These days when I walk around my gym I feel like I always see someone jumping over boxes, throwing medicine balls up to the ceiling, or hopping around like bunny rabbits. When I go over to these people and ask them why they’re doing these specific exercises their typical responses either they have a friend that showed this to them or they saw an infomercial about it. What they need to understand is that all of the above are variations of plyometric training.
In this weeks blog I would like to explain exactly what plyometric training is, what the three phases of plyometrics are , and point to some evidence-based research showing how plyometric training can help you.
Plyometric training is defined as a quick powerful movement involving an eccentric contraction followed immediately by an explosive concentric contraction.
In the first phase of plyometrics the Eccentric Phase, also referred to as the loading or cocking phase, energy is stored in the muscle in Preparation for the following phase.
In the second phase of plyometrics the Amortization Phase, The muscle with the stored energy is stabilized in preparation of the final phase. For optimal performance this stage is rapid in order to create a more powerful response.
The third and final phase is the concentric phase, also referred to as the unloading phase. This phase occurs immediately after the amortization phase which results in the use of the energy stored in that particular muscle.
In 2003, Luebbers et al., In a randomized controlled trial with 19 subjects demonstrated that a four week and seven-week plyometric training program enhanced anaerobic power and vertical jump height
In 2004, Chimera et al., in a pre-post test control group design with 20 healthy Division I female athletes, found that a six – week plyometric training program improved hip abductor/abductor coactivation ratios to help control t varus/valgus Moments at the knee during landing.
As with all training programs the individual Should systematically work themselves up to a level where they can perform plyometric training properly and safely. The individual should have Good levels of core strength, flexibility and balance before attempting an aggressive plyometric training program.
Once the above level is attained, the individual will need to overload the muscles to avoid plateau. This can be achieved by Jumping greater distances, dropping from further heights, or progressing from two legged to one legged jumps.
Happy Hopping 🙂
