Plyometric training is very important when you are an athlete. Participating in active sports will require you to be able to move quickly and powerfully. In plyometrics, you’re not just training your muscles, you’re also training your brain. You see, when you’re trying to extend and contact your muscles at a rapid rate, you’ll need your nervous system to be able to send rapid signals to your brain to do just that. You get a two-in-one benefit when you engage in plyometric exercises. However, since you would be putting a lot of stress on your muscles and tendons, it is important to know how to perform these exercises safely.

There are many factors to consider if you want to perform plyometric exercises safely. Age is an important factor. As we age, our bones and tendons become more and more brittle. It is best to first consult with a medical professional before trying them. You don’t want to insult yourself in the process. Tweens should also be very careful as they are experiencing a lot of hormonal changes in their bodies.

Another factor to consider would be the technician. Misoperation could cause serious injury. Make sure you have a well-trained professional guide you through your exercises when you try them for the first time. Trying them on your own can be very dangerous. As you know, these exercises are intense and performed quickly and repetitively. This puts a lot of stress on the muscles and tendons. Without the proper knowledge, you could easily break something and could force you to bed rest for a few days.

It is highly recommended that you do only a maximum of one hundred repetitions a day, and this is already at the advanced level. You should also not do plyometric exercises on a daily basis. Your body needs rest to repair itself. Instead, why not try light stretching exercises? Yoga would be a great alternative because it is not as strenuous and would even allow your body and mind to relax while doing the poses.

Plyometrics itself is not really dangerous. However, precautions must be taken due to the intensity involved. Proper knowledge and supervision is needed when trying for the first time. Also, muscle wasting can be the result of too much exercise without enough rest and nutrition. Make sure you get plenty of rest and eat the right kinds of foods when you plyometrics.