What is Isotonic Exercise?
A very popular form of muscle-strengthening exercise is isotonic training.
This 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 cheap
- 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.