A lack of fitness motivation is often our greatest problem with getting fit - if being in shape was easy or could be bought at the local store nothing could stop us from looking fantastic.
The trouble is that shaping up takes some time and effort - at the very least a few minutes here and there to move your body.
- You have to take the time to do it
- You have to remember to do it.
- You have to make enough of an effort to engage your strength, stamina and/or flexibility in order to make a difference.
- You may even have to lose some weight so you can even see you are in better physical condition - in itself no easy feat.
So, how do you get the motivation that makes the difference between those who shape up and those who stay miserably the same while wishing things could be different?
First of all you have to know why you want to change. And those reasons have to be firmly fixed in your mind - enough to counter any resistance you have to doing what you know is good for you.
It doesn't matter what exercise you engage in, whether you've recently bought a treadmill for your basement, you're just trying to keep up a simple abs program like my free course (see below) or you are starting a new exercise program at the gym. Getting fit and shaping up will only last as long as your enthusiasm.
If you don't work on your fitness motivation as well as your body, your shiny new workout program or equipment is destined to fall into disuse.
I once heard that boosting motivation is like showering - it's best if you do it every day. And I think you'd agree that motivation for working out is something that tends to dwindle over time if you do nothing about it.
So, what should you do?
- Think about your reasons for shaping up (and write them down if you have a whole lot - most of us have more than one). Why do you want to get in shape? What exactly do you want to achieve? Who are you doing it for? Is there a particular event you can keep in mind to help you achieve success?
- Be sure and remind yourself of all the reasons why you want to shape up every morning just as you get up.
- Make it a goal for the day to do something about your shape (and remember that may be resting if it is a rest day in your schedule) and each day you succeed give yourself a star on the calendar - so that you have a visual reminder of your success
- Do whatever fitness activities you plan as soon as possible in your day so that life doesn't have a chance to get in the way.
If you forget to attend to your motivation every day, you're likely to be one of those who fall by the wayside every year. So keep focused with these 4 steps and you've got a great foundation to keep up your fitness goals forever.
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Plyometric training is a form of intensive exercise involving muscle stretching and contraction. Plyometric training exercises utilize controlled high-impact and powerful movements. These usually include jumping and hopping using objects as obstacles. It evolves from a training methodology created in the Soviet Union in the 1960s and 1970s. It was done originally through shock training that became popular because of the dominance of the Eastern European athletes in the world of sports. Today, plyometric training is adopted by major sports events such as basketball, martial arts, volleyball and other mainstream sports competition.
Benefits of Plyometric Training
Plyometric exercises equate the movements used in such sports as volleyball, tennis, skiing, basketball, football, and boxing. It is responsible in the physical conditioning among the professional athletes. In following appropriate plyometric workout, adolescents and children can also largely benefit from these exercises. Plyometric jump training develops the muscle that is primarily responsible in improving vertical jumping. Plyometric training also trains the central nervous system in handling explosive movements involved in performing high jump. The increase in mobility is due primarily to the development of the reactive strength achieved through plyometric exercises. The strength gained by this exercise also ensures the maximum result in vertical leap.
Common Plyometric Exercises Beneficial in Attaining Effective Results
Plyometric training provides exercises to benefit the upper and lower body through established plyometric drills:
The Medicine Ball - The objective of this exercise is to increase upper body strength. This is performed by lying with the back on the ground. An assistant will drop the so-called "medicine ball" towards the chest, and using the pre-stretched muscle throws the ball back. It is a high-intensity exercise, which should be performed only after the required basic conditioning.
Press Ups and Hand Clap - This exercise is performed by bringing both hands up from push-up position and clapping them in the air. The pre-stretching happens when the hands are brought back to the ground while the chest does sinking motion supported by upward action.
Bounding and Hurdling - This plyometric training is running with oversized strides and spending extra time in the air. The one-leg bounding is done to increase the intensity. This is best performed using the stairs steps and rises.
Drop Jumping - This plyometric exercise is performed by dropping oneself to the ground coming from a high platform, and immediately jumps upon touching the ground. The pre-stretching is achieved by the drop-down force that provides the leg muscles.
The Common Equipment Used in the Plyometric Training Program
In achieving the goal of plyometric training, the person involved performs exercises combining the ability in allocating speed, strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. The enhancement of the exercise is made by giving the maximum capacity of the person in stretching the muscle such as fast running and high jump. Wide range of plyometric training equipment is useful for training in order to assist the person in performing specific skills such as plyo boxes, jump testers, training materials, jump soles, hurdles, jump harness, plyo blocks and other plyo exercising products.
People that are benefited by Plyometric Exercise Program
Athletes are doing the plyometric exercises in order to enhance the power of their body. Many of these athletes, including their coaches, sought to implement improvements to the power for the purposes of revitalizing their performance. Sports involving bounding, jumping, and hopping exercises have utilized the essential training methods of explosive plyometric programs. The explosive reaction of the person involved is enhanced through energetic muscular contractions using rapid eccentric contractions.
To avoid any physical injury, it is always best to consult your doctor before starting any Plyometric training program.
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