Isometric Exercises
Isometric exercise means that you push against
something that doesn't move, such as a wall. Thirty years ago,
most weightlifters and athletes is sports requiring strength used
isometric training to make themselves stronger. Athletes don't
use isometric training much anymore. The strength gained
through performing isometric contractions is only within 20
degrees of the angle you hold. On the other hand, when you lift
weights, you become strong through a wide range of motion.
Isometrics cause your blood pressure to rise higher than the
other methods of strength training. If you have weak blood
vessels or heart trouble, you can rupture a blood vessel or
develop an irregular heart beat.
According to Dr. John D. Fair, Chairman of the
Department of History at Auburn University, the popularity of
isometrics was the result of the success of some weightlifters
who took synthetic male hormones called anabolic steroids and
then claimed that their isometric exercises made them strong.
They claimed that they were doing a revolutionary new training
method of pushing against bars that didn't move. The steroids
made them stronger by helping them to recover faster from tough
workouts so they could do more work. The only stimulus to make
a muscle stronger is to exercise that muscle against resistance.
You can lift heavy weights, push against special strength
machines and push against something that doesn't move, such
as a wall or bar attached to the ground. Isometrics are not used
much any more, but the steroids are still used, even though they
are banned by most sport authorities.
Checked 9/29/08