plyometrics

Definition

Explosive jumping and bounding exercises that train muscles to exert maximum force in minimal time. Basically teaching your muscles to become tiny nuclear reactors of power.

Example Usage

Box jumps and other plyometrics have increased my vertical leap, though my downstairs neighbors have definitely noticed.

Origin

Developed by Soviet coach Yuri Verkhoshansky in the 1960s; from Greek 'pleythyein' (to increase) and 'metric' (measure)

Fun Fact

Plyometrics were originally called 'shock training' in the Soviet Union, which is arguably a more honest description of what you're putting your joints through.

Source: Strength and conditioning certification materials

Related Terms

Intermediate

isotonic

Having the same osmotic pressure or solute concentration as another solution—typically referring to sports drinks that match your blood's chemistry so your body actually absorbs them. Medical solutions are isotonic when they won't cause your cells to shrivel or explode on contact, which is generally considered desirable. Also describes muscles with equal tension, though that meaning gets way less advertising dollars.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Beginner

lift heavy things

The primal fitness philosophy that strength training should focus on compound movements with substantial weight. Caveman approach to fitness that actually works surprisingly well.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Beginner

pronated grip

A hand position where palms face away from the body, also called an overhand grip. The standard grip for pull-ups that makes biceps sad and forearms scream.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

Interval Training

A workout structure that alternates between intense effort and recovery periods, teaching your body that relief is always temporary and suffering is always around the corner. It's basically a metaphor for adult life but with more sweat.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

detraining

The partial or complete loss of training-induced adaptations when you stop exercising. Evolution's reminder that 'use it or lose it' isn't just motivational poster fodder.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

Intermediate

conditioning work

Energy system training designed to improve work capacity, usually involving high-intensity intervals or circuit training. What happens when someone decides cardio wasn't quite miserable enough.

⚽ Sports / Fitness

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