It's March and practice for spring sports is under way. Whether you have a student athlete who wants to run faster or you're a weekend warrior looking to dunk again, power workouts are gaining in popularity. A look at what's involved in this month's fitness report.
Former Creighton Bluejay basketball standout Kristi Woodard survived power workouts while training. Now, exercise focusing on explosive moves is gaining in popularity.
Kristi says, "It definitely took me back to the day when I was in training for that. We did a lot of the same type of things like the ladders and stuff like that but every year it seems like they come out with something new. It progresses so much."
The training pays off.
Evan doesn't have huge, muscular legs but he's strong enough to clear three feet from a standing position.
Sports performance coach Jack Hooley says whether it's power lifting or another activity, clients like the results. He trains a 30-something basketball player.
"He's trying to dunk again," Hooley said. "And he's about two inches away and he's been doing these kind of activities. We've got him from not being able to touch the rim to dunking a volleyball. It depends on the client's goals and everything but if they're looking for that increase in power, being able to jump higher, run faster - these are the type of activities we'll do."
Power workouts aren't easy but they allow Kristi Woodard to cram a lot into a little bit of time.
She says, "You can go short and get a good workout with this rather than going around and taking a mile run or something - get a good workout in, burn some calories and it mixes it up a little bit."
Proper technique is really important with power workouts. Don't just jump in. It's best to schedule a few sessions with a personal trainer.
