I’ve recently noticed an increased interest in isometric training. Obviously another stimulus. In your opinion, is there any advantages with isometric holds over emphasized negatives/eccentrics? I’m considering experimentation with it, but I wonder if it’s a bad choice when compared to negatives. I’m thinking it must be preferred to have the muscle work more along its length. That said, I can think of certain excercises when the isometrics are a force to be reckoned with (wall squats or loaded stretches).
If you were to use isometric holds - Where, when and how would you apply them?
The Wall Squat is the best isometric hold exercise. I use it as a finisher after doing the leg press. For example, do 15 reps on the leg press and immediately try to do a Wall Squat hold for 30-60 seconds.
Thibaudeau has been doing a lot with isometrics lately, he’s even got a free four-week isometric-only training program you can get through his Instagram.
Isometrics are helpful for building strength at specific joint angles and teaching positional awareness–he programs them early in strength phases.
Indeed, and I can vouch for that. My blood pressure gradually got a little higher over the last few years, but I’ve been focusing on daily wall sits as part of my mobility routine lately. I also do isometrics throughout the week.
My blood pressure has dropped considerably over that period of time
I have personally found exercises such as pec deck leg extension by using iso metric or just static hold for around 15 to 20 seconds till I can no longer hold it after 3 times goingg back to standard lifting having to add 30 lbs from last standard lift getting one more rep and chest looking fuller I have started to use it as pre exhaustion static till failure followed by standard lift incline press or dip