History of Isometrics

Isometrics training has been around for thousands of years. There are no documents declaring when or where it was first practiced, but its origins are thought to be born from Chinese martial arts and yoga. Ancient Chinese martial art training manuals depict practitioners in static poses. These poses were either the beginning of a movement or the end of one, and were very likely showing some form of isometrics.

As with yoga, isometrics emphasizes correct breathing and proper mental focus. Yoga is a series of postures (asanas) in which one assumes a pose and holds that position while breathing and relaxing. This technique lengthens muscle and relaxes the mind. Isometrics uses the same principle of holding poses, but with the added use of resistance.

Resistance training promotes lean muscle and strengthens bone and tendons. This is achieved through isometric contractions. There is no range of motion. All exercise is performed by flexing muscle against muscle; for example, pressing the hands against each other in front of the chest and pushing against a door frame (using frame as the point of resistance). Exercise bands can be used to stretch muscles and hold them in position.

There is no documentation as to whether resistance training was born out of or was an influence on Chinese martial arts, or is a variation of or was established from yoga. Most forms of exercise utilize some form of resistance training to some degree. This is a system of exercising that can be done anywhere by anyone.