Plyometrics

Could someone please enlighten me about what plyometrics is/are?  Maybe some examples of plyometrics exercises??

Is it something you do in lieu of "traditional" cardio and/or weightlifting or in addition to a general exercise plan?

Any info would be great.  Thanks!

it's basically jumping! (for the critics, I said basically! ;op)

Doing jump squats, jumping jacks, jump ups to a step or bench, stuff like that!

I actually usually do them in between my weight workout! I'll lift my set of reps and then do plyometrics during the 'rest' period (unless I'm lifting legs, cuz they need some rest). It really helps jazz it up and get your body going!

Thanks for the response vicki!

So what you're telling me is it's a fancy name for things I'm already doing, just didn't know what they were called?  LOL!!  Good idea to do them in between sets--I used to do that long ago have forgotten how effective that can be. 

Thanks again!

When in doubt, consult wikipedia.

"Plyometrics is a type of exercise training designed to produce fast, powerful movements, and improve the functions of the nervous system, generally for the purpose of improving performance in a specific sport."

"Plyometric exercises involve an increased risk of injury due to the large forces generated during training and performance, and should only be performed by well-conditioned individuals who are under supervision."

Thanks for the wikipedia link.  I read that a while back but the description wasn't giving me a good visual in terms of specific exercises.  I thought it was something far more complex than jumping squats and lunges and the like (not sure why).  In my mind I turned it into a very sophisticated martial arts-type workout or something that required years of study.  Hahah!!  Not that the movements are simple in terms of physical exertion--not at all!  But I was under the mistaken belief plyometrics require lots of coordination (like dancing).  I clearly have too much time on my hands and way too much of an imagination :)  Anyway, thanks again for the clarification!!

haha I know what you mean....I was training w my sister about 2 weeks ago, and she told me to add it into my workout, and I was like 'what the heck is that?'

then there was the big OOOOO, yea! haha

i dont know why I though this, but I always thought plyometrics was when you hold a weight out and try and keep your arm up as long as possible, does anyone know what that is called and what it's good for (ie slimming, toning, builing muscle)?

 Those are called static holds, and they're good for strength endurance - important if you are a gymnast or rock climber, only mildly useful to most other people.

thanks.