Plyometric exercise for strength

As per my October and November newsletter discussion on plyometric exercises:



Plyometric moves have been shown to improve performance by training the muscles to reach maximum strength in as short a time as possible. Some plyometric exercises include jumping and hopping. We like to include plyometric moves in our training on occasion to add power to our endurance abilities as walkers. An ideal time to work on plyometrics is in the off season, but carefully considered and introduced plyometric exercise can be done during the taper phase of your program. This gives your muscles an extra power kick when they have been training to work in endurance mode.



Plyometric training develops three areas of muscle strength: starting strength where muscles must contract to move the body against gravity; stopping strength where the muscles must contract as they lengthen to absorb stopping energy; and, elastic strength which is the ability to absorb the stopping energy and overcome it to move again in a short time.