Gaining Strength Through Plyometrics
Motherhood is a transformative experience that brings joy, challenges, and profound changes to your life. For many moms, the desire to reconnect with their strength and athleticism becomes a motivating force. This blog will delve into the importance of plyometric training—a versatile and effective approach to rebuilding strength, agility, and confidence. Join me as I share insights from my journey, transitioning from a track and field athlete to a mom determined to reclaim her power after childbirth.
What are plyometrics:
Plyometric exercises, often associated with explosive movements like jumping, offer a dynamic way to enhance muscle power, speed, and agility. Plyometrics goes beyond conventional perceptions of jumping onto a high wooden box or doing deep jumps. It’s about embracing any short, fast, and explosive activity, making it accessible to women of all fitness levels.
A Multitude of Benefits for Moms:
- Muscle and Power: Plyometrics stimulates muscle power but also contributes to increased strength and muscle growth.
- Economy of Movement: Enhances motor unit recruitment, tendon stiffness, and muscle firing coordination, promoting energy efficiency.
- Balance and Coordination: Plyometric exercises, focusing on coordination, balance, and proprioception, offer benefits beyond physical strength.
Diving back into a bit of my journey, when I became a mom, I struggled to get back into strength training and power movements. My body felt different; it felt heavy and clunky. I craved the power that I once knew in my body, but I needed to get clear about where the starting point was for my body.
Slowly reintroducing plyometrics into my strength training routine became a turning point, unveiling undeniable benefits and starting with small hops, brief timed bouts, and only body weight resistance. Over time, I started to feel the power and quickness return.
Society often dictates that women should dial back intensity as they age. However, research stands firm—plyometrics is a safe and effective method for women of any age. Progression is Key: Begin with low-impact exercises and gradually progress to more intensive activities. Prioritize proper form and a thorough warm-up to ensure safety and effectiveness. From squat jumps to box jumps and non-jumping alternatives like battle ropes, plyometrics offers diverse choices.
Below are two examples of plyometrics.
Questions about plyometrics and how they can benefit you? Let me know: kat@kat.fit
