A beginner’s guide to isokinetic exercises

Isokinetic exercises are a unique form of strength training, comprising those done at a constant pace or with a consistent weight.

To achieve this, they work alongside special equipment that does not go beyond the set speed – think of it as similar to the gears on a bike. In this article, we will look at isokinetic exercises and how they can help you get the workout you need.

An introduction to isokinetic exercise

Isokinetic exercises, as mentioned above, work on the premise of constant and consistent motion at a steady pace – you can adjust this speed to best suit the workout you have in mind.

If you are using special isokinetic equipment, then it is likely that it will contain a dynamometer that controls your exertion and the resistance of the machine. It is deliberately repetitive, and physical therapy often uses isokinetic exercise to help people maintain their strength amidst an injury.

This is different to isotonic and isometric exercises. Isotonic exercises are those with constant tension on your muscles alongside a full range of motion – this is the principle behind squats, bench-pressing, and even a simple bicep curl.

Isometric exercises, in contrast, work the muscles without bending the joints, such as by maintaining a plank position. This helps to build up stamina and even lower blood pressure.

Examples of isokinetic exercise

An exercise bike usually has settings that can create an isokinetic experience, offering extra levels of resistance that ensure you keep at a steady pace.

These bikes respond to the user’s motion, ensuring they keep the same speed and revolutions per minute.

The ease of the cycle motion makes it a popular choice of machine for beginners and experts.

Isokinetic dynamometers can work with many conventional forms of exercise equipment, including weight-lifting machines.

These machines may have an isokinetic setting that can prevent the load from moving at a rate determined by the athlete – instead, they will have to work at the speed you set for the weight. Similarly, isokinetic leg presses can ensure the same is true for leg day; this gives a full workout of the leg with custom resistance levels.

Outside of this equipment, a close approximation to the isokinetic principle exists in the breaststroke. This swimming technique relies upon constant water resistance and repetitive arm movement, giving a similar workout to isokinetic machines.

The benefits of isokinetic exercise

The consistency of an isokinetic workout can keep certain muscles strong, making them ideal for those recovering from an injury.

The resistance afforded by the equipment and exercises will ensure that there is a minimal risk of injury ahead – and studies suggest they could have more overall benefits to your health and endurance than isotonic or isometric workouts.

The customisation of an isokinetic exercise also lets you feel the burn just as you want.

As with any type of workout, you need to know how to do it correctly to avoid injury or complaint.

Just in case, you might benefit from checking with your doctor before beginning a radically different workout routine.

On a similar note, if you are new to consistent exercise, you should make sure you start slow and do your warm-ups and stretches beforehand.

Isokinetic exercises can transform your workout and help you safely improve your muscles – and this safety does not have to compromise the effectiveness of your exercise.

Of course, you need to make sure you have gym tees and gym shorts that fit well and offer maximum flexibility. At Flow, we can provide top-of-the-line clothing to complement any routine. of the best workout clothes for men today.