According to a 2005 study, 52% of British people fear exercise for one reason or another. This fear is probably due to the fact that people don't have a proper education on muscle mechanics.
Muscle training is not as simple as just lifting heavy weights and to get the most from your training, you need to be willing to take the time to research and learn all about how your muscles develop, as utilizing proper training principles will yield not only stronger, but healthier muscles that are less prone to injury.
There are three types of muscle contractions: isotonic, isometric and isokinetic. Each of these muscle training techniques should be considered when attempting to build strength.
Isotonic muscle contractions are the most common type of contractions we do when we exercise. In an isotonic contraction, the muscle shortens as it contracts resulting in movement at the joint. This is the type of muscular strengthening we do with free-weights. The advantages of this type of exercise are that the muscle is strengthened throughout its entire range of motion, and you can easily translate motions performed in sports or everyday activities into isotonic exercises. The disadvantages are that this type of exercise often results in muscle soreness due to the strain placed on the muscle when it lengthens, and the majority of the strength gained is in the initial range of the motion, rather than evenly throughout.
Isometric muscle contractions are when the muscle contracts, but does not shorten, therefore there is no movement at the joint. This type of muscle contraction is a static hold, such as when you need to hold an object in one position. The benefits of this type of exercise are that they are quick and easy to perform anywhere, and do not require any equipment. However, strength is only gained at the specific angle you use in the exercise and it can cause a rise in blood pressure.
Isokinetic muscle contractions are when the muscle contracts and shortens at a constant velocity, as opposed to an isotonic contraction that is typically slower in velocity initially, and then speeds up. Specialized equipment is needed for this type of muscle contraction that will increase the load on the muscle when it detects increasing speed of movement. Muscle contractions of this type result in even strengthening throughout the range of motion, and are proven to be the fastest way to gain strength. The downfall is that most gyms do not offer this equipment due to the expense.
A combination of these three types of muscle contractions in your workouts will render the greatest strength acquisitions. One training technique alone is usually insufficient for true muscle strengthening that will benefit you most. Go to your local gym and ask them for a free gym pass (most health clubs offer a week or so pass) so you can have the proper equipment in order to train your muscles. Remember, varying your exercise routine is of utmost importance, both to keep your fitness well-rounded and to motivate you to continue to exercise.
Author Resource:-
For more information about gym accessories, visit the Fitness First, web shop.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 