THE NEW PLYO POWER-UP

HOW MODERN TAKES ON AN OLD FITNESS FAVOURITE CAN CALIBRATE YOUR TRAINING FOR AN INSTA-BOOST OF ATHLETICISM AND STRENGTH.

- ANDREW HEFFERNAN

All those viral posts have reintroduced a classic kind of movement called plyometrics, a specialised training modality that pushes your body to essentially jump, land and then immediately jump again. These high-speed training moves are usually reserved for pro athletes, because the exercises can be very technical (and when performed incorrectly can increase your risk of injury) and sports scientists have long felt there were only marginal benefits for civilians.

But new research reveals that injecting a few plyometric drills into your regular routine can enhance your overall athleticism. "Whether you're hoping to play pickup hoops or chase your kids around long into midlife, plyometrics makes you more durable for those tasks," says certified PT Paul Fabritz, who trains top basketball players in the US.