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ISOMETRIC
EXERCISES
for figure improvement
and body conditioning
/ Earl L. Wallis and Gene A. Logan
Fully Illustrated
http://www.archive.org/details/isometricexercisOOwall
ISOMETRIC
EXERCISES
Earl L. Wallis, Ed.D., is Professor of
Physical Education at San Fernando
Valley State College. An authority on
physical education, Professor Wallis
is the author of other well-known
books in the field.
the exercises recommended in this series, to suggest various ways that isometric
exercise might be done. Three groups of exercises are outlined that might be used
according to the existing facilities. The first group involves nothing more than a
doorway and the floor. The second group utilizes a door expansion bar. The third
group applies to school programs or other programs in which exercise is done in an
open area and in which another person is available to provide resistance. These
three groups of exercises do not progress from one to the next: each group is de-
signed for the same purpose. They are different ways of accomplishing the same end.
Isometric exercise is a valuable supplement to other exercises or sports pro-
grams because of its simplicity and rapid results. Other exercises may not place
sufficient demands on all parts of the body for development and maintenance. In
school situations isometric exercise has a particular application. Often, too little
time is available for the developmental aspects of the program: isometric exercise
provides a rapid and convenient way to obtain strength tone. Simple isometric exer-
cise is easily taught in the school program: it might consequently be used as a
"home" program for youth and adults as well.
Another distinct advantage of isometric exercise is that it is a safe program:
a person is the judge of his own capacities. Other types of resistance exercise involve
overcoming a definite amount of resistance whereas isometric exercise allows the
individual a maximum contraction while functioning within his own limitations. In
other exercises, when resistance may be greater than can safely be overcome, mus-
cular strain or joint injurymay result if proper precautions are not taken.
The body may be accidentally placed in disadvantageous positions during
movement or isotonic exercise. While attempting to recover from an awkward
position, injury may result to muscles unable to respond to demands placed upon
them. This caution need not be taken with isometric exercise because there is no
movement.
The principle of progression, involved in all developmental programs, can be
applied to isometric exercise. This is a result of the ability to increasingly exert
higher levels of tension to force adaptation. Adaptations are made to the specific
demands imposed upon the organism. In the isometric exercises it is possible to
increase the demands as more strength is developed. As the ability to exert more
force is developed, power is progressively elevated.
Note: Anatomical nomenclature and spelling from Nomina Anatomica, 1963, copyright by the
International Anatomical Nomenclature Committee.
Isometric Conditioning
Exercise 1
Exercise 4
The purpose of this exercise is to in-
crease the strength-tone of the flexor
muscles at the elbow and the shoulder.
The hands are forcibly pressed down-
ward and an attempt is made to flex
the elbows. Maximum effort should be
sustained for ten counts.
Exercise 5
Exercise 6
This exercise is designed to strengthen
and tone the muscles of the back upper
arm. The exercise involves forcing the
hands outward from the body against
a door jamb. This effort, which is
exerted for a maximum of ten counts,
employs the muscles which extend the
elbow.
Exercise 9
Exercise 10
This exerciseis designed to develop the
Exercise 1
Exercise 13
Two-Man
Isometric Exercises
Exercises 1 and 2
Exercise 4
Exercise 6
Exercise 8
This exercise develops strength in the
muscles that pull the scapulae together
and strengthens the back of the upper
arm. To prevent excessive strain in the
low back area, the knees of the person
performing the exercise should be
slightly bent. He attempts to force his
elbows upward from the floor for ten
counts, against the resistance provided
bv the second man.
Exercise 9
Exercise 10
This exercise develops the muscles of
the chest and the back of the upper
arms. Maximum effort should be
exerted for ten counts as the move-
ment is restricted by the individual
offering resistance.
Exercises 11 and 12
C-^=J
Door-Bar Series
The eight isometric door-bar exer-
ciseswere designed to strengthen the
major muscle groups of the body with
maximum effectiveness and a mini-
mum investment in time and equip-
ment. The exercises comprise a basic
program providing the essential mini-
mum level of strength. This program,
combined with flexibility exercises and
endurance activities, satisfies the exer-
cise requirements for most people, in-
cluding those with sedentary occupa-
tions. Less than five minutes are re-
quired to complete all eight exercises,
including the two changes of the door-
bar position. These exercises may be
combined with three minutes of two
or three flexibility exercises and fifteen
minutes of endurance or stamina-build-
ing activity such as rapid walking, rope
skipping, swimming, bicycling, hiking,
and jogging. The recommended place-
ment of the door-bar is based upon
the requirements of a man five feet,
ten inches tall with average bodily
proportions.
Exercise 1
Exercise 3
Exercise 5
Exercise 7
(28) Sternocleidomastoideus
(10) Trapezius Platysma (29)
(7) Deltoid
Pectoralis Minor (20)
(19) Pectoralis Major
(18) Serratus Anterior
(17) Coracobrachialis
(15) Biceps External Oblique (2)
(16) Brachialis
Internal Oblique (3)
Transversus Abdominis (4)
(14) Gastrocnemius
(27) Soleus
Trapezius (10)
Deltoid (7)
(9) Rhomboids
Teres Major (22)
Triceps (8)
Semimembranosus (12)
Gastrocnemius (14)
Soleus (27)
Note To Readers:
Isometric Exercises has helped you to tone and strengthen the muscles in your
body. However, it is important that this conditioning program be supplemented by
other exercises that will round out your personal physical fitness program.
More than 150 photographs illustrate the six major physical health programs:
1. Endurance
2. Flexibility
3. Figure Improvement
4. Isometric Conditioning
5. Isotonic Conditioning
6. Continuity Exercises
Custom-designed for both men and women, this book also explains the value
of exercise, common mistakes to avoid when exercising, and the importance of
continuing a scientifically-balanced and medically-proven exercise program.
ISOMETRIC
EXERCISES
for figure improvement
Fully Illustrated
Printed in U. S. of America