Reverse Movements | Partial Movements | Isometrics

Practitioners of martial arts and yoga have been using isometric exercises for thousands of years. Static contractions of certain positions are still being utilized by fitness and strength experts to increase strength and power production.

Power comes from force, and isometrics produce more force than positive contractions. Isometric exercises also activate more motor units than isotonic exercises.

Power Rack Training Series Isometrics

Watch The Video - 3:34

To do an isometric exercise, press, pull, or push as hard as you can against weights, safeties, or surfaces that are immoveable. Holding these contractions offers no rest and no joint movement. You can apply isometric training to a variety of lifts—bench press, overhead press, squats, biceps curl, etc.

Because you aren't going to be moving, you'll be using seconds as repetitions. For example, one second is equal to one rep; ten seconds are equal to ten reps.

Power racks work great for isometric exercises. Not only are there safety bars or pins that you can use for resistance, there are many different levels from which to change the height, and therefore the angle of your exercise.

It's important to change the angle of your exercise so you can strengthen your muscles in their entire ranges of motion. That way, when you go back to regularly moving exercises, you'll find you're stronger throughout a lift.

If you're looking to add some strength, get past that 175 pound overhead press, gain some volume, or try something new, these isometric exercises will be a great addition to your training regimen.

Day 1: Legs
Note on Barbell Squat: Remember when the bar is underneath the safeties the amount of weight doesn't matter, so you don't need to load up the bar. Simply press against the safeties with incredible force for the designated number of seconds. Press, rest, repeat.
1
Barbell Squat
Isometric movement. 3 levels/sets at different heights.
3 sets, 10 sec (hold)
+ 4 more exercises

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  • How-to Images

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  • Step-by-Step Instructions

    • Quickly read through our step-by-step directions to ensure you're doing each workout correctly the first time, every time.

Day 2: Chest/Shoulders
Note on Bench Press: Remember when the bar is underneath the safeties the amount of weight doesn't matter, so you don't need to load up the bar. Simply press against the safeties with incredible force for the designated number of seconds. Press, rest, repeat. Note on Barbell Shoulder Press: Remember when the bar is underneath the safeties the amount of weight doesn't matter, so you don't need to load up the bar. Simply press against the safeties with incredible force for the designated number of seconds. Press, rest, repeat.
1
Barbell Bench Press - Medium Grip
Isometric movement. 3 levels/sets at different heights.
3 sets, 10 sec (holds)
+ 8 more exercises

BodyFit

$6.99/month
  • 2,500+ expert-created single workouts
  • 3,500+ how-to exercise videos
  • Detailed workout instruction
  • Step-by-step workout tips
  • Training at gym or at home
  • Access to Workout Plans
  • Access to Bodyfit App
  • Store Discounts

What comes with BodyFit?

  • Instructional Videos

    • Don't risk doing a workout improperly! Avoid injury and keep your form in check with in-depth instructional videos.

  • How-to Images

    • View our enormous library of workout photos and see exactly how each exercise should be done before you give it a shot.

  • Step-by-Step Instructions

    • Quickly read through our step-by-step directions to ensure you're doing each workout correctly the first time, every time.

Day 3: Abs/Calves
1
Hanging leg raise
3 sets, to failure
+ 5 more exercises

BodyFit

$6.99/month
  • 2,500+ expert-created single workouts
  • 3,500+ how-to exercise videos
  • Detailed workout instruction
  • Step-by-step workout tips
  • Training at gym or at home
  • Access to Workout Plans
  • Access to Bodyfit App
  • Store Discounts

What comes with BodyFit?

  • Instructional Videos

    • Don't risk doing a workout improperly! Avoid injury and keep your form in check with in-depth instructional videos.

  • How-to Images

    • View our enormous library of workout photos and see exactly how each exercise should be done before you give it a shot.

  • Step-by-Step Instructions

    • Quickly read through our step-by-step directions to ensure you're doing each workout correctly the first time, every time.

Day 4: Back
Note on Barbell Row: Remember when the bar is underneath the safeties the amount of weight doesn't matter, so you don't need to load up the bar. Simply press against the safeties with incredible force for the designated number of seconds. Press, rest, repeat.
1
Bent Over Barbell Row
Isometric movement. 3 levels/sets at different heights.
3 sets, 10 sec (holds)
+ 4 more exercises

BodyFit

$6.99/month
  • 2,500+ expert-created single workouts
  • 3,500+ how-to exercise videos
  • Detailed workout instruction
  • Step-by-step workout tips
  • Training at gym or at home
  • Access to Workout Plans
  • Access to Bodyfit App
  • Store Discounts

What comes with BodyFit?

  • Instructional Videos

    • Don't risk doing a workout improperly! Avoid injury and keep your form in check with in-depth instructional videos.

  • How-to Images

    • View our enormous library of workout photos and see exactly how each exercise should be done before you give it a shot.

  • Step-by-Step Instructions

    • Quickly read through our step-by-step directions to ensure you're doing each workout correctly the first time, every time.

Day 5: Arms
Note on Lying Triceps Press: Remember when the bar is underneath the safeties the amount of weight doesn't matter, so you don't need to load up the bar. Simply press against the safeties with incredible force for the designated number of seconds. Press, rest, repeat.
1
Barbell Curl
Isometric movement. 3 levels/sets at different heights.
3 sets, 10 sec (holds)
+ 8 more exercises

BodyFit

$6.99/month
  • 2,500+ expert-created single workouts
  • 3,500+ how-to exercise videos
  • Detailed workout instruction
  • Step-by-step workout tips
  • Training at gym or at home
  • Access to Workout Plans
  • Access to Bodyfit App
  • Store Discounts

What comes with BodyFit?

  • Instructional Videos

    • Don't risk doing a workout improperly! Avoid injury and keep your form in check with in-depth instructional videos.

  • How-to Images

    • View our enormous library of workout photos and see exactly how each exercise should be done before you give it a shot.

  • Step-by-Step Instructions

    • Quickly read through our step-by-step directions to ensure you're doing each workout correctly the first time, every time.

Reverse Movements | Partial Movements | Isometrics

About the Author

Jimmy Peña, MS, CSCS

Jimmy Peña, MS, CSCS

Jimmy Peña is the founder of PrayFit and has been the exercise physiologist to Tyler Perry, Mario Lopez and LL Cool J.

View all articles by this author