Basic Isometrics

Isometrics has been around for thousands of years. If you look back you will be able to see aspects of it in Yoga and in the Chinese Martial arts. Isometrics is a very simple addition to your regular strength training exercise, but like any other exercise you must be careful to watch for anything that just doesn't feel right.

Isometrics is a series of static contractions that stimulate the development of lean muscle tissue. You will also be able to burn more calories this way and you will only have to hold the contraction for about 7 seconds. Isometrics uses your own body’s resistance to strengthen the muscle but you can also use some household items to help you if you like. An example of isometrics would be if you were in the push up position and held it half way up. In this way you would be using your body's own resistance to build your arm muscle, though you must remember to breathe through these exercises as you do them.

There are always things to be careful of when you are exercising and isometrics is no exception to this rule. Isometrics is not recommended for people who are pregnant, have high blood pressure or have any type of heart disease. Isometrics can cause a sharp rise in the blood pressure while you are doing the exercise and it restricts the blood flow. The other down side of this type of exercise is that you will only increase the muscle in the position you’re holding it in, not in the full range of motion.