SPRING Into Action - Literally, Rose Larrabee

SPRING into action-literally!

We have our workout routines all set up in the way we’ve learned is “correct”. Resistance training 2-3 times a week along with 5 days of 20-30 minutes of cardio.

Now, that’s all great, but what about the days that are so jam packed with things to do? The days that make spending all that time on our workouts seem overwhelming.

And not only business, but what about those who (like me) don’t do well with running? As much as we may (or may not) love it, our joints just aren’t having it.

Between those two things, I’m sure we’ve all had days where we just can’t get the 20-30 minutes in. So what am I going to share next…we shouldn’t be doing cardio? Not at all, but might I suggest a new idea on cardio? A new type of cardio? A more “Springy” cardio?

It’s a type of training I would like to introduce to you as Plyometrics!

PLYOMETRICS: also known as "jump training" or "plyos", are exercises based around having muscles exert maximum force in as short a time as possible, with the goal of increasing both speed and power.

Now, before I go on, I would suggest you consult with your doctor before attempting plyometric training as it can be hard on an old injury and dangerous if not approached & applied safely and correctly.

After I had my first daughter I began doing plyometic training. I’ve spent less time on cardio then I did before I had kids and my results are far better! So, what exactly do I do? Well, I started with basic plyometric moves for the lower body (since it was to replace my outdoor running). I began mixing 2-5 minute bouts of plyometrics in my resistance training workouts. For example, I would do jump roping for 30 sec, squat jumps for 30 sec, tire hops for 30 sec and jumping jacks for 30 sec. From there I would go on to the next portion of my resistance routine. I researched new plyometric exercises in order to prevent boredom of the moves I already knew.

Throughout my resistance routine I would do about 4 spurts of the 2-5 minute bouts of plyometrics. The results were amazing! The greatest result I noticed was the weight loss after having my first baby and again now after my second! For my un-muscular calves, I finally developed definition and muscle which was another plus!

You will find various types of Plyometric training for all sorts of things. However, plyometric  exercises can be used to improve fat loss, strength and endurance. They are great for challenging your fast-twitch muscle fibers, coordination and agility. All these things work together to help transform fat into lean muscle while elevating your heart rate and igniting a caloric burn! Plyometrics can be made a lot of fun done to some upbeat music and most kids love to jump, hop and spring around with you!

So talk to your doctor or fitness professional, get some plyometric moves down and have fun with it! Try this new type of training and do the other when you want! Enjoy it and see if you don’t notice a difference!