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What Is Isokinetic Resistance?

Isokinetic resistance training and exercise provide a person with a variety of motions at a controlled speed. Isokinetic resistance is popular among victims of injury. Isokinetic exercise is grouped with isometric and isotonic exercises as types of muscle training, but isokinetic resistance training is the fastest way to build muscle.

  1. Definition

    • Isokinetic exercise consists of having a varied resistance at a constant speed. The speed of the machine being used for exercise never changes, only the workload. You must use a specialized machine or specialized equipment for isokinetic exercise. This equipment has to be capable of detecting when it is time to slow the workload; a human will not be able to accurately determine this without the help of isokinetic equipment.

    How It Works

    • Isokinetic resistance occurs when the person exercising sets a maximum RPM (revolutions per minute) on the machine being used. The machine then varies the amount of work without ever exceeding the preset RPM. This results in a person working out several different areas of the body at different levels of intensity. Customized settings on the machine provide the resistance needed for a successful workout.

    Advantages

    • Isokinetic resistance workouts are a great tool for both prevention of injury and physical therapy after an injury. Because the speed is controlled, a person can have a productive workout and remain safe doing it. The custom settings can prevent resistance-related injuries, and the controlled portion of isokinetic resistance is helpful in physical therapy. Isokinetic exercise also produces greater results from a workout by varying the surface area of muscles being worked out.

    Disadvantages

    • The primary disadvantage of isokinetic resistance workouts is the cost associated with the necessary equipment. Many gyms cannot afford the equipment needed to provide a person with an isokinetic workout, and those without access to the equipment tend to simply use isometric and isotonic exercise methods. One other small disadvantage is that the core muscles in the trunk and abdomen will often need extra attention, as muscles worked out during isokinetic exercise rely on the core muscles during a workout.

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