Plyometric training is one of the most under appreciated forms of exercise. Since this kind of training is relatively unknown, athletes can have a great advantage over their competitors who do not use plyometric training. This is one of the very few exercise programs that are very effective in increasing your speed and explosiveness in movement. Even non competitive athletes can benefit from plyometric training exercise program.
Weight training is good for developing your strength for your legs, but it does little in developing quick twitch muscles needed for explosiveness and quickness. Plyometric training involves jumping exercises that not only increases muscle strength, but speed and explosiveness. Plyometric exercise also develops other muscles besides the legs needed to jump higher.
Plyometric training exercises typically assist in the developing of quick twitch muscle fibers, which are important for explosive power and quickness. Even though the novice athlete do not use plyometric exercises, the competitive athletes have gained tremendous advantages with plyometric workouts.
There are a variety of exercises one can do. Many center on jumping onto, off, or over an object. One simple exercise could be simply jumping up onto a chair and then jumping off. When first starting out, jump on lower objects then build up. The number of times of doing this exercise is not as important as doing it at full maximum. The jumping higher after each rep is the goal, not repetition. Repetition builds endurance, while jumping higher with less reps helps builds explosion.
You should always adjust your plyometric exercises according to your goal and physical abilities. Novice athletes can get by with less number of reps and with less intensity. But when you exercise with intensity and at maximum effort, you will receive greater benefit from you plyometric training.
Pay attention to your body when you exercise. If you begin to experience achy knees or sore muscles, take a break. By allowing your body to recuperate, your plyometric training will more likely be safe and effective.
Plyometrics is one of the keys in learning how to jump higher. Practice these tips, and you will increase your vertical jump drastically.
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July 25, 2009
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