Isometrics Exposed

Well, there are both pros and cons to isometrics.  I’ll go into both.

The cons:

1.  Many people just like the atmosphere of a gym.

If you enjoy the social atmosphere of the gym, talking shop with others during your workout, or need that interaction to actually get you to DO your workout, then Isometrics is probably not for you. And, let’s face it, many people do like the competition and other social aspects of a gym.

2.  Many people have plenty of time.

My mother, for instance, goes to the gym and loves it.  She has plenty of time and isn’t concerned about gaining muscle mass.  Her general fitness routine is fun for her and, being retired, she has as much time as she wants to spend there.

3.  Many people have the money to spend on exercise equipment and/or the gym membership.  And gas to and from the gym.  You get the idea.

4.  Some people just want to stick with what they know…  And since isometric training is basically unknown to the majority of people today, they just pass on it.

The Pros:

1.

Isometrics is very time efficient. To get the same or better workout, it takes A LOT less time than other methods.  The basic idea is this:  The key to building muscle is to stimulate all of the muscle fibers to the point of exhaustion (bringing you to the point where you can’t push or pull with the muscle any more).  This exhaustion tells your body to build new, bigger muscle tissue.  This takes some time using the weight training and body-weight methods, because you are lifting the weight through the full range of motion.  Take for example a bench press.  You push up the weight from the chest till your arms are fully extended.  But your muscles aren’t exhausted yet.  That’s why you have to do more repetitions to exhaust the muscles.  Same with push-ups or dips.  And then once you reach that “muscle failure” (muscle exhaustion), that is the part of the exercise that causes the muscle to grow.  Isometric exercises, however, starts by creating the tension at that critical, peak point.  Now hold that tension with all your strength and focus for several seconds, then relax.  That’s it. 

Isometrics stimulates each muscle fiber at that critical point from beginning to end of the exercise.

So there is no wasted time.  It’s totally efficient. And many people report a complete workout is done in about 10 minutes!

2.  Do them almost anywhere.  Actually, I can’t think of any place you can’t do them.  I know of someone who worked on his abs while waiting in line somewhere!  I like privacy, but it can be done at work while sitting or standing.  Anywhere will suffice.

3.  No equipment is needed.  There is no chin-up bar, no weights, nor any apparatus of any sort.  Because you don’t need those things for a full power workout that builds incredible strength. 

So, judge for yourself.  If you like the gym and the results you get there, then keep doing it!  If you don’t mind the time and money spent with traditional exercise routines, then more power to you!  BUT, if you want even bigger muscle size and/or strength gains, with less time and money spent to get them, then check into isometrics.  I believe you’ll be glad you did.