Isotonic Exercises And Isometric Exercises: What Are Their Differences?
Isotonic exercises and isometric exercises are two ways of exercising strength that complement each other to give variety and breadth to our training routines. In fact, incorporating both maximizes the benefit of each session.
Both isotonic and isometric exercises offer different ways of working and, with them, different advantages. As for which one is better, there is no valid answer, since it depends on what the objectives are and what physical situation each person is in.
Isotonic exercises
The word isotonic has its origin in the Greek terms iso (which means ‘equal’) and tones (which means ‘tone’). The term describes a type of exercise in which the muscles maintain the same tension while performing a movement.
This means that during isotonic exercises the muscle contracts and shortens or lengthens against a constant load. Although the length of the muscle changes, the load remains the same during the exercise.
With this in mind, it is important to differentiate between two types of isotonic contractions: concentric and eccentric.
Concentric contraction occurs when the muscle contracts and shortens during exercise against a constant load. For example, any weight lifting involves concentric contractions when lifting or approaching the load.
Eccentric contraction occurs when the muscle contracts and lengthens during exercise against a constant load. In lifting weights, the eccentric phase occurs when the initial position is recovered, that is, when the weight is lowered or moved away.
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