The Importance of Plyometrics for Everyday Athletes

In recent years, plyometric exercises have gained popularity in the fitness world due to their effectiveness in improving athletic performance. In fact, we utilize plyometics frequently for our weightlifters at Brooklyn Training Hall to supplement their strength training. While primarily used for athletes, plyometrics also offer numerous benefits for the general population. These exercises can enhance overall fitness, prevent injuries, and improve functional movements.

1. Enhances Overall Fitness:

Plyometric exercises involve explosive movements that require a rapid stretch-shortening cycle of muscles, resulting in increased power, speed, and agility. By incorporating plyometrics into your fitness routine, you can enhance your overall physical fitness levels. These exercises target multiple muscle groups simultaneously, improving cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and coordination.

2. Improves Bone Density:

As we age, maintaining strong bones becomes crucial to preventing conditions such as osteoporosis and reducing the risk of fractures. Plyometric exercises, such as jumping and hopping, subject the bones to impact forces, stimulating bone remodeling and enhancing bone density. Regular participation in plyometrics can help improve bone health and reduce the risk of age-related bone diseases.

3. Enhances Neuromuscular Coordination:

Plyometric exercises require the synchronization of muscle contractions and precise movement patterns. By engaging in these exercises, you can improve neuromuscular coordination, which is essential for everyday activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries. Enhancing coordination can also help prevent falls and improve balance, especially in the elderly population.

4. Prevents Injuries:

Contrary to popular belief, plyometrics, when performed correctly and progressively, can actually reduce the risk of injury. These exercises improve the strength of tendons, ligaments, and muscles, making them more resilient and less prone to injury. Additionally, by improving proprioception (the body's awareness of its position in space), plyometrics can help prevent ankle sprains, knee injuries, and other common musculoskeletal issues.

5. Improves Functional Movements:

Functional movements mimic the activities we perform in our daily lives. Plyometric exercises, such as squat jumps or medicine ball throws, closely resemble these functional movements. By incorporating plyometrics into your workout routine, you can improve your ability to perform everyday tasks with ease, such as lifting objects, pushing, pulling, or reacting quickly to sudden movements.

Plyometric exercises offer numerous benefits for the general population, enhancing overall fitness, preventing injuries, and improving functional movements. Whether you are an athlete looking to enhance performance or an individual seeking to improve overall fitness, incorporating plyometrics into your exercise routine can be highly beneficial. However, it is important to remember that proper form, progression, and supervision are crucial when performing plyometrics to ensure safety and maximize the benefits.

Our Building Better Athletes functional fitness program includes guidance on how to introduce plyometrics if you're new to jumping and progresses you through gradually more complex and dynamic variations.

You can also check out this quick YouTube video I made on how to progress your plyos and in which instances you might use each variation.

Coach Julia