Which is an example of a plyometric exercise?

Plyometric exercises are designed to improve power and explosiveness by utilizing the stretch-shortening cycle of the muscles. They involve rapid stretching followed by a powerful contraction, which enhances muscle strength, speed, and coordination. An example of this is barrier hopping, where an individual jumps over an obstacle or barrier. This movement requires quick, explosive actions that stretch the muscle as the jumper prepares to leap and then contracts powerfully to clear the barrier.

In contrast, yoga stretches focus on flexibility and balance without the explosive component, static holds involve maintaining a position without movement, and light jogging emphasizes endurance and cardiovascular fitness rather than explosive power. These alternatives lack the key elements of rapid muscle extension and contraction that define plyometric training.