Thread: isosmetric exercies query

I usually do an isometric contraction with a weight that I can't do a full contraction with or do one after my last rep in a set. I've found that this has helped my strength tremendously because even if you're not strong enough to do a full contraction, it puts the muscle(s) under the amount of tension that weight has to offer and therefore the muscle(s) get use to lifting it.

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If you build it they will come

[This message has been edited by Large And In Charge (edited 05-02-2001).]

I have seen people post on this before, but i am a little unsure what exactly it is. Could someone please explane?

Hey Omega, Just curious? You work in the IT field dont you?

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HickeyNC

You get what you put in.

I use isometric training for martial arts. It helps me make my kicks faster and more powerful. It is good for burst of enregy.

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Everyday is a good day, when you are not six feet under.

Originally posted by HickeyNC:
I have seen people post on this before, but i am a little unsure what exactly it is. Could someone please explane?

Yeah, please "splaine!"

About isometrics-Basically there are three kinds of strength a person posseses.1)Eccentric, or lowering strength.2)Concentric, or lifting strength.3)Static, or holding strength.Isometrics fall under the category of static strength.An isometric contraction is pulling or pushing against an immovable object.If you are doing curls and on your fifth rep, you find that you can only raise the weight halfway up, this means that your concentric strength is temporarily depleted.By attempting to hold the weight in this position for a given period of time, say 5 seconds, you are doing a form of isometrics.There are many different ways of doing isometrics, with and without weights.I have used them with some success in the past, but you must have a good strength base to perform them correctly due to the intense nature of the contractions.A beginner who incorporates them into his training will most likely overtrain or become injured.I have also read that Bruce Lee used isometrics with great success.I believe that is one of the primary reasons why such a small man like Lee could overpower such larger opponents and perform so dynamically.

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matt toupalik

Excellent post Ballast!

An isometric contraction is a contraction where the muscle(s) are under a tremendous amount of tension without moving the joint. For example, take any one of the exercises from,
http://www.gymamerica.com/gti/exerci...63,1_,00.html?

Do a full range rep and at peak contraction, without locking out, hold it for as long as you can. This is an isometric contraction.

However you should do these sparingly because they put allot of tension on the joints, tendents, ligaments, soft tissues, etc. and if done on a regular basis can severely put you at risk for injury.

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If you build it they will come



[This message has been edited by Large And In Charge (edited 05-02-2001).]