind jump training now and anyone can add inches to their vertical jump in a matter of weeks with some proper training.
Plyometric workouts are very intense but produce very quick results.
They are so intense that it's recommended you do them only twice a year.
When I say twice a year I mean that you can do them for 2 months and that counts as one training period of plyometrics.
They are not something you will do all year long.
The sports that use this type of training the most are volleyball and basketball.
But, plyometrics are also used in football and many other sports that require quickness because that is what they do, improve speed of movement.
Obviously you need to have fast muscles to jump, but every sport can benefit from explosive power.
Speed is only part of the equation for jumping higher, you also need strength.
In fact you should make sure that you already have plenty of strength before beginning a plyometric workout.
You should be comfortable squatting about 1.
5 times your body weight.
If your legs are weak I would not recommend starting a jumping program until you have strengthened them.
Having weak muscles and tendons will lead to injury from high impact exercises.
Remember that jump height is a perfect combination of speed and strength but that you should work on them during different workouts on different days.
Well it's a fancy word for jumping exercises.
There is a well known science behind jump training now and anyone can add inches to their vertical jump in a matter of weeks with some proper training.
Plyometric workouts are very intense but produce very quick results.
They are so intense that it's recommended you do them only twice a year.
When I say twice a year I mean that you can do them for 2 months and that counts as one training period of plyometrics.
They are not something you will do all year long.
The sports that use this type of training the most are volleyball and basketball.
But, plyometrics are also used in football and many other sports that require quickness because that is what they do, improve speed of movement.
Obviously you need to have fast muscles to jump, but every sport can benefit from explosive power.
Speed is only part of the equation for jumping higher, you also need strength.
In fact you should make sure that you already have plenty of strength before beginning a plyometric workout.
You should be comfortable squatting about 1.
5 times your body weight.
If your legs are weak I would not recommend starting a jumping program until you have strengthened them.
Having weak muscles and tendons will lead to injury from high impact exercises.
Remember that jump height is a perfect combination of speed and strength but that you should work on them during different workouts on different days.