Weight Loss Through Plyometrics

Happy happy Friday!

Question for you: Have you ever been to a Which Wich? They’re a magical place with delicious customizable sandwiches. We went to one yesterday for lunch, and I just need people to know that if you fill out the survey at the bottom of the receipt, you can get a free cookie. Best. discovery. ever. 

In regard to the workout scene, yesterday I worked upper body and core with my Spelling Abs circuit and the Shredded Shoulders workout. Today, I’m embracing a relaxing morning and putting things off until later. It’ll probably be in the form of a 5-mile run outside.

OKAY, enough about cookies and my laziness workouts. I have a special topic for you today—plyometrics!

I have a guest post by someone who knows a bit about the healthy side of life. Dr. David Kulla is a chiropractor, nutritionist, and owner of a Manhattan wellness center. When asked about posting an article about plyometrics, I was all for it.

In this blog I try to create an environment that is both entertaining as well as informative. Unfortunately, my interest in healthy living is a hobby, and although I continue to learn, I lack extensive knowledge in many areas. Therefore, I am happy to present the following article from a professional about plyometrics.

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Weight Loss Through Plyometrics

Losing weight usually requires a lot of trial and error; what works for some people will not necessarily work for you. If you find that you are exercising faithfully and eating right, but you’re still not shedding the pounds you had planned, consider switching up your fitness routines. Sometimes, the body needs a different direction. One option is plyometrics. This type of exercise includes fast, powerful movements that will not only help you lose weight but will also keep your blood flowing and your nervous system operating at an optimal level. Many people have lost a lot of weight in shorter periods of time just by trying this powerful and intense form of exercise.

Your muscles are pretty elastic, and the more you work out, the stronger they get. Plyometrics takes advantage of your muscle composition by really pushing them to their limits. Professional and amateur athletes have used plyometrics to increase their speed, strength, performance and endurance. You can train the same way, and not only will your body get stronger, you’ll also find yourself losing weight and replacing your flabby and soft areas with lean muscle tone. You will burn more calories than you have in traditional workouts, and you will also find yourself with the energy and stamina you need to complete your exercise and move successfully through your day.

If you have never done plyometrics before, and most of your exercise activity has been low impact, ease yourself into this type of fitness routine, and start small. Plyometrics requires a lot jumping, stretching, and moving from position to position. Prepare yourself for a more intense workout by challenging yourself to run up a flight of stairs. You could also do some jump rope work, or find a track where you can practice quick sprints.

As you build your endurance and strength, begin some real plyometric training. Squat jumps are a good way to start. Bend your knees and propel yourself into the air in the highest, fastest jump you can manage, and land in a squat position. Do this repetitively. Use benches or other equipment as well; jumping on and off raised platforms will give you a great plyometric workout. Remember that all the jumps and squats must be fast bursts of activity, and keep going until you are unable to jump anymore.

If you are having trouble, sign up for a class or look for a trainer who is experienced in plyometrics. You can find a lot of motivation and inspiration from people who are working on the same drills and exercises you are. When you do plyometrics regularly, you should notice a huge difference in your overall strength, and your endurance level will also increase. You will no longer find yourself out of breath when you climb a flight of stairs or run a few feet. The weight will come off quickly, mostly because you are pushing your body to perform and undergo a cardio workout at the same time it is toning muscles and building flexibility.

This post was written for Getting’ My Healthy On by Dr. David Kulla. Dr. Kulla is a licensed New York City Chiropractor and a nutritionist as well as owner of Synergy Wellness in Manhattan.

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Do you incorporate plyometrics in your workouts? I try to every once in awhile because I know it’s super effective. If I feel like having a hardcore workout, squat jumps are usually included somehow. They’re so intense! If you’re interested, here are a few of my workouts that include lots of explosive movements: 35 Minute HIIT Tabata Workout and Jumps ‘n’ Jacks Circuit.