What is your opinion on isometrics?
Stuck
Dear Stuck,
First off, let me explain to those who don't know what an isometric exercise is. The concept of isometrics involves holding/pausing a weight - (which could be your own body weight) - such that the length of the contracted muscle does not change...it is neither in concentric (ie positive) motion nor eccentric (ie negative) motion. For instance, in a bicep curl, you would hold at the halfway point of your curl, with your forearm parallel to the floor and perpendicular to your bicep; in a leg extension, you would pause as your legs as extended straight in front of you.
...and so, to answer your question: I like isometrics. Incorporating them into your training IS a great, yet simple, way to help build muscle. since extending the time your muscle is under tension promotes growth.
Try this: once you've finished your last set of bicep curls, take a lighter weight and hold in the said-position for 40-60 seconds. If you cannot maintain for 40, the weight is too heavy; if you can maintain for 60, the weight is too light.
Happy Holding,
Trainer Mark
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