Fitness

What is Isotonic Exercise?

Isotonic exercise is a very popular form of muscle-strengthening.

Isotonic exercise can be carried out either with:

• Free weights -- dumbbells
• Barbells; or fixed equipment -- e.g., the Nautilus

In both forms exercises are carried out against a fixed resistance.

As each muscle moves through its complete range, isotonic contraction creates tension with maximum effort at the beginning and end of each exercise.

Advantages of isotonic training:

• Relatively inexpensive
• Broad range of exercises
• Ability to exercise all major muscle groups

Disadvantages:

• Uneven force throughout each exercise.
• Exercises may not fully strengthen each muscle group.