There’s a massive trend right about now……using ‘NEW‘ methods that have been around for some time.
I was speaking with someone who had friends with 2 drastically contrasting opinions on some exercise classes that are literally ‘springing up. ‘ (You’ll see why I used this pun later!)
Mate: ” Some class is crippling some my mates circle of friends”
Cammish: “In a good way? Like muscle soreness?”
Mate: ” Noooooo…….backs killing him now………….I think a few are really suffering with their joints and that”
Cammish: “Oh dear.”
Mate: “One mate though – he loves it……He is bit of a machine though………he says it’s the hardest thing he’s done…..he said he’s actually slipping on his own sweat! ”
Cammish: !!!!!
So Here Is The Problem.
You have a range of classes that are now trying to be “The hardest class around”…….as they are assuming that this is best. These classes are metafit, grit, insanity (there are probably a lot more)….heres a video (Click it)
These classes are really using ‘old’ techniques to improve power…….but repeating them to the point of ………………………well……….I don’t know what.
The level of intensity is really high………and when you see ‘real’ athletes doing real training …… the set lasts A LOT shorter.
Check this vid!
The set lasts approximately 5 seconds. Yes. 5 SECONDS.
This so that fatigue does not build up, leading to increased chance of injury.
The current crop of classes………..well, they do the OPPOSITE. They do these plometrics TO THE POINT OF FATIGUE ….and even past it.
I wrote about this jumping to infinity reps in my review of insanity DVD HERE (Click)
2 Sides
1 – a young fit guy who is used to running, jumping, and is pretty strong (squats, deadlifts, bench press pull ups)
2 – above average fitness guys who are not used to a lot of jumping around.
Either way, why not just do less jumping around to minimise the risk?
Also ,the best way to burn fat is actually…….NOT exercise. It is food. Exercise can help – but going to extremes inevitably ends up with joint pain, an “ooooh-I’m-getting-old-and-can’t-do-that-anymore” attitude.
Do we do jumps and low level plyometrics at our group classes? —–> Yes, but not much. You simply do not need much….in my opinion.
Do the simple stuff well – and you will see better long term progress.
John
