Isometric exercises are those types of exercises which are meant to train and strengthen your muscles. These exercises are those in which the length of the muscles and the joint angle are not changed during contraction. All exercises which are included in Isometrics are done in a static position.
Isotonic exercises on the other hand are those exercises in which the muscle’s length changes but the tension does not. One example of an isotonic exercise is lifting up of an object.
Let’s learn some more facts about isometric and isotonic exercises
Isotonic Exercises
There are two major types of isotonic exercises:
Concentric Isotonic Exercises
In this category of isotonic exercise, the external force that is exerted on the muscle is less than that force which the muscle is generating. This type of contraction is also known as shortening contraction. In this type of an exercise, tension is the highest when the body is parallel of the level of the floor. This tension tends to ease below and above this point. Thus in concentric isotonic exercises, the muscle length and tension both change.
Eccentric Isotonic Exercises
In this form of an isotonic exercise, the muscle length increases due to the fact that the resistance is more than the force which gets produced through the muscle. Eccentric contractions are generally related to soreness of the muscles and also muscle injury.
Isometric exercises
Isometric exercises are increasingly becoming popular because of the fact that they are very effective in helping you become fit and healthy. The following are some of the benefits of isometric exercises
Benefits of isometric exercise:
1. These types of exercises can be performed or done at almost any time and at any place. These can also be done when you are driving or are at your workplace. This is one of the greatest benefits of this form of exercises.
2. Another benefit of doing isometric exercises is that they do not require the use of very expensive equipments.
3. The fact that isometric exercises do not pose any major health threats also makes them very beneficial.
4. Another benefit of isometric exercises is that they can help in improving the appearance of a person. Infact those exercises which are done around the area of neck or face have shown many positive improvements in terms of looks.
5. Any kind of a facial Isometric exercise tends to make your face more firm and elastic.
Disadvantages of isometric exercises:
1. One of the disadvantages of doing an isometric exercise is that it may not produce a lot of blood flow and infact the blood flow generated is less than in the case of isotonic exercises. Due to this, the muscle endurance decreases.
2. Another disadvantage is that these types of exercises are difficult to maintain in a schedule as they are not very enjoyable.
3. Doing isometric exercises can contribute to the condition of high blood pressure which in turn can affect the heart and the blood vessels. Thus those suffering from high blood pressure or a heart condition must not do these exercises.
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