Isometric Strength Exercises Pdf
175 Cambridge Street Boston, MA 02114 617-726-7500 www.mghsportsmedicine.org Shoulder Separation and Acromioclavicular Joint Injury Description. An isometric exercise is a form of exercise involving the static contraction of a muscle without any visible movement in the angle of the joint. The term 'isometric' combines the Greek words 'Isos' (equal) and 'metria' (measuring), meaning that in these exercises the length of the muscle and the angle of the joint do not change, though contraction strength may be varied. Isometric Exercises. Isometric exercises are exercises that don't involve body movement. Weird, but highly useful. Weight training is one of the best methods of strength training! If you want to start weight training safely and effectively, with the best info, diet,. According to the Mayo Clinic, isometric exercises are often prescribed as a path to healing for arthritis and rotator cuff injuries. Wall sits focus on improving the strength in your thighs. Jul 15, 2019 Studies show that isometric exercises decrease muscle elasticity and speed of movement. But actually, it happens only when you do excessive isometric exercises without doing other forms of exercises required by the body. Isometric exercises should not be practiced in isolation. It is more effective to include isometrics with HIIT. An isometric exercise is a form of exercise involving the static contraction of a muscle without any visible movement in the angle of the joint. The term 'isometric' combines the Greek words 'Isos' (equal) and 'metria' (measuring), meaning that in these exercises the length of the muscle and the angle of the joint do not change, though contraction strength may be varied.
Have you been yearning to get a slim and toned body? But are you someone who doesn’t like to workout? Then, I have great news for you. Today, I am going to tell you about an exercise that can tone your muscles without moving a muscle! This interesting form of training is known as Isometric Exercise and has gained much popularity in the recent times. It works on the principle that you can strengthen your muscles, shed fat, and get a toned body if you activate the muscle fibers in the problem area. So, skip the crazy cardio or weight training sessions, and start doing these 28 isometric exercises to get a fabulous body. But first, let’s understand what we are getting into.
What Are Isometric Exercises?
Isometric exercises are done without changing the length of the muscles. These exercises work on the muscles in a static position and demand muscle tension without any actual movement. Primarily, there are three ways in which the muscles are worked – concentric, which involves contraction or shortening of muscles; eccentric, which involves lengthening of muscles; and isometric, where the muscles tighten without any alteration in length. Most of the core conditioning exercises, yoga postures, and even pilates exercises are isometric.
Now, let’s begin with the exercises, their benefits, and how to do them correctly.
Top 28 Isometric Exercises And Their Benefits
Isometric Exercises For The Abs
1. Plank
Image: Shutterstock
Target
Transversus abdominis muscle, gluteus minimus muscles, gluteus medius, adductor muscles of the hip, and obliques.
Starting Position
Get into the push-up position with your arms straight, abs tight, belly button sucked in, and body straight.
Steps To Do
- Hold this pose for 10-15 seconds.
- Slowly get back to the starting position and repeat.
- Try increasing the holding time gradually.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Do not stress too much right in the beginning. Build your strength gradually.
2. Forearm Plank
Image: Shutterstock
Target
Transversus abdominis muscle, gluteus minimus muscles, gluteus medius, adductor muscles of the hip, and obliques.
Starting Position
Start in the plank position with your body straight and abs tight.
Steps To Do
- Bend your arms. Lower your body, concentrating the weight on your forearms.
- Hold the pose for 10 seconds. Try to increase the holding time gradually.
- Slowly get back to the starting position and repeat.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Do not point your elbows outward or inward. Place them close your body.
3. Side Plank
Target
Transversus abdominis, rectus abdominis, obliques, quadratus lumborum. gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and adductors.
Starting Position
Get into the plank position with all the muscles tensed.
Steps To Do
- Shift your weight slowly to your right side and balance with one hand and foot on the ground.
- Extend your left hand straight into the air and put your left foot over the right one.
- Hold the pose for 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
- Slowly get back to the starting position and repeat.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
If extending your hand makes you unstable, keep your hand on your waist as you do the plank.
4. Isometric Push-up
Image: Shutterstock
Target
Abs, middle and lower back, triceps, and chest.
Starting Position
To begin with, one must assume the normal push-up position and balance the body on the knees and palms.
Steps To Do
Slowly raise the body upwards, holding it for one second before coming down.
This may sound easy, but it might be challenging to hold the position when the weight of the entire body falls on the palms and the knees.
Repetitions
10 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Do not stress too much right in the beginning. Build your strength gradually.
5. Isometric Low Plank
The isometric low plank is a combination of the plank and the push-up. This is a great exercise for those who want to build core strength and get toned arms, a flat tummy, and well-shaped shoulders.
Target
Abs, middle and lower back, biceps, triceps, and glutes.
Starting Position
Assume the push-up position.
Steps To Do
- Lower your body. Bend your elbows, keep your head up, and chin straight.
- Slowly push your upper body up as you straighten your elbows and support your body weight with your arms, shoulders, and palms.
- Hold it for 5 seconds.
- Lower your body and hold for 5 seconds.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Make sure your body is well supported by your toes and your elbows.
Isometric Exercises For The Shoulders
6. Hanging
Image: Shutterstock
Target
Shoulders, lats, upper abs, obliques, biceps, and triceps.
Starting Position
Grab a pull-up bar or any other bar type surface from which you can properly hang.
Steps To Do
- Hold the bar with your hand and hang.
- Hang there for 10-15 seconds and then come down.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
It may seem a little tough for beginners. So, try doing 2 reps initially, and then gradually increase the reps and sets.
7. Shoulder Raise
Target
Anterior deltoid, trapezius muscles, lats, and the supraspinatus.
Starting Position
Hold the dumbbells, one in each hand, and look straight ahead.
Steps To Do
- Do not bend your elbows. Raise your shoulders and hold for 10-15 seconds.
- Bring your hands down and relax.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Avoid doing this exercise if you have a previous shoulder injury.
8. Shoulder Extension
Target
Deltoids, lats, and triceps.
Starting Position
Stand straight with the support of a wall.
Steps To Do
- Straighten your elbows while stretching your shoulders.
- Hold for 5 seconds and release.
- Repeat 10 times.
Repetitions
10 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Keep your back straight while doing this exercise.
9. Isometric Shoulder Press
Image: Shutterstock
Target
Rotor cuffs, lats, triceps, and biceps.
Starting Position
Hold 2-pound dumbbells in your hands and lift them till the shoulder level. Flex your elbows so that your forearms and upper arms are at 90 degrees with each other.
Steps To Do
- Start pressing one arm by steadily extending your arm and then bring it back to the starting position. The other arm will remain static.
- Do the same with the other arm.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete one set on each arm.
Precaution
Maintain the 90-degree angle.
10. Isometric Shoulder Internal Rotation
Target
Shoulders, back, forearms, and upper arms.
Starting Position
Stand upright with your elbow flexed at 90 degrees. Place a folded towel between your arm and the wall.
Steps To Do
- Push your arm into the wall as if you are rotating your forearm outward, keeping your elbow tucked to your side.
- Relax and repeat.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Make sure to keep your back straight during the exercise.
Isometric Exercises For The Back
11. Warrior III
Image: Shutterstock
Target
Lats, shoulders, obliques, biceps, glutes, quads, and hamstrings.
Starting Position
Start in Tadasana and slowly shift your weight to your right leg.
Steps To Do
- Start lifting the left leg slowly, bending forward at the same time.
- Keep your back erect and spine straight the entire time.
- Bend forward and lift your leg until your spine and the lifted leg are aligned in a straight, horizontal line.
- Keep that balance and hold the pose for 10 seconds.
- Slowly lower your leg. Repeat the pose with the other leg.
Repetitions
3 reps to complete 1 set.
Isometric Strength Exercises Pdf Free
Precaution
Take the support of a wall initially if you find it difficult to balance your body.
12. The Bridge
Target
Gluteus maximus, obliques, erector spinae, gluteus maximus, rectus abdominis, and obliques.
Starting Position
Lie down on your back on the floor. Flex your knees, keep your hands on the sides, and feet and palms flat on the ground.
Steps To Do
- Support your body on your feet on and palms and gently thrust your hip upwards.
- Hold this position for 10 seconds before lowering your body back to the starting position.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Keep your head and neck straight. Look up at the ceiling while doing this exercise.
13. Back Stretch
Image: Shutterstock
Target
Lats, obliques, chest, upper abs, shoulders, and neck.
Starting Position
Stand straight. Keep your shoulders relaxed, and hands by your side.
Steps To Do
- Hold your arms out and interlock your hands.
- Pull your shoulders back so that your chest pops out and your feel the stretch just below your shoulders.
- Flex your elbows and bring your interlocked hands close to your navel.
- Push your shoulders back and feel the middle back muscles contract. Hold it for 2 seconds and release.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Exhale as you pull your shoulders back.
15. Towel Row
Target
Rhomboids, glutes, lats, shoulders, and biceps.
Starting Position
Stand straight with your legs shoulder-width apart. Hold the ends of a towel in your hands. Flex one knee and put it over the towel.
Steps To Do
- Raise your arms towards your shoulders as much as possible so that you can feel the stretch in your back, arms, and glutes.
- Hold it for 30 seconds before releasing and reverting to the starting position.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Sit straight while doing this exercise.
Isometric Exercises For The Legs
16. Wall Sit
Image: Shutterstock
Target
Hamstrings, quads, calves, and lower back.
Starting Position
Stand with your back against a wall.
Steps To Do
- Flex your knees and lower your body as you would while squatting.
- Hold the position for 5-7 seconds and release.
- Repeat this 10 times. Increase the hold time gradually.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Make sure you keep your back against the wall at all times.
17. Isometric Quads
Target
Quadriceps or the front of your thighs.
Starting Position
Lie down flat on your back. Keep one leg straight and one knee flexed, and the foot flat on the ground. Keep a rolled towel or a cushion underneath your straight leg’s knee.
Steps To Do
- Once you rest your knee, raise it to form a bend and hold for 5 seconds.
- Rest it back on the cushion and repeat the procedure with the other knee.
- Do this for each knee with at least 15 repetitions each.
Repetitions
15 reps to complete 1 set.
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Precaution
Lie down on a flat and sturdy surface.
18. Ankle Press
Target
Peroneal muscles and calves.
Starting Position
Lie down on your back and hold a pillow between your ankles.
Steps To Do
- Press the pillow as hard as you can till you touch the other ankle.
- Hold it for 10 seconds.
Repetitions
15 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Do not use a hard object as you may hurt your ankle.
19. Weighted Calf Raises
Image: Shutterstock
Target
Calves, glutes, and arms.
Starting Position
Stand straight and hold a dumbbell in each hand by your side with the arms straight.
Steps To Do
- Raise your heels off the floor and balance yourself on the balls of your feet.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- Another version is to continue doing calf raises while holding the weight in your hands.
Repetitions
10 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Use weights that are not too light or too heavy.
20. Isometric Knee Exercise
Target
Knees, quads, hamstrings, adductors, and calves.
Starting Position
Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
Steps To Do
- Keep one leg straight and flex the other knee. Keep the foot flat on the floor.
- Place a rolled towel underneath your straight leg’s knee.
- Push your knee down as hard as you can. This will work on your quads.
- Hold it for 3 seconds, relax, and repeat 10 times.
- Flex your straight leg and push your heel down to the ground.
- Hold it for 3 seconds, relax, and repeat 10 times.
- Now, keep both your feet flat on the ground and the knees flexed.
- Use a belt (not a resistance band) and tie it around your thighs.
- Push both your legs out. Hold for 3 seconds, relax, and repeat 10 times.
- Grab a medicine ball and hold it between your knees.
- Squeeze in your legs so that you feel the burn in your inner thighs.
- Hold it for 3 seconds, relax, and repeat.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
If you do not have a medicine ball or a towel, use a pillow to do the exercises.
21. Static Lunge
Image: Shutterstock
Target
Quads, hamstrings. lower back, and glutes.
Starting Position
Stand with all the muscles in your body tensed, your core tight, and shoulders back.
Steps To Do
- Split and take your left leg back in a lunge.
- Lower yourself into as deep a lunge as you can without touching your bent knee to the ground. Ideally, lower yourself until you are just inches above the ground.
- Hold this pose for 10 seconds and repeat with the other leg.
- To intensify the exercise, grab a heavy dumbbell in each hand.
Repetitions
10 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Do not try to overtrain. You must build the strength gradually to avoid injuries.
22. Squat Hold
Target
Adductors, glutes, quads, hamstrings, and lower back. Global vpn client windows 10.
Starting Position
Stand straight with your legs shoulder-width apart.
Steps To Do
- For a mid-squat hold, lower yourself into a squat and stop when you reach about the middle of your length as if you are sitting on a chair. Hold yourself in the pose for 10 seconds.
- For a deep squat, lower yourself into a complete squat to the ground with your knees up to your chest and your butt inches off the floor. Hold the pose for 15 seconds.
Repetitions
10 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
When you squat, make sure your back is straight and your knees do not overshoot your feet.
Isometric Exercises For The Arms
23. Wall Push-up
Image: Shutterstock
Target
Biceps, triceps, shoulders, lats, and chest.
Starting Position
Place your hands on the wall, shoulder-width apart.
Steps To Do
- Lean on the wall, supporting your body on your toes, and keep your palms on the wall.
- Push as hard as you can.
- Keep pushing with the same force for 15 seconds. Relax.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Keep your back straight while doing this exercise.
24. Isometric Towel Curls
Target
Biceps
Starting Position
Take a long towel and hold both its ends in your hands. Hold the lower portion of the towel with one of your feet.
Steps To Do
- Try pulling up the towel. You will feel the stretch in your arms.
- Hold it for 3 seconds, relax, and repeat 10 times.
Repetitions
10 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Keep your back straight and flex your knees slightly while doing this exercise.
25. Body Weight Resisted Tricep Push Extensions
Image: Shutterstock
Target
Triceps
Starting Position
Stand straight with your feet hip-width apart. Raise your hands above your head and clasp them together.
Steps To Do
- Raise your right arm and bend your left arm slightly to resist the right arm.
- Squeeze hard to feel the stretch in your triceps.
- Hold it for 10 seconds, relax, and repeat 10 times.
- Do it with the other hand.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete one set.
Precaution
Keep your shoulders relaxed and core engaged while doing this exercise.
26. Barbell Isometric Curls
Target
Forearms, biceps, triceps, and shoulders.
Starting Position
Hold a barbell. Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and core engaged.
Steps To Do
- Lift the barbell till your hands reach your shoulders.
- Hold this position for 20 seconds and feel the contraction.
- Relax and lower the barbell to the starting position.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Make sure to use weights that are neither too heavy nor too light.
Isometric Exercises For The Neck
27. Neck Stretch
Image: Shutterstock
Target
Neck muscles
Starting Position
Place both your palms on your forehead and stand straight with your feet hip-width apart.
Steps To Do
Power Isometrics Pdf
- Push your forehead towards your palms and use them to resist that force. Hold it for 5-8 seconds for 3 repetitions.
- Put your hands behind your head. Push your head towards your hands and vice versa. Hold it for 5-8 seconds for 3 repetitions.
- Put your right hand on the right side of your head. Push your head towards your hand and vice versa. Hold it for 5-8 seconds for 3 repetitions. Do it for the left side as well.
- Put your right palm on the sides of your cheeks. Push your hands inwards and use your face to resist that force. Hold it for 5-8 seconds for 3 repetitions. Do it for the left side as well.
Repetitions
3 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Avoid hurting yourself by pressing your head too hard.
Isometric Exercise For The Glutes
28. Hip Adduction
Target
Glutes, adductors, and lower back.
Starting Position
Lie down on your back, flex your knees, and keep your feet flat on the ground.
Steps To Do
- Hold a pillow with your thighs.
- Press it as hard as possible, ensuring the pressure from both the sides is at the same time.
- Release your thighs without letting the pillow fall. During the course of pressing and releasing, your breathing must be evenly controlled.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Lie down on a completely flat and sturdy surface.
Isometric Exercise For The Chest
29. Chest Squeeze
Image: Shutterstock
Target
Pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles.
Starting Position
Stand straight with your legs hip-width apart.
Steps To Do
- Put your palms together and press them. Hold for 10 seconds.
- Lift your right leg and balance. Hold for 10 seconds.
- Lower your right leg and lift your left leg. Hold for 10 seconds.
Repetitions
5 reps to complete 1 set.
Precaution
Keep your back straight while doing this exercise.
Benefits Of Isometric Exercises
Practicing isometric exercises offers various benefits to your body. They are:
- Isometric exercises help in strengthening and conditioning the muscles.
- They strengthen the dormant muscle tissues on isolated muscles.
- They improve one’s control over the body.
- Improve body posture and spine alignment.
- Help prevent injury.
- These exercises are used in injury rehabilitation.
- Help in the development of lean muscles.
- Improve bone density and make them strong.
- Increase resistance power and endurance ability.
- These exercises activate all the major units in the body.
- They can be done anywhere and anytime.
- Most isometric exercises do not require any equipment, or at the most, a set of dumbbells is enough.
- Help in graceful aging, keeping the body posture straight and erect even in old age.
- These exercises can also be done by the elderly and are considered good for them.
Tips
- Studies show that isometric exercises decrease muscle elasticity and speed of movement. But actually, it happens only when you do excessive isometric exercises without doing other forms of exercises required by the body.
- Isometric exercises should not be practiced in isolation. It is more effective to include isometrics with HIIT. A combination of isotonic and isometric exercises works good as well.
Isometrics are great for strengthening your muscles and building those lean, killer abs. It is a good idea to spread isometrics throughout your workout, in between exercises. Isometrics can also be done throughout the day whenever you feel like it. But remember that though isometrics are good for our body, they must never replace the other forms of exercises. Talk to your trainer on how you can incorporate isometric exercises in your workout routine.
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Isometric exercises are exercises that don't involve body movement. Weird, but highly useful.
Weight training is one of the best methods of strength training! If you want to start weight training safely and effectively, with the best info, diet, and routines, check out the 5 Day Beginner Weight Training Course!
Pushing against walls or trying to bench press a bar that won't move are each examples of isometrics. You push as hard as you can, even though you can't see any results from your effort.
It's a rather obscure type of exercise, but it's the perfect way to train you body to exert itself 100%!
What Is Isometric Exercise?
Though isometrics are exercises where you don't have to move your body, there's a whole lot more than just that. This page goes into the details of what isometrics are.
Use this info to get the most out of your workouts and to design your own isometric workouts!
Bruce Lee's Basic Isometric Workout
This is a basic isometric workout, with 8 different positions to complement a basic weight lifting routine. It also happens to be the workout that Bruce Lee used.
It's a great beginning isometric workout. Print it off and try working it into your routine on your off days.
Using Muscular Isometric Contraction in Your Workouts
Wonder about the best way to use isometric contraction in your workouts? This guide gives ideas for how to work isometrics into your routine.
It also gives info about what makes an isometric contraction isometric. Check it out, and learn something new!
List Of Isometric Exercises
Isometric Weight Loss Tips
Curious about using isometric exercises for weight loss? Learn tips about getting the most out of your routine, as well as about mistakes to avoid.
If you're looking for a new or different exercise to try, one that won't break the bank, take a look. You can lose weight and get stronger :-)
Custom Body Weight Isometric Workouts
Want to try body-weight isometric workouts? Here's a list of exercises that you can use to build your own custom workout, as well as a free PDF sheet to download and record you exercises on.
If you like this info about isometrics then you'll enjoy my monthly E-Zine, Starting Strong. It keeps you updated about info added to Complete-Strength-Training.com, as well as bringing you select articles & tips. And you'll get the free e-book Train Smart, Eat Smart: Exercise Nutrition Hacks! Sign up below!
Now, you know what isometrics are all about. You have workouts and ideas to continue your training and get stronger in a variety of ways.
The only question is, do you want to try?