What does isometric exercise and New Year's resolutions have in common? One of the most popular resolutions made every year is to get into shape. Isometrics is an incredibly inexpensive form of exercise. It compliments any diet program, and you won't have to spend your hard earned money joining a gym or buying expensive home exercise equipment. Isometrics can help anyone meet this goal.

Isometrics is a form of resistance training that contracts the muscles to exert a force either against an immovable object or to hold muscles in a fixed position for a certain length of time. Joints stay stationary throughout the exercise, which normally last only a few seconds. They are done in sets and are easy enough that a person of any body type or physical shape can do them.

One example of an isometric exercise is called the glute squeeze. To do it, sit up straight in your chair and squeeze your butt muscles together until you feel your body rise. Hold this position for seven to fifteen seconds and then release slowly back to the rest position for approximately twenty seconds. This simple exercise can be done on the bus, at work, our while waiting for your meal in a restaurant. Isometrics are great for people who believe they do not have the time to exercise.

As with all types of exercise, isometrics increase blood pressure, so a check up with your doctor is highly recommended before you start doing them regularly.