Plyometric Training For Track
Plyometric training is one of the most under appreciated forms of exercise. Since this kind of training is relatively unknown, athletes can have a great advantage over their competitors who do not use plyometric training. This is one of the very few exercise programs that are very effective in increasing your speed and explosiveness in movement. Even non competitive athletes can benefit from plyometric training exercise program.
Weight training is good for developing your strength for your legs, but it does little in developing quick twitch muscles needed for explosiveness and quickness. Plyometric training involves jumping exercises that not only increases muscle strength, but speed and explosiveness. Plyometric exercise also develops other muscles besides the legs needed to jump higher.
Plyometric exercises focuses typically on the development of quick twitch muscles which are important for quickness and explosive movements. Competitive athletes are gaining enormous advantages by applying plyometric training exercises in their workouts.
There is a variety of exercises you can perform, jumping on and off an sturdy object is one example. This exercise can be repeated over and over again, but the purpose is to develop explosive power, and not endurance. Therefore, each rep or jump should attempt to jump as high as you can. As soon as your jump max is starting to decline because of fatigue, it is time to stop that exercise.
You should always adjust your plyometric exercises according to your goal and physical abilities. Novice athletes can get by with less number of reps and with less intensity. But when you exercise with intensity and at maximum effort, you will receive greater benefit from you plyometric training.
Do not over do it at first, listen to your body when you exercise. Take a break if your knees become achy or starting to fatigue. Allow your body to recuperate and rest. This will make your plyometric training effective and safe.
If you desire to learn increase your speed, plyometrics is a must. If you work on plyometric exercises, you will drastically enhance your athletic abilities.