Dear GeezerJock Doc: I have heard a lot about plyometrics. Is this something that I, as a Masters athlete, should consider incorporating into my workouts?

Great question. To answer it, I'll first define plyometrics. Second, I will discuss the applications of plyometrics with the help of Donald Chu, Ph.D, an authority on the exercise.

Plyometrics or "plyos" is a class of exercises pioneered by the old Soviet Union that helps develop muscular power through explosive training. The theory behind plyometrics is that a muscle which is lengthened before it contracts can generate more power, similar to a rubber band being stretched.

A typical use is to increase an athlete's vertical leap through a series of exercises. In many sports, power or the ability to generate speed with strength is more important than pure strength. It's not about squatting the most total weight; it's about doing the exercise quickly and explosively.

As a sprinter, I do plyometric exercises myself. Bounding upstairs two or three steps at a time is a simple form of plyometric exercise. For me, plyometrics mimic the kind of running and jumping that children do naturally, and I believe that plyos help keep my muscles feeling young.

A word of caution: plyometric exercises, if they're not done properly, can cause a multitude of muscular injuries. But that is not to say that they shouldn't be a part of certain types of training.

For more detailed information on plyometrics, I spoke with Chu, who is a professor emeritus at California State University-Hayward. He is a renowned strength and conditioning trainer who has written several books, including "Jumping Into Plyometrics." He has trained numerous Olympians, among them U.S. national javelin champion Erica Wheeler.

Chu said that plyometrics are best for ground-based sports that involve bursts of aerobic activity. Sprinting, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball and tennis are among the sports where athletes can benefit from plyometric training.

For athletes interested in plyometrics, he suggests finding a coach or trainer in your area who has an interest in this kind of exercise. For the Masters athlete, Chu also suggests his book, "Progressive Plyometrics for Kids." The book can also serve as a guide for the Masters athlete with little or no experience with plyometrics. It offers simple progressions and will keep the Masters athlete safe.

Chu said that basic starting points for plyometrics that he often recommends are simple rhythmic patterns. He offered an easy example: hopping and skipping. It is important to walk away from your sessions feeling good. Remember that as we age there is a steady decrease in strength and speed so training should follow along in some way.