Moving Not an Option? Build Health in Stealth Mode
By Tom Herrin
The natural tendency for giving advice to those who want to get in better shape is to get out there and move. It is usually sound information to convey to anyone. If there happens to be some reason that someone cannot do that, there are other avenues to follow that may still bring about some good things for improving health. One of those that was popular at one time, and faded, but seems to be coming back a little is isometrics. They are a resistance exercise that can produce some big results with virtually no real movement.
They May Help Resist Aging Problems
As people get older, there is a natural decline in their muscles. Too many people take it for granted and simply accept it. Many look for activities that seem far less stressful. This does not have to be the case. Working those muscles can save or rebuild them. Isometrics can be a way to concentrate on the areas of greatest concern without risking injury to joints or other muscles. It is also a great way to improve flexibility, which is another thing that is lost so often as people age.
They May Build Strength
It is not always easy to gain strength whether young or old. For years, the conventional wisdom was that if people worked hard enough, they could have bigger muscles. In some cases, that idea of working hard can turn into something brutal. Isometrics can get to the point quicker. It seems that the longer muscles are contracted, the larger they become. This makes isometrics the ideal way to build muscle because people work against some kind of immovable object. This helps to maintain muscle contraction longer.
They May Be More Time and Space Efficient
Choosing to do isometrics will make good use of space. Since no equipment is necessary, they can be done in limited space. They can also be done in only a few minutes of time. Since they can enable people to isolate areas of the body they wish to work on, they may be highly efficient. I have done them in the past and been pleased with the success I had. They helped me to build in the areas I wanted to, possibly better than I have with conventional exercise at times.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in The Redlands, Calif.