Plyometrics and Wannabe Navy Seals

Patrick Barry leads an ad-hoc workout group in Los Angeles. To give you an idea of his fitness, a few years ago, while already in his 40s, he survived the 50+ hour SEALFit Academy training patterned after the US Navy’s Buds' Hell Week. It has a dropout rate of about 80%.

Patrick’s preparation included working out 22 to 26 times a week for the 8 weeks prior, running hills with a weighted vest, flipping tires, heavy bag training, and a host of other activities.

Recently, Patrick led his group of 20- and 30-somethings through the ultimate plyometric challenge.

Have you ever done a Burpee? Measurement of oxygen consumption confirms what many military vets can attest: The burpee is the best way to elevate the heart rate in a restricted workout space.

The normal burpee consists of dropping from a standing position into a squat with your hands on the ground, kicking your feet back into a plank position, returning the feet to the squat position, and then doing a powerful plyometric leap up into the air.

Patrick had his group perform a variation in which they leaped forward. They repeated these high-burn, small-forward-progress Burpees until they had completed a total of four 400 meter laps around a track for an entire mile: an astounding plyometric feat. Even for a Navy SEAL.

Leave a comment and we’ll get back to you about the next meeting time and place for Patrick’s group.