If you think you need a gym membership to stay healthy, think again. These 5 explosive moves will help you improve your fitness and become faster, fitter, and stronger. No expensive membership required.
This routine was designed by James Stirling, also known as a trainer. london fitness guy This is a plyometrics workout specifically tailored for runners looking to improve speed, agility, and power. But don’t worry. Even if you’re not a runner, these exercises are beneficial for anyone looking for a rewarding full-body workout.
Plyometric exercises focus on powerful, high-intensity movements that benefit various areas of fitness including, but not limited to, strength, agility, power, and balance.
Whether you’re training for your next race or simply looking to improve your fitness, Jamie’s 5-move routine is a great place to start. All you need is a little space, some motivation to get moving, and a good pair of running shoes if you plan on going for a run afterwards.
Watch The London Fitness Guy’s plyometrics workout
The structure of the workout requires you to take 20 to 30 seconds for each exercise, resting 20 seconds between each movement, and complete the entire circuit for a total of three rounds.
Stirling explains: “Plyometrics control the cycle of lengthening and shortening. Simply put, more springs give you more force and help you run faster.” The “stretching-shortening cycle” causes the muscles to contract quickly. A term used to describe what happens when you are stretched forward. This is similar to a spring. When you stretch or load a muscle, it bounces back with force. This process makes movements such as jumps and explosive movements extremely powerful.
Furthermore, according to a study published in the journal International Journal of Sports Physiotherapy Plyometric exercises help your brain and muscles work together more efficiently. When you train with these fast, powerful movements, your body learns to activate your muscles more quickly and effectively. Over time, this allows your muscles to react faster and more automatically, improving coordination and performance in activities such as running, jumping, and other athletic movements.
Finally, plyometric exercises not only improve explosive strength, but also improve overall athletic performance. Training your muscles to act quickly and efficiently not only improves your speed and strength, but also reduces your risk of injury. This type of workout strengthens your balance, coordination, and flexibility. All of these are important for runners and fitness enthusiasts of all levels.
