Isometrics. The isometric method has one advantage: it is brief. You can only exert a maximum force against an immovable objects around and, there are a variety of ways of unobtrusively working out for brief periods in home or office. However, because so many muscles and muscles patterns are involved in the sequence of a specific movement, the isometrically trained muscle is limited to the same angle of the joint and position of the body during the training period. The muscle may defined but its use is limited. Finally, it is difficult, if not impossible, to judge improvement.
Isokinetics. For full muscle development through the complete range of movement, the best training is provided by isokinetics. In this resistance training method a mechanical device maintains a constant load as you speed up muscular contraction so that the muscles are forced to work along the way, meeting effort at any point along the movement. Such machines are now popular at many health clubs and training centers and have been devised to work out all the body's major muscle groups.
Hazards. A lack of flexibility due to one-sided development is the condition known as being muscle-bound. To avoid this, go through the full range of every movement, raise and lower all the way, and for every movement do a contrary flexibility exercise. There is a greater hazard to those who may have cardiovascular disease or varicose veins. In the intense effort of lifting a heavy weight, the breath is held, locking pressure into chest. This prevents blood from returning to the heart, veins in the neck are extended, and blood pressure can drop to dangerously low levels.
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JANUARY 15
