What is Isotonic Exercise?

A very popular form of muscle-strengthening exercise is isotonic training.

This can be carried out either with:

  1. Free weights - dumbbells


  2. Barbells; or fixed equipment - e.g., the Nautilus


    3. 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:
    1. Relatively cheap
    2. Broad range of exercises
    3. Ability to exercise all major muscle groups
    Disadvantages:
    1. Uneven force throughout each exercise.
    2. Exercises may not fully strengthen each muscle group.

    Training manual: Building Strength and Muscular Endurance with Weights



    Courtesy of FitnessandFreebies.com
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