Welcome to our December newsletter. This month we present the training technique known as Plyometrics. These exercises will add power to your workout! In the Fitness Tip, the concept of HIIT is introduced. High Intensity Intervals can take your fitness to new levels. Lastly, In Ask the Trainer, Andy and Jamie offer some advice on the difference between different muscle types. Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

The Balazs Team - Knock Yourself Out!

Plyometric exercises force specific muscles to reach their maximum strength in a short amount of time, thereby increasing the muscles' overall power.

A thorough warm-up, such as jogging, skipping, marching (hi knees) or walk lunges, is essential prior to plyometric training. A cool down should follow each session.

Here are several examples of Plyometric exercises for the legs.

Agility lateral hops:
Standing tall with hands resting behind your head, and elbows pointing to out the sides. Mark a line on the floor and quickly jump from one side to the other. Keep your feet low to the ground. Focus on speed. Try three sets or 12 to 15 jumps.

Agility single-leg lateral hops:
Advanced Same as above, but only one leg at a time. Try two sets of 12 each leg.

Lateral hops with step:
Advanced Place a standard aerobic step on the floor. Jump over the step, width wise, making sure to get enough height to clear the step. Try three sets of 15 jumps.

Tuck Jump:
Standing on a soft surface, jump straight up so your knees are high in front of your body. Focus on quick explosive jumps high of the ground. Start with 3 sets of 15 jumps.

Plyometrics are high impact on the joints. This is an advanced exercise for individuals with an advanced fitness level. If you are just starting a fitness regimen, discuss other fitness options with your doctor.

The concept is pretty simple. No matter what form of cardiovascular training you are doing, you spend the first 5 minutes or so gradually increasing the intensity so that you are at your cruising speed of approximately 70% of your maximum heart rate. Once in your THR zone, every 1 to 4 minutes, crank the speed or resistance up to a higher level to increase your heart rate to at least 80% to 85% of your max.

When working out at the higher level of intensity, this is known as the "interval", hence the name High Intensity Interval Training. Perform your interval for 1 to 2 minutes, after which you should be VERY ready to slow things back down to your cruising speed. Once you are back to cruising speed, go another 1 to 4 minutes, and then repeat the whole process.

This type of training confuses your body, forcing it to find ways to keep up with the energy demand; this prevents the body from slipping into a comfortable rhythm. You will burn more calories in a shorter amount of time, crank your metabolism up significantly higher, and improve the maximum cardiac output of your heart, all at the same time! If you are looking for a way to shorten your workouts, but lose weight more quickly, HIIT is the way to go!

Send your questions for Andy to info@BalazsBoxing.com

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Always consult your physician before starting any physical exercise program. Balazs Inc. and Andy & Jamie Dumas assume no responsibility for the improper use of information contained within this e-newsletter.