ELI5: What is Plyometric workout?

A plyometric workout is like teaching your muscles to be springy so you can jump higher or run faster in everyday life.

Imagine a bouncy ball: when you drop it, it hits the ground and quickly bounces back up. Plyometrics are exercises that train your muscles to do something similar – to quickly stretch and then contract (squeeze) to produce power.

Think about these scenarios:

• Playing tag: When you're running and suddenly need to change direction quickly, that's plyometrics in action. Your legs are stretching and contracting to push you the other way.
• Jumping over a puddle: The quick hop you make uses plyometric power in your legs.
• Climbing stairs: Each step involves a small plyometric movement as your muscles quickly push you upwards.

• Stretch: Your muscles stretch quickly, like pulling back a rubber band.
• Short Pause: There's a very brief pause.
• Contract: Your muscles contract powerfully, like releasing the rubber band and sending it flying.

• Jump squats: You squat down and then jump up explosively.
• Box jumps: You jump onto a box.
• Clapping push-ups: You push up so hard that your hands leave the ground, and you clap before landing.