The Truth About Isometric Strength Training

If you have been involved in the fitness, exercise and/or bodybuilding industry for any amount of time, you probably have heard about Isometric Strength Training

Isometrics training (isometrics is also commonly referred to as iso’s or iso) is not to be confused with isotonic training. Iso’s, are where you exercise using very little to no movement. Isotonics on the other hand involves a complete movement in the exercise. (If you would like to learn more about iso or isotonics there are some very good articles available to you online.) There are also some isometric exercise tutorials available that shows you… step-by-step how to effectively use iso-training as part of your fitness workouts.

I first learned about isometric’s when I was getting my personal training certification at school. Since then my education in iso-exercise has grown, as I studied the training and workout programs of many of the old-time strongman.

Isometric strength training is really about muscular strength. This type of workout is much different than traditional bodybuilding and weight lifting. These are sports rather than a form or way of exercising. This type of training commonly uses the technique or protocol of “progressive resistance.” Thereby, you continually add resistance and you can use a variety of different exercises and types of resistance training equipment to target specific muscle groups.

Many sports utilize isometric strength training as part of their workout regimen. Most notably are… football, hockey, track and field, baseball, downhill skiing, swimming and many others.

Today, more and more athletes at both the Olympic and professional levels use iso-training as part of their sports improvement programs.

Strength Training History

The truth about resistance training is that it has been around for many years. It wasn’t until the 20th century with the advent of new materials, scientific knowledge and modern technology that the uses of resistance training have increased significantly. Prior to this, these workouts were relegated to the world of weight training only.

Progressive resistance training can be traced back to ancient Greece. Milo of Croton, a legendary wrestler… Trained by carrying a small calf everyday until the calf was full-grown. He was considered one of the strongest wrestlers of his time.There have been many different types of exercise equipment. For example, in the 19th century legendary Indian wrestler… the Great Gama, used the “Indian clubs” for his bodybuilding workouts.

This type of training became very popular in the 1980s, after the release of the bodybuilding movie… Pumping Iron.

Today nearly one in every five women in the US engages in resistance training on a regular basis. If you’re not including isometric strength training as part of your workouts then you should perhaps consider it. There many types of isometric exercise equipment available today. Bottom line is iso-exercise works.