Plyometrics is a sport that’s more associated with sports such as high jumping or basketball, since most of the concepts of explosive power are applied to jumps. However, strength coach Louie Simmons applies plyometrics to weight lifting, which may come as an odd place for this form of exercise to exist. After all, the popular theories for weight lifting seem to assume slow reps rather than the fast motions of plyometrics. However, if you understand the theory behind the way Louie Simmons applies plyometrics to weight training, you’ll see why it work.

Differences Between Strength And Power

The underlying theory behind why Louie Simmons uses plyometrics in weight training is the same reason why high jumpers train with plyometrics: raw strength doesn’t always translate to power. Power, by definition, is the application of force over time, which means not just strength is important, but the ability to use it quickly is just as important. Just as a guy who can do a slow leg press at high weights can’t necessarily jump as high as a weaker high jumper who does plyometrics, Louie Simmons asserts that plyometrics allows weight trainers to put forth more power than lifters who lift their weights slowly.

Higher Power, Lower Weights

One of the features in the plyometrics that Louie Simmons advocates for weight training is to use much less than maximal lifting weight for the plyometrics exercises. 50 or 60% of a weight lifter’s maximal weight is suggested by Louie Simmons when performing plyometrics exercises. This weight seems to be the best for developing explosive lifting power while avoiding injuries by performing with too much weight. Interestingly enough, developing more power at lower weight seems to help in lifting bigger weights at slower speeds.

Creating A Mix Of Exercises

Another advantage to applying the plyometrics program that Louie Simmons lays out is that he mixes it with the more traditional, slow weight training with maximum weights. Other weight lifting theories suggest that doing the same exact routine with each weight lifting session will eventually produce fewer gains and longer plateaus. As a result, some weight trainers use a variety of weight lifting regimens to keep the body from getting too used to one set of exercises.

By incorporating Louie Simmons’ plyometrics activities in your weight training, you can change up your activities enough to help avoid your body getting too used to your usual exercises. When incorporated into your weight training, the plyometrics that Louie Simmons advocates will result in gains of not just raw strength, but actual power.