Isometric Exercise And Its Advantages

There are many advantages to using isometric exercises. The first advantage is for you to learn how your body should feel when you are isolating muscle groups. (If you are performing a bicep curl you do not want to feel it in your lower back.) By learning which muscle group or groups you want to work, an isometric exercise will allow you to accomplish just that. You will be able to target specific muscles to be worked. When working out on machines at the gym first you will find that the machines are not a one size fits all. You must adjust your seat height and back. If you are going to perform an isometric exercise with a machine make sure that you are properly fitted in your machine otherwise you will start to pull in other muscle groups that you did not intend on using. Always make sure that your lower back is protected.

Another advantage of using isometric exercises is it can be done anywhere and anytime. You do not always need machines and equipment to feel your muscles working. This is great for busy working individuals who can never find the time to go to the gym. You can perform isometric exercises at your desk, while watching children, tv, or even reading. You can perform some isometric exercises while flying in a plane or sitting all day in a conference. Some can even be performed while brushing your teeth or sitting in a car at a red light.

Another advantage of isometric exercises is ANYBODY can perform them. The morbidly obese, elderly, youth, baby boomers, those on chemotherapy, even those with physical limitations.

The one major item that is recommended is that you BREATHE. If you were to hold your breath while performing an isometric exercise you blood pressure will increase. You can get light headed and possibly pass out. Always make sure that before starting any exercise program that you get the ok from your physician. If you are on any form of medication even those that are over the counter drugs you can have your blood pressure jump up higher than normal, and that is not a good thing. So no matter what never hold your breath, always breathe.

Isometric exercises can be very safe for everyone if you listen to your body and know when enough is enough. Also slow deep breathing is the best way to get in more oxygen to your bodies so that your muscles can work more efficiently. Don’t forget that you are either inhaling or exhaling consistently. Never hold your breath.

Ellen Miller is a Fitness Practitioner/personal trainer and the originator of the IsoBreathing program. She has been teaching lifestyle changes for almost 30 years. Her email address is Ellen@isobreathing.com and she does answer all emails herself.

IsoBreathing
Isometric exercise