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2002/08/09, 03:51 PM
I forget which is which, but one means full-range-of-movement-type exercise while the other is more of a "motionless" kind of exercise, like grasping a towel at each end and just stretching it as hard as you can for 10 seconds. What do y'all think about these type of exercises?
I only ask because I sit all day behind a counter (and on this freakin' computer :0) and am searching for exercises I can do here. Obviously I wouldn't want to do movements that are too similar to my daily workouts, for fear of overworking a muscle group, but what about ab exercises? Would it be AT ALL productive to sit (or stand) here and flex my stomach muscles all day? Or would that be counter-productive? In other words, is there ANY type of exercise (muscle workout) that's good to do more than once a week for those few measly sets??? I just want to do all I can, ya know?
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2002/08/09, 04:25 PM
Hey Bretto, here is some quick info.
Isometric exercise:
During isometric exercises muscles contract, however there is no motion in the affected joints. The muscle fibers maintain a constant length throughout the entire contraction. The exercises are usually performed against an immovable surface or object such as pressing the hand against the wall. The muscles of the arm are contracting but the wall is not reacting or moving as a result of the physical effort. Isometric training is effective for developing total strength of a particular muscle or group of muscles. It is often used for rehabilitation since the exact area of muscle weakness can be isolated and strengthening can be administered at the proper joint angle. This kind of training can provide a relatively quick and convenient method for overloading and strengthening muscles without any special equipment and with little chance of injury.
Isotonic exercise:
Isotonic exercise differs from isometric exercise in that there is movement of the joint during the muscle contraction. A classic example of an isotonic exercise is weight training with dumbbells and barbells. As the weight is lifted throughout the range of motion, the muscle shortens and lengthens. Calisthenics are also an example of isotonic exercise. These would include chin-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups, all of which use body weight as the resistance force.
Isokinetic exercise:
Isokinetic exercise utilizes machines that control the speed of contraction within the range of motion. Isokinetic exercise attempts to combine the best features of both isometrics and weight training. It provides muscular overload at a constant preset speed while the muscle mobilizes its force through the full range of motion. For example, an isokinetic stationary bicycle set at 90 revolutions per minute means that despite how hard and fast the exerciser works, the isokinetic properties of the bicycle will allow the exerciser to pedal only as fast as 90 revolutions per minute. Machines known as Cybex and Biodex provide isokinetic results; they are generally used by physical therapists and are not readily available to the general population.
Hope that helps.. good to reference for other members as well.
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.o0 Arnold 0o...o0 theaustrianoak@hotmail.com 0o.
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2002/08/10, 02:36 AM
Great thing Arnold! (when I saw the title I was getting ready to write a long explanation, but you just saved my time!! lol merci!!)
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- Nina :o) Les Victoires éternelles sont celles du coeur.
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2002/08/10, 06:24 PM
lol.. my pleasure! Hope it helped.
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.o0 Arnold 0o...o0 theaustrianoak@hotmail.com 0o.
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