Bouncing off a plateau with plyometrics….
I’ve recently noticed that I had hit a plateau with my training. I change my routine every 4 to 6 weeks but I still didn’t seem to be getting noticeable results any longer. I love to research, so I dug into the training books, magazines and blogs about this and decided a break and something totally different was needed. At about this same time I developed "tennis elbow" again so the break was very welcomed. Throughout my research I found several very athletic women - who are figure competitors - that have well rounded workouts that include more than typical cardio and weight training, they incorporate plyometrics and agility type exercises. This was intriguing to me because I had not considered it in my past several years of being a very serious about weight training, eating clean and achieving my goals.
This information really sunk in when I went to physical therapy for my elbow and she explained I needed to strengthen my supporting muscles so that I don’t have this problem any longer - like doing some agility type exercises! Then the light came on…..I immediately contacted my son’s athletic trainer, explained my situation and what my goals are. I was so interested listening to him - it seems like his focus as an athletic trainer for so many years was just different enough from physical trainers’ that I gleaned some great new information about the needs and make up of my body.
I started my program with him Tuesday and this morning I can truly feel that fabulous feeling of pain and soreness right where I need it! YESSSS! He kept me moving - which helps another lil problem I’ve had and that is that cardio bores me to tears so I have to force myself to do it which basically means I don’t do near enough! This new program is truly going to help my endurance as well. I’m going to train with him twice a week for six weeks and lift weights in between those days. I also take a yoga/pilates mix class once a week. I’m very hopeful that this combination will lift me to my next level.
July 9, 2009 at 6:21 am
This sounds to me like you would really enjoy and benefit from P90X. You get weight lifting and cardio at the same time and you do Plyo’s once a week and the Plyo’s are pretty intense. Also highly recommend it if you son is into any kind of sport. It really strengthens those core muscles that are so important in any sport. I wish had a program like this when I was in athletics!
July 9, 2009 at 11:18 am
Hey thanks for the information! I’m going to check into that. It would certainly be well worth the money having us both use it.
July 9, 2009 at 12:17 pm
FJ is right Belles. I’m a P90X’er and I was a bit afraid of plyo but now I can’t live without it. It’s great for getting the heart rate and keeping it up, plus you get a total body workout. I think you have struck gold finding plyo and I’m sure it will get you were you want to be.
July 15, 2009 at 4:03 pm
AWESOME, I’m glad you are discovering new methods to help you overcome the tennis elbow (ouch!) AND increase your fitness levels!! Yay Belles, keep the positive energy going!!
August 8, 2009 at 12:06 pm
i’ve been going thru all the same situations. i change my workouts but still stuck! i’m definately going to give this a try! thanks for the tip