Plyometrics: Gateway to Weight Loss?

Plyometrics is just a fancy word to describe a type of exercise that uses speed and force of different movements to build muscle power, strength, balance, and agility. High intensity interval training utilizes similar movements, and as a result, these types of exercise certainly overlap in nature. The types of movements you will see in a plyometric workout include box jumps, burpees, tuck jumps, clapping push-ups, and explosive lunge variations. Continue reading to learn about pros and cons of plyometric workouts!

Benefits:

• Plyometrics boosts stamina and metabolism by requiring max effort with quick energy bursts. The intensity of these movements boosts the metabolism and encourages fat loss.

• Plyometrics increases efficiency in movement, as it rapidly stretches muscles.

• Plyometrics will simultaneously build muscle, while torching belly fat. The more lean muscle you have on your body, the more calories your body burns at rest - muscle burns fat!

• Plyometrics increases muscle power output, as well as force in muscle contractions (speed).

• Plyometrics improves agility.

Downsides:

• Plyometrics requires a decent amount of rest, as there is a high injury risk. As a result, plyometric workouts should only be performed 1-2x/week - especially until your body adjusts. This is the only real downside, as the benefits are undeniable!

I personally love plyometric exercise, and also love utilizing it with clients. As long as you are careful to recover and fuel your body well, plyometrics will continually provide you with results and progress toward your goals.