Isometrics & It's Value In Fitness

Off and on for over a decade I've dabbled in Isometric Training to help carry over to other areas of strength that I do including various feats like Steel Bending & Phonebook Tearing. This type of training for the most part is one of the most valuable yet neglected because when you normally think of Isometrics it's usually something out of yoga poses or doing a plank but in reality it's one of the toughest areas of strength training period. To learn more on the specifics check out this course.

I'm here to talk about it's value and its importance especially in today's fitness circles. On the deeper level very few people know what Isometrics truly are but that's not their fault. Fitness companies and other areas try to disprove it because it's believed it doesn't hold true value for real strength (which is ironic because most fitness areas have nothing to do with strength) which is quite a shame. Isometrics build not only real muscle but dense hardened muscle due to the amount of contraction needed in order to really have it be effective. There's two types of Isometrics; one is short burst contraction where you flex a muscle for a period of near max power at no more than 10-12 seconds, the second is coined Aerobic Isometrics where you flex or push/pull at smaller intensity for a longer period of time say 30 seconds or more. Which one builds more muscle? It depends on the objective but overall you're developing muscle from another perspective while working the tendons at another level as well.

There's literally countless ways to do Isometrics and can be used in practically every single type of exercise. BTW its nothing new either; it has been used for centuries in various ways from the ancient archers to the NASA Space Program and beyond. Some of the strongest men on the planet used Isometrics to develop strength for specific feats. It's even used in Bodybuilding because of the posing these guys do. I prefer however the type that those from the earlier 20th century used Muscle Control in an Isometric format, flexing specific muscles to contract and relax at a more rapid level.

It's very powerful and can aid in those who have trouble getting over plateaus in their program. I specifically used Isometrics to enhance my strength in pull-ups, feats of strength & even my Animal Movements. I wouldn't be in the state i'm in if it wasn't for this type of training. My neck bridges are a form of isometrics, holding various qi gong poses are Isometric. It's not always about what exercise to do, its the controlled contraction that you start in your mind and working your to the muscles. Yes that sounds weird but its more true than you'll believe. Isometrics have been used not just in fitness but in other areas like in the movies for example in Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back when Luke is in that handstand using the force to channel his body to levitating the rocks and even Aretoo; that's a Isometric Exercise. How about like in Man Of Steel where Superman had to hold the beams of that building in the middle of the ocean to save those workers from being crushed; that's a mega extreme form of Isometric Contraction. You see even something as awesome as those are inspiring to me that this type of training has value in ways most don't ever realize.

Superheroes use this type of training whether it's actual training or not, athletes use it, strongmen use it, bodybuilders use it, yogis use it and many others. You never know what you'll find on it until you have read, observed and done it. I have even used it to strengthen my legs after my accident. It develops wonders you didn't think were possible and imagine the dense muscle you can have and the fat that burns really fast doing this correctly. It is not just a form of training it is a very tough skill to practice but its fun and you can create any workout you want around it. For the most part, Isometrics hold the key to real strength most consider to be untouched and have yet to truly discover.

Animal Exercise Under Two Hours Per Week

Getting back to doing Animal Movements in the last few workouts has become quite fun and accelerating. Being able to move in different positions on a constant shift helps develop the body and mind in another style. 10-20 min. a day is all that is really needed. Start out 3x a week to build a level of strength & endurance. Some of the exercises require some flexibility but with practice you can get some pretty awesome stretching. Some people don't do no more than 5x a week on this specific routine and that's ok.

You don't need endless hours of training in order to get fit. People have to work for a living and have other responsibilities yet there's no excuse you can't train under 30 min. a day; 10 min. would be enough for most people. Advanced can do 20 min. or longer depending on the day you do them. I recommend more of a spread of Greasing The Groove; training periodically throughout the day a few minutes here & there. Keep it to where you go after a daily goal of doing your workout as long or short as needed. Animal Exercise overall won't take you very long because of the constant movement and multiple muscles you use in a particular exercise.

Make it work for you and you will be in shape in no time.

Animal Kingdom 1

Animal Kingdom 2

Animal Flow 2.0

Insane Conditioning For An Insane Life

Doesn't that title sound freaking crazy? Who knows but to me depends on the definition. I'm a believer in being fit and well conditioned. When it comes to Physical Appearance, I want to look a certain way but over the years its not that big of a deal to me. I live a simple, easy going life. I may spend a lot of time sharing stuff with you guys but in person, I'm actually quite private and have a few friends. I train hard at times and I train like I'm doing nothing but always doing something. My insane life is basically not all that insane looking but you haven't been around me.

It's not a crazy idea to be awesomely fit for any occasion; have enough energy to play with the kids, go swimming when its warm out, play catch with your buddies, help out family moving stuff & even have a little fun in the sack with your girl or man. That's the mark of being well-conditioned. If you get tired too easily just walking up a flight of stairs you got some issues. I believe in being shape not for the sake of looking like a Model but to be able to function in ways that are critically important in daily life from taking care of a baby to carrying groceries to even possibly saving someone. For me looking fit comes second or lower because its not about looks; you can look like a model any day of the week if you could do that but where does that really lead you? Sure it'll help with confidence and all which is always a good thing but not every attractive person is strong, full of energy and can even be mentally stable. 

Tip Top shape is a key to living a healthy lifestyle. It's not about being hardcore and thinking you're more fit or this much stronger than someone else no, its about balance, challenging yourself often but not too frequently, opening your mind to greater possibilities & building greater brain power. I love to train but also love to have fun. Being in shape has it's perks you may not even realize. Go outside the box and do things that isn't the norm. When I get a chance I smash a tire more than 1200 times with a 60 pound sledgehammer; most people would find that too weird or something someone should be put in the nuthouse for. Make your insane life a positive one and not to push the volume of your daily life but have a balance that works in your favor. Conditioning is your greatest asset.

Want to get in great shape while being on an insane budget? Trust me, not everyone can afford gyms or spas and get the results they want so one of the things I've used which I've mentioned in earlier articles is the Darebee Circuit Workouts. These alone can benefit you greatly using basic exercises, finding your level of fitness and ideals for programs, challenges and Training Plans. I've gotten crazy fit doing these and my favorites are the Superhero Themed Workouts. A lot of fun and most of the time very challenging but that's why i'm insane when I do these. Power up on these and you can't go wrong. If they're not suited for you, look for ideas on the blog or go to my website which is on the right hand side of this bad boy.