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Tue, January 21, 2025

What are plyometric exercises? How all that hopping and jumping builds strength, speed and power


Published on 2025-01-21 16:23:17 - MSN
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  • If you've ever seen people at the gym or the park jumping, hopping or hurling weighted balls to the ground, chances are they were doing plyometric exercises.

Plyometric exercises, often involving hopping and jumping, are designed to enhance strength, speed, and power by training muscles to exert maximum force in short intervals. These exercises work by rapidly stretching a muscle (eccentric phase) and then immediately contracting it (concentric phase), which is known as the stretch-shortening cycle. This cycle helps in improving the efficiency of muscle contractions, leading to better performance in activities that require explosive movements like sprinting or jumping. Plyometrics not only increase muscle power but also improve coordination, balance, and agility. Examples include box jumps, burpees, and clapping push-ups. However, they require proper technique to prevent injuries, making them suitable for those with a foundational level of fitness. Incorporating plyometrics into a workout routine can significantly boost athletic performance, but it's crucial to start with lower intensity movements and progressively increase the challenge to safely build up the necessary strength and control.

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[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/fitness-and-exercise/what-are-plyometric-exercises-how-all-that-hopping-and-jumping-builds-strength-speed-and-power/ar-AA1xAPYo ]
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