That's Fit

Plyos? What are plyos? You may not have heard of plyometric exercise before, but it's something you should add to your workout routine.

Plyometrics are quick, intense actions that trigger strong muscle contractions -- jumping, hopping, and bounding movements are considered plyometric. Many athletes use these exercises to boost their performance in a certain skill. For example, plyometric exercises can help basketball players jump higher. But the average Joe can benefit from plyometrics, too. In fact, Bethany recently told us how adding plyometrics can really pump up your walking workout.

Shape Magazine has a plyometric training routine you can add to your workout. Warm up your muscles with some cardio, then give plyos a try!

Although I've yet to actually try it, The Perfect Push-Up seems like one of the better fitness gizmos being hawked on TV these days. Since it's really just a variation on the traditional push-up, I suppose it has to be effective (although, I do wonder if the twisting motion with the hands places undue stress on the rotator cuff). But is it really necessary to dole out money to vary a push-up? Are there ways of doing so without spending a dime? Of course there are.

Every day, I come across a new way to perform a push-up. Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but suffice it to say that I come across them quite often. Here are five variations to the traditional push-up that you may want to try, all of which cost zero dollars but make good fitness sense (sorry for the pun. I couldn't resist). Oh, and by the way, click on each of the exercises if you'd like to see a video demonstration.

1.) Plyometric Push-Ups. Very Rocky-esque move where you thrust your body upward, to the point where your hands leave the ground. Throw in a hand clap before hitting the ground and you may be ready to take on Drago.

2.) One-Armed Push-Ups. The Jack Palance at the Oscars move. Very, very difficult. Don't be discouraged if you can only do a few -- if any at all. Although, Jack Palance was about 125 years old when he did his. I'm just saying ...

3.) Spider-Man Push-Ups. That's a lot of hyphens. It's also a great way to work your chest and triceps with this climbing-type move. You can either do it while remaining in one place, or you can 'spider crawl' your way across the floor. My only suggestion is that you don't wear Spider-Man underoos while you do it, as it may get you tossed from your gym.