Fitness enthusiasts looking to maximise their strength using basic equipment may wish to try plyometrics, it has been claimed.

This form of strength training uses repetitive hopping, jumping and bounding movements to increase muscle power, reports the Calgary Herald.

Using dumbbells or other weighted objects, keep-fit fans can also improve their upper body strength.

This can be achieved by doing quick push-offs, arm swinging and the catching and throwing of heavy items.

Helen Vanderburg of the Calgary Herald commented: "The goal is to quickly maximise strength by using high-intensity explosive exercises."

However, she did warn: "Flexibility, strength, skill and body awareness are all prerequisites for plyometric training."

Paige Waehner at About.com stated that free weights allow fitness enthusiasts to perform a variety of exercises so that they can work the entire body.

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