When the average person starts out on a new fitness regimen, things go swimmingly at first. The new fitness enthusiast is excited to see the pounds melt off and muscles growing firmer by the day. But inevitably, a plateau sets in by the third or fourth week of working out. This is the point at which people begin to fall off the wagon. It is hard to stay motivated when there aren't any results. Those struggling with stale fitness regimens are finding that plyometric training can effectively lift one out of a difficult plateau. This high-intensity form of training burns calories quickly, making it an ideal option for functional fitness.
In plyometrics, the muscle are heavily loaded and then quickly contracted. This explosive movement is designed to produce quick results in terms of muscle strength and calorie burn. For those already advanced in athletics, plyometrics can help to further increase performance in the athlete's sport of choice.