Isometric
Exercises
By Gabe Mirkin,
M.D.
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.Subscribe to my weekly newsletter on fitness, health,
and nutrition. Dr. Gabe Mirkin
has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing
physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in
four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen
to hundreds of his fitness and health reports -- and the
Good Food Book -- at
www.DrMirkin.com |
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