Pilates and Plyometrics

Plyometrics, or "plyos" for short, are a type of exercise designed to produce fast and powerful movements.

Plyometric Exercise

Pilates is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, popular in Germany, the UK and the US. As of 2005, there were 11 million people practicing the discipline regularly and 14,000 instructors in the United States. Pilates called his method Contrology.Taking into consideration that "Contrology" is our means of regaining control of our bodies, by moving and exercising in a more controlled manner. By regaining control over our bodies so that we may move and workout in a functional, effective and safe manner.

Pilates Reformer

Plyometrics can be used on the Pilates Reformers using a Jump Board as a base. 

Reformer Jump Board

Plyometrics improves the way the nervous system works and is usually used to improve your performance in sports, although it can be used in a healthy exercise regimen also. This type of exercise involves loading the muscles and then contracting them in rapid sequences. It uses strength, innervation and elasticity of the muscles and the tissues that surround them in order to jump higher, run faster, hit harder and throw farther, among other performance benefits.Which goal is reached depends on the way you work out and which goal you set. These goals are reached by raising the speed or force of the contractions of your muscles which leads to explosiveness for a large array of sports activities. Increasing & reducing the resistance of the springs will change the essence of the Plyometric exercises. Some of the most popular sports that use plyometrics in their training routines are rugby, soccer, track, and field, racket sports, basketball and martial arts. 

Research has shown that plyometric training can 

• increase can increase leg strength, balance, acceleration and overall agility
• Helps to enhance reaction time and balance abilities
• Increases production of muscular force and power
• Beneficial for those who play virtually any sport

Plyometric exercises require a lot of energy, because they are highly intense. They utilize the whole body and activate most muscle groups, therefore burning many calories in a single session and aiding in weight loss. The repetitive landing causes your entire leg muscles to contract, helping to improve overall tone and definition. Plyometrics combines strength training and cardiovascular exercise, allowing you to "kill two birds with one stone." Make the BEST use of your TIME.

So now is the time to take your Pilates routine to the next level, add  a JUMP class to your weekly routine and enjoy ALL the benefits of cardio, strength, balance and agility training.

No time like the present. We are all on the look out for the workout with a twist (not literally), JUMP it is "Legs, Abs, Back, Biceps, Triceps and Chest. Get it all worked out now.