The argument goes ever on -- which is better, isometric or dynamic exercises? For all intents and purposes, it seems to be a toss up. What results you want to achieve will also determine which form of exercise is best in helping you reach your goals.

Isometric exercises are done by using strength as you push against a wall, or push your two hands together. This will not cause movement in your muscles but will help them to gain strength. Dynamic exercises cause movement in your muscles as you lift weights, do push ups or sit-ups. However, you are cautioned if you have any kind of heart problems or high blood pressure not to do isometric exercises because they can produce a marked increase in your blood pressure.

Some experts are saying that doing some isometric exercises before you do dynamic ones will increase the effectiveness by 20%. Isometric exercise done after other exercise will actually cause deterioration. To get the most out of the isometric holds, they should be done 15 to 20 minutes prior to the hardest, most difficult dynamic exercises you do. This will give you the maximum strength boost.

You have two choices as to which isometric position you should use before your dynamics. Concentrating on your weakest position would be a good consideration. However, you might also want to use it before the exercise that stretches your muscles to the maximum length. Because a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link, it makes sense to concentrate your efforts on your weakest position in order to gain all the strength you possibly can.