What is Plyometrics?

This is a form of training that has been developed to improve dynamic strength, particularly in the leg muscles, for activities such as jumping, running and in sports that require agility.

It is based on the need to get the working muscles to perform both eccentric and concentric muscular contractions in close succession.

A CONCENTRIC contraction is where the muscle length shortens whilst creating a force. This is the most common type of contraction as the muscles shortens and bulges!

An ECCENTRIC contraction is where the muscle actually lengthens under tension. Examples of this type of contraction can be seen in lowering weights, landing from jumps and in pulling heavy objects.

Researchers have found that in Plyometrics a far greater force will be created in the muscle as it contracts concentrically, after it has just performed an eccentric contraction. A straightforward example is to take-off immediately after you have landed, from jumping downwards from a height or from an earlier jump. To experience this increased training effect, simply follow the bounding/jumping exercises presented in the lesson.

16/12/2001 21:24 CFLeonard