Isometric exercises, once admonished as not being effective in the building of muscle, is a rudimentary cornerstone of effective abdominal training.
At first glance, the isometric exercises may not seem to have much use in buildingrippling stomach muscles, but when looking at the science of training principles you will come to understand the great role that isometric exercises can contribute to your abdominal development.
Isometric exercises are a type of training exercise in which your joint angle and muscle length remain static. There is no movement of your muscle or joint as resistance is provided by either an immovable force (pressing against the ground or a wall) or holding a static position (imagine holding a bench press bar half-way between its range of movement ). Rather than pushing the bar through a range of motion – up and down (dynamic movement) you remain static. This type of training only increases strength at the specific joint angles of the exercise, which is where isometric exercises seemingly fall short.
You may well have come across old grainy black and white photographs from the 1900’s showing heavily muscled strongmen holding a heavy cast-iron barbell aloft ; isometric exercises were fundamental training principles behind their feats of strength. Alexander Zass, performing under the moniker of The Amazing Samson, was a great advocate of the benefits of isometric training and his exploits included carrying a small horse, bending steel bars and breaking chainswith his bare hands, but how does this type of training benefit you abdominal development?
Aesthetically, the rectus abdominus (six-pack) receives all the adulation. Think how far Taylor Lautner’s abs have taken him in Hollywood! However, your abdominals amount to more than mere external muscles. The Transverse abdominus and Internal abdominal obliques are the actual core muscles underlying your external muscles.
These internal muscles are structurally deeper and closer to the spine and have a more powerful influence over posture, a healthy back and support the abdominal muscles. The Tranverse abdominus is the deepest of the abdominal muscles and acts as a ‘natural weight belt ’it wraps itself laterally around the abdominal muscles and is responsible for trunk stability and keeping the waist tight.
The Tranverse abdominus is followed closely, in functionality, by the Internal Obliques, which assist in rotating and stabilizing the trunk. These internal muscles need a variety of core stability exercises for development and strength. Core stability exercises are not solely characterized by isometric principles, but there are some effective isometric exercises which are considered as core-stability. The plank, side planks and X-men are just a few basic examples of core stability/isometric exercises. Placing an isometric demand on your core muscles improves your core strength.
Isometric exercises deliver strength over muscle gains, but strength is exactly one of the key requirements your core muscles should be providing. So consider the advantages of tight, supportive internal muscles and not only the functional gains, but how they will offer a greater look to your stomach. It is development of these internal muscles which add to a complete sculpted abs look.
Please Note: if you suffer from high blood pressure then any isometric exercises should be avoided as this type can cause elevated levels in your blood pressure!
So with regard to the title yes isometric exercises will help with your abdominal training, and actually isometric exercises are essential for gaining core strength and flat abs.
If you would like to see a much more detailed explanation of what you should be doing to get in shape check out my free video presentation here and start to get the body you desire.
Author: Sebastian Turrichi
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