Skip to content 
If you want to build your muscles without lifting a finger, isometric exercises are perfect for you. Most people engage in these exercises because they want to improve their strength and body muscles. In addition, isometric exercises can enhance muscles when you perform repetitive sets of exercises in each training session. This article explores isometric exercise – how to perform fitness benefits, incorrect forms, injuries, sets, types, and substitute activities.
If you are looking for nice home gym equipment at a deal price, get them from Home Fitness Code!
What are isometric exercises?
Isometric exercises are a more significant way of gaining greater strength, balance, and flexibility without equipment to enhance your other workouts. By doing these exercises, your muscles flex without compressing or expanding. It becomes a static method of placing a demand on a group of muscles. During training, these exercises can target other parts of your body for health gains. If you have limited space, isometric exercises can be ideal for you. Isometric exercises are static and may involve exercises, such as wall-sits, plank holds, glute bridge hold, and the superman exercise.
When can you use isometric exercise?
You can do isometric muscular contraction exercises anytime during your home exercise or rehabilitation program. However, sometimes isometric exercises are the ideal exercises to perform. These instances may include after surgery and when muscles required to move joints cannot contract. In addition, fitness experts prefer these exercises to help improve neuromuscular input with a specific muscle. However, it is necessary to consult a physical therapist or a doctor to determine if your rehabilitation program should include isometric exercises.
Isometric exercise fitness benefits
There are many benefits to engaging in isometric exercises after surgery or injury. The injured can easily contract a muscle while safely protecting a scar or a surgical incision. Isometric exercises also can help boost your stability, coordination, and body control. With isometric exercise, there are fewer injury risks compared to other fitness exercises. Therefore, these exercises are the best for anyone with a pre-existing injury.
For those who cannot make weight movements, isometric exercises are the ideal alternative to weight.
You can work a muscle’s range of motion without lifting weight. Those who cannot make it to the gym should prefer these exercises. Since they only require your body weight, isometric exercises are perfect if you want to squeeze in a workout anytime. Similar to physical activities, isometric exercise can help lower your blood pressure. However, if you experience high blood pressure, consult your doctor before engaging in these exercises.
Whether you are coming from an injury, fixing muscular imbalances, focusing on instability, or new to strength exercises, isometrics are an incredible way to boosting your strength. These exercises do not require multiple reps through a broad range of motions. The other benefit of isometrics is how they improve the mind-body connection. When practicing, your muscles are connecting with your nervous system. Therefore, these exercises can help improve body awareness.
An incorrect form of isometrics
Isometric exercises, including plank and glute bridge hold, do not need you to make a visible movement or bend joints during practice sessions. However, you can still perform them incorrectly by assuming the wrong position or pose. By setting up incorrectly, you can place an unnecessary strain on joints and muscles. Therefore, ensure your feet and hands are in the right location and your joints are bent at the right ankle before performing isometric exercises. It is also essential to differentiate between isometrics and isotonic exercises, done at a constant speed that increases as you progress.
Also, try Cross-Training, an intense exercise program featuring dynamic exercises and weightlifting using non-traditional equipment from FitnessFactory.com such as kettlebells, sandbags, suspension systems, and bumper plates.
Isometric exercise rep
Performing isometrics can seem exciting, but they help you build muscles. You can try high-rep muscle training or low-rep training. Since isometric exercises are contractions of specific muscles, performing equal reps on both sides is necessary. We recommend most newbies start with three six-second isometric contractions for each exercise and include a rep per week. It is an ideal starting point for beginners before they can extend the time to the length of each rep. How long you can hold a rep determines the number of reps you can do during training. An average lifter can perform an isometric exercise for 30 to 60 seconds, while an advanced lifter can perform an isometric exercise for 2 minutes and above.
Isometric sets
When performing these exercises, make sure you limit yourself to two to three sets as a beginner. That is more than sufficient volume. As a beginner, you should always take your time and gradually build up to higher reps and sets while focusing on the correct form. The primary goal is not to reduce your nervous system to zero. Instead, you are practicing to prime and amp your body to perform better during standard reps. It is always necessary to rest for 30 to 60 seconds between each set of isometric exercises. Besides, you do not want to put yourself in a situation that could lead to injuries. Therefore, stick to productive exercises that enhance your muscles without getting a negative experience.
Types of isometric exercise
You can do various types of isometrics two to three times while relaxing for one to two minutes. An excellent isometric you can perform is the shoulder raise. You begin this exercise with your feet shoulder-width apart. Next, bring your arms up with a weight of your choice. Keep your shoulder aligned and your arms parallel to the ground. Hold the weight for 30 seconds until the hands go low. Make sure you repeat this exercise two to three times.
Wall squats are another type of isometric exercise. These are lower body exercises that require your back to lie against a wall. Lower yourself to ensure your legs form a 90 degrees angle and remain parallel to the wall. Hold your arms in front of you and keep that position for about 30 to 60 seconds. We recommend repeating this exercise two to three times while resting for a minute after every session.
Calf raises also an isometric exercise that requires you to stand near a chair. Put your left leg on the right of your calf and rise on your toes using the right leg. The chair can help you keep balanced while maintaining this position for 30 to 60 seconds. Make sure you alternate your legs while repeating this exercise two to three times.
Final remarks on isometric exercises
Isometric exercises can be great for building your muscles to facilitate joint movement. If you are looking to use isometrics, make sure you follow the information provided in this guide. You will learn how to recover from injuries through isometric exercises, how to perform isometrics, their benefits, and more to boost your overall health. To get the most from isometric exercises, combine them with a well-balanced workout program.
