Plyometrics

[scors77]

Plyometrics is a type of exercise that uses explosive movements to develop muscular power, the ability to generate a large amount of force quickly. It may be used, for example, to improve the effectiveness of a boxer's punch, or to quicken the throwing ability of a baseball pitcher. Plyometric training acts on both the musculotendinous and neurological levels to increase an athlete's power output without necessarily increasing their maximum strength output.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plyometrics

My friend recently told me about Plyometrics. I told him I wanted to have faster movement, speed, agility. He recommended me to Plyometrics. I've never heard of this kind of training before. Has anyone tried it yet... what kind of results have you had? And is it safe to try?

[Tom Yum]

Its usually a good idea to have a base level of fitness and strength before you start plyos, because they are hard on your tendons & joints. Without some level of strength and conditioning, you could get injured.

I took a break from muaythai a few years back to focus on the boxing range w/ Pat as my instructor, because I found myself landing punches w/ decent hand speed (when training w/boxers) but unsatisfied with power -- I also watched muaythai fighters whom were heavy punchers and took notes on their strategy and style (Dekkers, Hoost etc.) plus I watched a lot of good power-punching boxers.

I took up Ross Enamorit's punching with power guide, which is mostly olympic lifts + ploymetrics and my hands are much 'heavier' now.

Whenever I spar with the journeyman muaythai guy, I am able to stay and play in boxing range, probably due to better fundamentals in my boxing game and maybe improved punching power (mo' respect)?

[scors77]

Originally Posted by Tom Yum

Its usually a good idea to have a base level of fitness and strength before you start plyos, because they are hard on your tendons & joints. Without some level of strength and conditioning, you could get injured.

Definately don't want to get injured that's for sure. Could I do some low intensity plyometric workouts for a while and work my way up?

What kind of exercises do they have you doing?

My friend recommended a book called Jumping into Plyometrics by Donald A. Chu