Sep 05 2009
Plyometric Training For Runners
Plyometric training is the little known secret that competitive athletes do not want you to know about, since it gives them an enormous advantage over their competitors. If you desire to increase your speed and explosiveness in movement, plyometric exercises are one of the few that are very effective. Even those who are not competitive athletes can benefit from plyometrics and greatly enhance their physical conditioning.
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 exercises focuses typically on the development of quick twitch muscles which are important for quickness and explosive movements. Competitive athletes are gaining enormous advantages by applying plyometric training exercises in their 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.
Adjusting the plyometric exercise workout is necessary according to your physical ability or goals. As a novice athlete, your workout can be less intense with less reps. But if you desire to get the full benefit from plyometric training, each rep should be done at maximum effort and focused intensity.
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.
If you desire to learn increase your speed, plyometrics is a must. If you work on plyometric exercises, you will drastically enhance your athletic abilities.
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