What should I know before I try isokinetic muscle training?

General: A qualified healthcare provider should be consulted before beginning any new exercise program. Like all workout routines, weight training should begin with a warm-up session and end with a cool-down segment that includes stretching exercises. Use a spotter when lifting heavy weights. If dizziness, pain, nausea, shortness of breath or chest pain occurs stop the exercise and contact a qualified healthcare professional before resuming the exercise routine. After completing a weight-training workout, wait 24-48 hours before lifting with the same muscles.

Isometric: Isometric exercises are generally considered to be safe because the intensity may be adjusted quickly and precisely. These exercises are very fast and should not produce any discomfort. Consult a qualified healthcare professional in patients with a history of heart problems, because isometric exercises drastically reduce the blood flow to the muscle. In turn, blood pressure rises dramatically, and the amount of blood that is able to flow back to the heart reduces. Blood pressure will likely return to a normal level after an exercise is complete; however, this may be dangerous for individuals with high blood pressure or heart disease. Maintaining proper breathing during exercises may reduce the risk for increased blood pressure.

Isotonic: While generally safe, isotonic exercise can make the muscles sore due to the stress the muscles experience while they lengthen. In addition, the muscles do not equally benefit from this type of exercise. Instead, the muscles that benefit the most are located at the weakest point of action.

Isokinetic: Isokinetic exercises are generally safe. Since the machines used measure the user's resistance, the danger of lifting more weight than the amount that can be safely handled is eliminated. These exercises increase strength in all muscles evenly, and it is the quickest way to increase muscle strength.

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