Resistance Exercise Need Not Be Risky
By Tom Herrin
A lot of times, when people get into resistance training, they think in terms of lifting weights or some other similar activity. Weightlifting can be good, if done correctly, but it sometimes places undue stress on body parts such as joints. It is also pretty common for people to strain muscles as they lift. In order to avoid these situations, they may be able to do some resistance training without the potential risks that may do harm. Doing isometrics can accomplish much the same thing with a few other perks. For those who remember, they were pretty popular a few years ago but have made a little bit of a comeback in recent years.
They May Help Utilize More Muscles
Most exercises fall short when it comes to engaging a large number of muscles when performing work. In doing something that involves a lot muscles to accomplish a task, this is something that is referred to as muscle activation. It is a way of recruiting more motor units for an activity. This can do a more effective job of building bigger muscles. It is believed that isometrics can help to use as much as 95 percent of the available muscles.
They May Be Good for Rehabilitation
For those who have suffered injuries, recovery can be tricky. There is always a need to do something that can help to strengthen and improve them. Too often, the effort to recover can place greater stress on some tissue that has been damaged. The joints are particularly vulnerable. Those muscles need to be worked as part of the healing process. Isometrics can provide an opportunity for them to be worked without overworking them. There seems to be a natural tendency for people to check themselves when doing so. It is not like the strain used to lift some heavy object.
They May Save Time and Space
Isometrics can be done almost anytime and any place. You can concentrate your efforts on certain areas, allowing them to do more for less. I have done them before with reasonably good success. I was able to build specific muscles with success. Isometrics can often improve strength faster than conventional exercises. It really can give more bang for your buck. It may be worth your while to consider if you are in the market for something different.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Reno, Nev.