Title: Nail It: Mastering the REACT Method
Gathering around the lively Emran Riaz, the brainchild behind the Reality Enhanced Athletic Cross Training (REACT) Method, we were more than a little apprehensive as novices. Being familiar with Riaz through past Greatist Challenges, Laura stayed calm, but the rest of us were nervously lacing up our sneakers. And Riaz, in true form, leapt straight into action, leading us through a whirlwind of cardio, power-packed plyometrics, and full-body strength training.
Hitting McCarren Park in Brooklyn, Riaz emphasized the benefits of the outdoor setting. He believed this environment fostered teamwork and heightened the workout's real-world authenticity. Our warm-up was swiftly followed by an unyielding cardio session, filled with sprinting, shuffling, and even a few lightning-fast push-ups.
Moving on to the plyometric drills, we were met with their hallmark challenge: stretching the muscles before instantly contracting them, or in layman’s terms, jumping. Exercises such as "snowboarders" were a far cry from a relaxing ski trip, as our quads hardly had a chance to recover from the relentless shaking before the next set began.
According to Riaz, plyometrics not only help build strength and power but also contribute to overall athletic performance. This type of training activates fast-twitch muscle fibers, improving agility, reaction time, and reducing fatigue during daily activities. More importantly, plyometrics enhance the rate of force development, boosting power and speed, which are vital in various sports.
Circuit training was next on our list, which consisted of five stations targeting arms, legs, and cores. Mirroring Riaz's agile form with the large ropes, our own efforts proved to be anything but elegant. We also incorporated dips, crunches, and some firm work with the TRX bands. Concluding with a core workout, we managed a few side planks and half-boat poses that, although lacking a serene savasana, worked wonders at making us feel accomplished.
Face-to-face with the challenging REACT workout, we were nowhere near masters of the art. Nevertheless, Riaz elegantly adjusted the exercises to cater to our varying fitness levels. We cherished the personal touch, and he offers a complimentary first session for REACT newcomers. Reach out to him through [email protected] or check REACT out on Twitter.
Photo courtesy of Kelli Kerkman
Plyometric exercises, being an integral component of various fitness routines like the Glen Powell Top Gun Workout and general plyometric training, offer numerous advantages. By activating fast-twitch muscle fibers and improving the rate of force development, plyometric exercises augment power, speed, and cardiovascular efficiency. The explosive nature of these training techniques also fortifies joint stability, improves agility and endurance, fosters flexibility, and even aids fat loss through the afterburn effect. These benefits combined make plyometric exercises an indispensable component in any athlete’s workout regimen.
After learning about the benefits of plyometric exercises, we incorporated them into our REACT workout sessions. These exercises, such as snowboarders and box jumps, not only improved our strength and power but also enhanced our agility, reaction time, and overall athletic performance.
Furthermore, we discovered the importance of bodyweight exercises in our circuit training sessions. Performing exercises like dips and crunches without weights allowed us to focus on our form and engagement of the core muscles, contributing to a more effective workout.
