Hi, I was wondering if there was any way I could train myself to improve my reflexes. I heard somewhere that running in the woods is a good way to improve them. I don't have a forest around my home to run in. My reflexes are really slow as of now, I was wondering what kind of exercises and training I could do to improve my reflexes. Thanks.

"Reflexes" in what specific way? If you mean "agility" plyometric training can help tremendously. No forest needed. :) Some cursory research into plyos should get you some good sample workouts, if that's what you're looking for.

"Reflexes" in what specific way? If you mean "agility" plyometric training can help tremendously. No forest needed. :) Some cursory research into plyos should get you some good sample workouts, if that's what you're looking for.

When I say reflexes I mean reaction time. Agility sounds nice too. Never heard of plyometric training before. What is that?

It's a training method which usually needs no equipment where you train for increased speed and agility, generally used for sports training. Think of drills where you see athletes running and bounding back and forth. It's functional training for the movements used in athletics, but can be used for general agility as well. There are a few really good, detailed books out there if you're interested in reading up on it some more.

It's a training method which usually needs no equipment where you train for increased speed and agility, generally used for sports training. Think of drills where you see athletes running and bounding back and forth. It's functional training for the movements used in athletics, but can be used for general agility as well. There are a few really good, detailed books out there if you're interested in reading up on it some more.

I know you can't recommend me to any sites. But can you recommend me any good books for that :)? Do you also know any good books for reaction time reflexes?

"Jumping into Plyometrics" by Donald Chu is a pretty good one. Some copies come with a DVD showing demos and such. Categorizes activities based on sport use and difficulty.

Thanks. Is this safe to try btw?

You need some degree of athleticism to do plyos safely. Definitely not recommended for beginners without a trainer.

You need some degree of athleticism to do plyos safely. Definitely not recommended for beginners without a trainer.

That is not good for me... is there anyway I can do low intensity plyos and work my way up?

Probably. Sticking to basics like the jumping and bounding exercises are about as safe as it gets and are a good start, but the more intense agility exercises should be saved for later when your body is conditioned enough to do more strenuous work.