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
   
   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.