One of the most under appreciated forms of exercise is plyometric training . In a way, this is a good thing because if you are a competitive athlete, this type of training will give you an enormous edge over your competitors. Without a doubt, there are very few exercise programs that are as effective as plyometric training in terms of its ability to enhance and develop speed and explosiveness in movement. Actually, even if you are not a competitive athlete you can still benefit from a plyometric exercise program. This is because plyometric training can greatly enhance physical conditioning like few other exercise programs are able.
Plyometric training not only develops muscle strength, but speed and explosiveness in the jumping exercises. Weight lifting will strengthen your muscles, but it does very little in developing the quick twitch muscles needed for explosiveness and quickness. Plyometric exercises 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 is a variety of exercises you can perform, jumping on and off an sturdy object is one example. This exercise can be repeated over and over again, but the purpose is to develop explosive power, and not endurance. Therefore, each rep or jump should attempt to jump as high as you can. As soon as your jump max is starting to decline because of fatigue, it is time to stop that exercise.
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.
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.