The Path to Better Health May Go Through the Wall
By Tom Herrin
Be leaner, be active, get healthy. That is the idea of what many people feel is the key to better health. For sure, that is a good recipe for those who will follow it. It is not the only way to improve it because some people are able to improve their fitness and health without being "active." What is almost opposite of movement is isometric exercise. It may be an exaggeration to refer to it as opposite, but it does have some of the properties that would fit that description. Isometrics are basically resistance exercise. Many times, the resistance is something that cannot move at all, such as a wall or door frame. Even those things that are slightly more movable, such as their own body, have little movement. Isometrics are a good option.
It May Protect Against Aging
As people get older, it is inevitable that muscles will lose some of their youthful properties. Along with this, many people feel that they are no longer able to do physical work as they once did. Isometrics can be an effective way to preserve muscles. They may be able to help improve flexibility, endurance, and mobility. Since there is no stress on the joints, people are able to work to build the muscles without risks.
It May Build Strength
With isometrics, people can concentrate on the areas they desire to improve. When muscles contract, they are able to maintain blood flow longer in the tissue. This allows them to grow larger and stronger. Isometrics can help keep a contraction for a longer period of time since there is no danger of straining the muscles by doing so. It is believed that by doing isometrics, people can increase strength up to 5 percent per week. Compared to conventional exercise, this is pretty significant.
It May Improve Mental Health
Everyone deals with some kind of stress in their life. Whether it is financial, social, emotional, or something else entirely, it can have a devastating effect on us. When we can exert some physical activity through isometrics, it can be great. Physical activity can help release chemicals in the body that make us feel good. Anytime I feel stressed, I do some kind of exercise. Even something such as isometrics can help to make this happen. It works for me. It may work for you as well.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sparks, Nev.
