Isometric exercises are those that push your muscles against other muscles or an immovable force, which will strengthen and tone them. The strength gained is only within 20 degrees of the angle you hold. Many day-to-day activities, such as scrubbing the floor, carrying bags of groceries or holding a baby in your arms, are forms of isometric exercise. A more commonly known isometric exercise is push ups.

One of the limitations of isometric exercise is that each hold only increases your muscle’s strength in that exact position. It does not work through a full range of motion. Isometric contractions can also restrict blood flow and can cause sharp rises in blood pressure during the exercise. Discomforts such as nausea and a rapid heart beat while doing isometric exercises are warnings to stop the exercise and consult a medical physician immediately. Breathing properly during any intense muscle contraction is very important, and will keep you from feeling any of the negative effects of isometric exercise.

There are many positives to using isometric exercise. Basic isometric exercise can be useful in treating some of the following illnesses and diseases of multiple sclerosis, arthritis of the knees and hips, certain heart conditions, Parkinson’s disease, digestive problems, and circulatory problems. Because of the many positives associated with isometric exercises, one might say that they are the most healthy and beneficial way to strengthen the muscles. More and more people are exercising their way to a healthier body by using isometrics.