The basics
•There are two types of muscle contractions: isotonic and isometric
•The prefix of both words is “iso” and it means “the same”
•Different exercises exert different contractions. Isotonic involves
muscle contraction and shortening movement as depicted in the
figure above whereas isometric does not involve muscle shortening
movement but deals with muscle contraction
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At the beginning of life, humans exerted
isotonic contractions: infants using their
arms to sit up, a pull up bar at a playground
and swinging a bat are all considered
isotonic contractions
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Exercises are considered isotonic if they
meet the following criteria: an eccentric
and concentric phase must be involved.
Also, tension within the muscle must be
present, but the joint on the other hand will
have no movement
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Isotonic contractions will have the same
tone. This means there is no droopiness
and the muscle is toned throughout the
entire exercise
Pull ups
 Pushups
 Bicep curls
 Tricep dips
 Resistance bands
 Crunches (situps)
 Lunges
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“Equal length” contractions are
considered isometric. If the muscle is
contracted but not shortened, the same,
equal length is maintained
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The limb will be in a fixed position and no
movement will occur. Tendons will be
pulled, but the length will remain
unchanged
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Isometric contractions are a convenient
way to stay in shape. Common
household/office items such as chairs and
walls are perfect for this type of exercise

Even the busiest people can find time to fit
these beneficial, quiet exercises in
throughout the day. Always consult a
physician before performing any intense
exercises. Isometric contractions can raise
the blood pressure and heart rate in little
time causing danger to some
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Chair leg extension
Hand press
Wall push off
Overhead press
Side bend
Neck stretch
Cross arm stretch
Arm flex
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http://exercise.lovetoknow.com/examples-isotonic
http://www.innovateus.net/health/what-areisometric-contractions
http://faculty.stcc.edu/AandP/AP/AP1pages/Units5t
o9/unit9/typesof.htm
www.allposters.com
www.woophotos.com
www.bleacherreport.com
www.bonnielangfitness.com
www.discover.adidas.ca
www.property-report.com
http://www.med-health.net/Isometric-Exercises.html
www.netfit.co.uk