Plyometrics is a branch of aerobic fitness which concentrates on specific exercises to develop muscle and increase the power of movement. This allows athletes or exercise beginners to enhance their level of performance by improving speed, strength, and endurance.
In this article, we discuss:-
- Examples of Plyometric Exercises
- Key Benefits of Plyometrics
- 4 Gym Staples for Plyo Work
Read on to find out how you can get the most out of Plyometric exercise and the best Gym equipment staples to get you started.
Examples of Plyometric Exercises
Plyometrics is based on using quick, intense movements with maximum effort in a short period of time. It focuses on activities such as jump squats, reverse lunge knee-ups, burpees and box jumps to master the agility, power and endurance of your own bodyweight.
Standard type exercises are:-
- Skater Hop
- Burpees
- Pop Squat
- Tuck Jump
There are different levels of Plyometric exercise from simple, gentle movements to explosive, high-intensity sessions which challenge your entire body and muscle groups.
Key Benefits of Plyometrics
Building Plyometrics into your routine has a number of benefits.
Increases Speed and Power
Regular Plyometric workouts will increase your speed, coordination and overall strength. This is particularly beneficial for athletes who rely on their performance levels in sports such as Volleyball, Football, Boxing and Track activities.
Reduces the Risk of Injury
By consistently using specific muscle groups with correct form you are able to boost your ability to absorb shock and impact reducing risk of tendon or ligament damage.
Adds Variety to Your Workout
Sticking to the same fitness routine can become dull and demotivating especially if you are no longer challenging yourself. By adding a Plyometric spin to your training sessions you can achieve better results in a short time while increasing your motivation and stamina levels.
4 Gym Staples for Plyo Work
Whether you are just beginning your Plyometric journey or are a trained professional, you need to invest in the following gym staples to keep your workouts versatile, challenging and safe.
Plyometric Box
Plyo Boxes come in sets or sold individually and are a fantastic tool for performing box jumps and similar workouts. With 3 height options, this sturdy 23kg Plyo Box from Super Strong Fitness is portable, super versatile and competitively priced.
Shock Absorbent Gym Mats
Plyometric exercise relies on a safe landing to protect your joints, tendons and ligaments from injury. Gym mats or tiles help to absorb impact and reduce fatigue while you workout.
Skipping Ropes
Jumping is a key feature in Plyometric fitness. Enter the faithful skipping rope, the perfect aid of improving agility and speed. Urban Fitness do a great set of 2.7m leather jump ropes with foam handles for smooth and comfortable movement.
Weighted Vests and Free Weights
A weighted vest is the ideal accessory for increasing the intensity and efficiency of your Plyo workout. With adjustable weight pockets and suitable for a wide range of exercises, a weighted vest can drive results in a shorter length of time. Free weights can also be incorporated into Plyometric routines to add more challenge.
Conclusion
Plyometrics is a powerful method of training your body to master endurance, strength and fast-paced activity. With so many physical benefits to both athletes and absolute beginners, it is an approach to fitness that can be tailored to suit your level and specific needs. By sourcing a few gym staples to help you establish a good Plyometric routine, you will always have basic resources to hand for both Plyo work and other conditioning exercises.