Why Plyometrics Aren’t Just for Athletes

The term “plyometrics” typically gets paired with jumping, sprinting, or explosive athletes. But truthfully, plyometric training can benefit every demographic; no matter your fitness levels or goals. 

What Are Plyometrics?

Plyometrics (or “plyos”) are fast, explosive movements designed to build power - for example: jump squats, skater hops, or clap push ups. These exercises train your muscles to produce force quickly, which teaches your body how to move efficiently, powerfully, and most importantly, more controlled.

While they may seem intense, the real goal of plyometric training is efficiency - helping your body react faster, absorb impact safely, and move with more strength and coordination.

Why You Should Incorporate Plyometrics Into Your Training Routine:

Even if you’re not an advanced athlete, adding plyometrics into your training routine can lead to major improvements in how your body feels and performs:

Stronger muscles and joints
Plyos strengthen the connective tissues (tendons and ligaments) that support your joints, helping reduce the risk of injury and improving joint resilience over time.

More power and caloric burn
Because this type of training recruits fast twitch muscle fibers, you’ll build strength and burn more energy in less time.

Better balance and coordination
Explosive movements challenge your body to stabilize through every jump and landing, improving balance and total body control.

Improved everyday performance
That means better running, quicker reactions, and easier every day movements, like walking up a flight of stairs, bending over to grab something off the ground, chasing your kids around, etc. 

How to Add Plyometrics Safely

You don’t have to start with high box jumps or burpees. Begin with smaller, controlled movements and focus on softer, quiet landings.

Try adding these to your training routine:

• Jump squats

• Step hops

• Skater jumps

• Explosive push ups

• Jump lunges

**Quality over quantity. Focus on control and power, not height or speed.

Basically,

You don’t need to be an athlete to train like one. Plyometrics help you move better, feel stronger, and perform at your best, in and out of the gym.

Take advantage of building the most powerful version of you.