Isometric exercise is when you push against something that doesn't move
for resistance, such as a wall. About 20 years ago this was a popular
type of physical training but it isn't very common anymore. The
strength you are able to gain is through isometric contractions is
within only twenty degrees of the angle you hold.
When
you use weights you become stronger through a wider range of motion.
Isometric training causes your blood pressure to increase more than any
other method of strength training so if you have weak blood vessels or
heart trouble you are susceptible to rupturing a blood vessel or
developing an irregular heart beat.
The popularity of
isometrics is a direct result of the success of some weightlifters who
took synthetic male hormones that were known as anabolic steroids. The
weightlifters then claimed that their isometric exercises made them
strong. They said that they were doing a brand new revolutionary
training method that involved pushing against bars that didn't move.
In
reality the steroids made them much stronger by helping them recover
faster from hard workouts so they were able to perform more strenuous
workouts. With this workout to make your muscles stronger is to
exercise with resistance. You can do this by lifting heavy weights or
pushing against something that doesn't move.
The great thing
about isometric exercise is that you are able to add it to your daily
routine easily. It can be performed just about anywhere, as long as you
can have the discipline to do it. Tightening and flexing the abdominal
and glut muscles can be done while you are even sitting on the couch
watching your favorite TV show, or while sitting at your desk in your
office. Simple arm stretches can be performed while standing against a
door frame or while cleaning the kitchen.
Isometric training is
perfect because it has the power of targeting specific muscle groups or
problem areas. This makes it possible and easier for you to spend less
time exercising. When you exercise specific muscle groups you are able
to create lean muscle mass and will begin to shed unwanted fat without
ever spending a minute in the gym.
When you build muscle you
will be happy to know that lean muscles take more energy to exist than
fat does, so every time you are working out and gaining muscle you will
know that you are increasing your fat burning as well.
As you
become more familiar with your own isometric exercise routine your body
will become more accustomed to tensing and flexing on command, and you
will be able to increase your intensity and add in more types of
workouts. To maximize your isometric training results you should do
some cardio a few times a week to get your heart pumping and burn extra
calories.
