What are plyometrics for?

M

mommy2

Active Member
What is their purpose in a cardio program? I just wonder if it's beneficial to do them or just stick to the beginner modifications (in the FIRM videos).

Thanks!
 
Plyometrics is essentially decreasing the time your muscle takes to contract, therefore, resulting in more power...ie crouching down in squat position and jumping up w/ both feet in the air. It makes your body more efficient at reacting to load bearing exercises & can ultimately improve speed, strength, agility, etc. Plyometrics can really help to up the intensity on your existing program and shock your body. I would suggest modifications if you are just starting out and slowly add in various moves as you feel your body is ready to take it to the next level.


"you miss 100% of the shots you never take"


Debbie
 
Gosh, Debbie, that is the best definition of plyometrics I have ever read! Thanks for sharing.

Now, what is the difference between plyo moves and pylo moves?

Marie
 
>Gosh, Debbie, that is the best definition of plyometrics I
>have ever read! Thanks for sharing.
>
>Now, what is the difference between plyo moves and pylo
>moves?
>
>Marie

So are you trying to trip me up now....eh? LOL Glad to help!

"you miss 100% of the shots you never take"


Debbie
 
Thanks for your responses! I guess it would be good to do then. I get confused with all the information out there. For some reason I thought that your body would get accustomed to this kind of workout and won't be as effective in recovering after weight training.
 
Thanks for asking this question-I've often wondered the same thing.

And thanks Debbie for explaining it to me.:)
 
>Plyometrics are for.....people who love cardio...and that
>would NOT be me!
>


Actually, plyometrics are a dynamic form of strength training, not really cardio (you can't keep doing them long enough for them to be aerobic, because you'll soon hit the anaerobic zone).

In one of my recent reads, the author even advised against combining plyometrics and cardio (for some reason I can't recall offhand, this was not the most effective combo), and putting them with weight training instead. I think a set of regular squats, followed by a set of plyo squats with no weights, is a great combo for hitting all the muscle fibers.
 
Just wanted to add that plyo's are also play a pivotal role in increasing bone mass - something all women need more of.
 
Kathryn, that's exactly what I've been taught. My gym even offers a strength training class called Total Conditioning that incorporates several sets of plyometric moves with every muscle group. I just did it this morning and burned 564 calories in 70 min (because the plyo sets produce intervals). For me, I find putting plyo moves with my strength training causes it to feel as hard as an Imax type workout. I like it better than circuits. Just my 2 cents!

Kelly
 
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