Abstract des Autors

Personal trainers are always looking for efficient and creative methods of training their clientele. Plyometric exercises are not used as often as they could be by personal trainers who may lack experience with this form of training or fear injuring their clientele. However, with a safe and well-thought-out resistance training program, clients can be prepared for appropriately modified explosive exercises. Plyometrics may not be for every client, but for some, plyometrics may increase interest in the training program and possibly surmount a training plateau. Plyometric training is used to incresase the explosive response of the muscles, which enhances performance. Resistance training combined with plyometric training has shown to increase performance more than either training method alone. The combination of these 2 training methods will assist some clients in reaching their goals. Since most clients may not be elite athletes, they will need to have their plyometric training modified by starting and progressing more slowly. Individuals chosen for this type of training should have at least 3 months of consistent resistance training, be injury free, and be willing to participate in this type of training. A training program that concentrates on conditioning the muscles involved in plyometric training will decrease injury potential and better prepare the person for explosive-type movement. The training program should focus on strength improvement in a range of 10 to 6 repetitions at an intensity of 75 to 85% of a 1 Repetition Maximum (RM). A strength program at 15 reps or more enhances muscular endurance and would not be beneficial in preparing for plyometrics. Verf.-Referat