Dynamic and Isometric Exercises 101

21 Oct Dynamic and Isometric Exercises 101

Dynamic and Isometric Exercise

When it comes to getting in shape or healing from a recent injury there are a plethora of exercise options.  We provide our Broomfield patients with the education, tools, exercises and goal-planning systems to help take you to the next level. Combining isometric and dynamic exercises is one approach for optimal, functional fitness and is an essential part of your injury prevention plan.

Why Exercise?

We have all heard, at one point or another, that exercise is good for us, but why exactly? The Mayo Clinic provides a concise list of convincing reasons to encourage some sort of exercise–whether dynamic or isometric–daily in our lives:

  • Controls weight
  • Combats health conditions and diseases
  • Improves mood
  • Boosts energy
  • Promotes better sleep
  • Is fun and social

To get the returns your body needs, make a goal to do at least 150 minutes a week–that’s just 21 minutes a day–of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of more intense exercise.

Understanding Resistance Training

When it comes to prevention strategies and rehabilitation methods, resistance training plays an important role for reaching your goals. The two types of resistance exercises that are performed most commonly are based on dynamic and isometric principles.  While they are both forms of resistance exercise, they are very different and accomplish very different things.

Developing Strength with Dynamic Exercises

When you think about dynamic exercises we are talking about activities that require movement and a resistance load of some kind. The actual mechanics behind dynamic exercise include concentric and eccentric contractions of your muscles. Muscles shorten and produce forces against a load to cause movement. During dynamic exercise, muscles are required to create enough energy to subdue the resistance and move the corresponding weight. Swimming, biking, cross-country skiing, walking or weight training are all examples of dynamic exercises. Dynamic exercises are prescribed when patients have goals to improve strength, endurance capabilities, blood circulation and total body wellness. Dynamic exercises focus on helping strengthen joints, muscles and connective tissues.  Most dynamic exercises are prescribed for patients that have specific strength and athletic goals. They also play an important role in preventative care strategies.

Isometric Exercises for Rehabilitation

Simply put, isometric exercises are those that require that you hold a single position without moving. Isometric exercises are great for patients that are recently returning to exercise after an injury or after a period of non-exercise.  Isometric exercises allow you to tone muscles and gain strength without the the drawbacks of impact or full range of motion. If you have specific physical rehabilitation goals, isometric exercises are the most effective at getting you the results you need. If you have injuries or conditions that are easily set off by certain movements and actions, isometric exercises can help you restore strength safely and comfortably. While isometric exercises require you to contract muscles for a specific amount of time they don’t impact the muscle length and keep the joints stable. This limited movement makes isometric exercises safe for most patients. Isometric exercises provide the mood-enhancing endorphins associated with exercise while being convenient and safe for patients that require a more careful approach to wellness.

Learn More About Dynamic and Isometric Exercises

Our experienced team at Mile High Spine & Pain Center is trained to help you get the most you can out of dynamic and isometric exercise.  Rehabilitation programs, preventative care, and total body wellness all necessitate exercise at some level. Mile High Spine & Pain Center provides customized treatment plans for patients in the Westminster and Broomfield area to accelerate your wellness goals. Call (720) 507-0080 today to schedule your free consultation!

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