Plyometrics

Plyometrics, also known as jump training, involves explosive movements to increase muscle power. It's a form of training often utilized to enhance sports performance, especially in activities that require speed and strength. However, from a muscle growth or hypertrophy perspective, plyometrics might not be the most effective choice.

In the context of hypertrophy (increasing muscle size), Andy Galpin suggests that while plyometrics can be part of a comprehensive training plan, they are not typically the best choice for inducing muscle growth. This is primarily because the nature of plyometric exercises does not align well with the hypertrophy training principles, which generally demand sustained muscle tension and controlled movements like lifting weights. Plyometrics are more about quick and explosive actions, which are fantastic for building power but less so for muscle size 1.

For sports performance or general fitness, incorporating plyometrics can be beneficial, especially for improving explosive strength and speed. However, if the goal is solely hypertrophy, more traditional resistance training methods may be more effective.