Isometric exercises have become increasingly popular in our fitness routines, and for good reason.

These exercises involve holding a static position, which may not seem like much, but they are incredibly effective at building muscle strength and enhancing performance. Isometric exercises are also great if you’re recovering from an injury as they are low impact and do not put stress on your joints.

Tom House, a personal trainer, explains why isometric exercises are so beneficial: “I love including isometric exercises in my workouts because, from holding a seemingly innocuous position, you can really get the muscles working hard and shaking.” By holding the tension in the muscles for longer than they are accustomed to, you can make an exercise feel ten times harder.

So, what are the best isometric exercises to build muscle strength? Here are the top five exercises to add to your routine or do as a standalone workout during your lunch break:

1. Wall Squats:

– Stand with your back against a wall and slide down until your knees are at a 90-degree angle.
– Hold this position for as long as you can, aiming for 30 seconds to start.
– As you get stronger, gradually increase the duration of the hold.

2. Plank:

– Get into a push-up position with your forearms on the ground and your elbows directly beneath your shoulders.
– Keep your body in a straight line from head to toe.
– Hold this position for as long as possible, aiming for one minute or more.

3. Side Plank:

– Lie on your side with your legs stacked on top of each other.
– Place your elbow directly beneath your shoulder and lift your hips off the ground.
– Keep your body in a straight line from head to toe.
– Hold this position for as long as possible, then switch sides.

4. Glute Bridge:

– Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground.
– Lift your hips off the ground, engaging your glutes and core.
– Hold this position for as long as possible, aiming for one minute or more.

5. Wall Sit:

– Stand with your back against a wall and slide down until your knees are at a 90-degree angle.
– Hold this position for as long as possible, aiming for one minute or more.

The Bottom Line:

Isometric exercises are a valuable addition to any fitness routine. They provide a unique challenge for your muscles and can help improve strength and performance. Incorporating these exercises into your workouts or doing them as a standalone routine can yield great results. So, grab a wall, get into a plank position, or lift your hips off the ground and start experiencing the power of isometric exercises!

Key Points:

– Isometric exercises involve holding a static position to maintain muscle tension.
– These exercises are effective at building muscle strength and enhancing performance.
– Isometric exercises are low impact and do not put stress on your joints, making them great for injury recovery.
– Wall squats, planks, side planks, glute bridges, and wall sits are some of the best isometric exercises to incorporate into your fitness routine.
– Gradually increase the duration of the hold as you get stronger.
– Aim for at least three rounds of these exercises or do them as a standalone workout during your lunch break.

Source Article: https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/isometric-exercises