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Include these 8 isotonic exercises to improve strength and flexibility

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1 year ago

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Include these 8 isotonic exercises to improve strength and flexibility

Isotonic exercise is a form of strength training that is beneficial for those looking to build muscle and lose weight. Exercises like lunges, and squats come under this type of training.

If you enjoy working out, your fitness routine probably includes exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups. These are all examples of isotonic exercise, a form of strength training in which the muscles are required to resist weight over a range of motion. This type of training is not only good for improving physical strength, but also for flexibility, and balance. It is also an effective way to burn calories and get rid of extra body fat. As you explore the benefits of isotonic exercise, know which moves you can include in your fitness regime.

What is the isotonic exercise?

It is categorised as exercise which involves the contraction and shortening of muscles through a variety of movements, including those of the joint. “During this type of training, the body’s muscles change their length as per the movement to create and support joint movement with constant load or weight,” says fitness expert Aman Puri. This type of exercise overcomes resistance, where the body’s muscles keep a consistent level of tension or load during that movement.

It usually includes exercises like push-ups, and running or even everyday tasks like cleaning, or carrying groceries. Isotonic exercise can also be performed with equipment involving weightlifting machines, dumbbells and resistance bands.

Isotonic exercise can build strength. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

What are the benefits of doing isotonic exercise?

1. Strengthens muscle and endurance

This type of exercise increases muscular strength and challenges muscles by focusing on repetitive movements that enhance endurance and improve overall strength. “In isotonic exercise, the muscles relax and contract through different range of motions, gaining more ability to handle repetitive and sustained movements,” says the expert. Isotonic exercise can improve muscle tone, increase physical power, and help build muscles, as per research published in Healthcare in 2022.

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2. Improves flexibility and joint mobility

Isotonic exercise includes motions from a diverse range of movements, so it enhances flexibility and improves the mobility of joints. During a 2022 study, published in Applied Sciences, isotonic exercise was found to be effective in improving flexibility.

3. Promotes blood circulation

Isotonic exercise like running which involves dynamic and repetitive movements promotes cardiovascular health. “It enhances blood circulation and oxygenation, which can boost heart health. The pumping of the blood may also reduce the chances of stroke,” says Puri.

4. Enhances balance and coordination

In this type of exercise, muscles are worked upon in a controlled and repetitive manner, which improves neuromuscular control. “This controlled movement leads to balanced and better coordination by improving and stabilising muscles, flexing up the joints improving overall body movement,” says the expert

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5. Helps manage weight

It helps improve metabolism and promote fat burning as they involve several muscle groups and require repetitive activity which helps burn more calories. Squat, a popular move, is an example of isotonic exercise. During a 2013 study, published in the Journal Of Sports Science And Medicine, researchers found that squat training significantly decreased body fat and increased the lean body mass in participants.

What is the difference between isometric and isotonic exercises?

  • It may be beneficial for strengthening muscle mass and improving power and endurance. “On the other hand, isometric exercise may be beneficial for toning or for those recovering from injuries as it does not involve loading the muscles or increasing muscle tension,” says the expert.
  • While performing isotonic exercise, the muscle length is shortened with constant tension or weight. On the other hand, while performing isometric exercise, the muscle length does not change as tension increases.
  • Also, isotonic exercises involve joint movement whereas isometric exercises do not involve any joint movement.

What are the examples of isotonic exercise?

1. Lunges

  • Take a step forward with one of your legs then gradually lower your hip with both your knees bent around 90 degree.
  • Push your body through the front foot to go back to the starting position and do it again with your other leg.

2. Squats

  • Stand up on your feet apart aligned with the shoulder-width.
  • Bend your knee, lowering your hips and keeping your back in a straight position.
  • Continue lowering your hips down till your thighs become parallel to the floor.
  • Push up your body by returning back to a standing position while straightening your knees.

Also Read: 10 benefits of squats — and 7 squat variations to add variety to your fitness routine

3. Push-ups

  • To perform push-ups, start with the position of the plank. Place your hands a little wider apart from shoulder width.
  • Lower your body down by bending both your elbows reaching lower till your chest is near the ground level.
  • Push up your body back keeping your back straight.
  • Straighten your elbows as you push up your body and go back to the starting position.

4. Kettlebell swings

  • In this isotonic exercise, first hold the kettlebell weight with both your hands and then stand by keeping your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Gradually bend your knees and swing back the kettlebell between both your legs, moving your hips forward trying to swing the kettlebell upto your chest level.

5. Leg press

  • It is performed with the leg press machine. Sit by placing your feet shoulder-width apart on the machine’s platform.
  • Extend your legs upwards, pushing the platform upwards.
  • Gradually bend your legs back, lowering the weight down.
Isotonic exercise
Do jumping jacks for strength and weight loss. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

6. Jumping jacks

  • Jumping jacks do not require any equipment. You just need to simply stand with arms straight.
  • Start jumping while extending the feet apart and raising both your arms overhead in alternate movement.
  • Jump back again to return back to the straight position.

7. Deadlift

  • To carry out this exercise, stand with your feet and hips aligned to the same width.
  • Grip the barbell with both hands in front of your thighs and start lifting the barbell while bending your knees, and lowering your hips.
  • Lift the weight holding the barbell and then lower the barbell back to the ground keeping your back straight.
  • After that return to the standing position, straightening the knees and hips.

8. Mountain climber exercise

  • Start in a plank posture with your arms straight on the ground position and extending your legs backwards supported by your toes.
  • Bring your knees in forward direction near the chest, and switch legs alternately.

Who should avoid doing isotonic exercise?

“Everyone can perform some form of isotonic exercise regularly,” says Puri.

  • Since isotonic exercise also involves weights, those with sprains, muscle tears or bone injuries involving fractures and dislocation should avoid performing an intensive form as it may aggravate the risk of injuries.
  • Those with cardiovascular issues like heart disease and high blood pressure should consult their doctor as performing isotonic exercise can raise blood pressure levels.

Isotonic exercise, a form of resistance training, is a great way to improve muscle strength and endurance. So, go for exercises like lunges, and deadlift to stay strong and fit.

Related FAQs

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Is yoga isotonic or isometric?

Yoga mainly involves isometric movements. Isometric muscle contractions can be seen in asanas like uttanasana (standing forward bend) and dandasana (staff pose), where moving from the plank position leads to the lengthening of muscles and joint movement while resisting gravity.

Is jumping isotonic?

Yes, jumping is an isotonic exercise as it involves altering the muscle length with muscle resistance in motion. Jumping is also known as a plyometric strengthening exercise and helps increase isotonic movement involving muscle contractions. It especially improves the vertical jumping ability.

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

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12 hours ago

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February 26, 2026

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

The World Health Organization says the average adult is supposed to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity five days a week, which sounds somewhat doable until it’s 9 p.m., your kids are finally in bed, and you just want to fall onto the couch and dissociate. But more and more people online are talking about “movement snacks” — little bite-sized amounts of exercise you can do throughout your day to meet your 60-minute goal without having to make special time for one big workout. Because yes, we all want to be our healthiest, but sometimes a HIIT class at the gym is just not in the schedule.

We asked personal trainers and fitness coaches for their favorite movement snacks you can do in the office, around the house, and on busy weekends when everyone’s home.

How much exercise is a person really supposed to get?

While the WHO recommends 60 minutes a day, the CDC is a little more lax, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. While it may feel like you’re the only one struggling to fit a workout into your daily routine, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s always been hard for most Americans. So, while movement snacks may be a cute new term we’re all hearing for the first time, fitness pros have been promoting bite-sized exercise forever.

“I work with busy professionals, so I’ve been integrating micro workouts of two to 10 minutes into my clients’ lifestyles for almost 20 years,” says Andrea Marcellus, certified personal trainer and CEO of AND/life.

The most important thing for your health isn’t getting all your daily movement done in one big, perfectly curated workout — it’s about being consistent, Marcellus says. Movement snacks can help you stay consistent because you don’t have to budget a big chunk of time; instead, you can fit something simple into your day when you have three minutes to spare. Hell, you don’t even have to change clothes or go anywhere.

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“Most people think movement only counts if it’s a workout. That mindset is what keeps people sedentary. In reality, your body doesn’t care if steps come from a hike, a gym session, or pacing when you’re on a call,” says Lindy Royer, physical therapist and balanced body educator. “This is where you win the game — by stacking movement into things you’re already doing.”

Movement Snacks To Try Throughout Your Day

  • Set an alarm on your phone to chime every hour — that’s what women’s fitness coach Allison Kalsched tells her clients. When it goes off, stand up and do 10 bodyweight squats. Then go back to work. When you get tired of squats, mix in walking lunges, push-ups (it’s fine if they’re modified!), or dead bugs. Throw on 30 seconds of jumping jacks or high knees for bone-building benefits, which is important for women in menopause, she adds.
  • Take a micro walk. “Five minutes or 500 steps is my absolute favorite,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy, author of the forthcoming book Walk, and exercise physiologist at US Physical Therapy. “It changes mood, lowers blood pressure, boosts mental clarity, and can help you get your cumulative steps in.”
  • Dance to your new favorite song with your kids or all by yourself. “Dance party was big with my kids after dinner,” Marcellus says. “It takes four to 10 mins and helps kids burn off dinner energy, while also giving parents a metabolic boost.”
  • Stop and do 60 reps of any full-body exercise, like squats, lunges, or jumping jacks — this usually takes about two minutes, no matter which one you choose, Marcellus says. Or, hold a plank for one to two minutes.
  • Pair walking with habits that already exist to get your steps in, like marching in place while brushing your teeth or doing a lap inside the house while your food is in the microwave. “This means you’re not adding time — you are upgrading your time,” says Royer.
  • Count your housework. Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, general domestic labor — these things totally contribute to your total exercise time each day, says Royer.
  • If you go up or down the stairs at home, just… do it two or three times. That little extra here and there adds up, according to Royer.

The best advice is to focus not on “how can I move right now?” but “how can I do something that isn’t sitting right now?” Royer says. “The real truth that most people ignore is that sedentary time is the real enemy, not a lack of workouts. Focus on breaking up your sitting time. Build in frequent movement snacks. You’re not looking for perfection, just something more than nothing. You don’t need more time; you actually just need more conscious efforts to move.”

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At 66, Judy Murray swapped skipping for rebounding – here’s why it’s so effective for midlife women

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24 hours ago

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February 26, 2026

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At 66, Judy Murray swapped skipping for rebounding – here’s why it’s so effective for midlife women

A household name synonymous with tennis, Judy Murray has branched out in recent years when it comes to fitness. While the coach and former player still frequents the court – it’s integral to her day job, after all – she has incorporated several other activities into her routine, including one you might be unfamiliar with: rebounding.

Rebounding

In an interview with The Times, Judy explained that while skipping had been part of her tennis routine for years, she’d decided to replace it with rebounding – jumping on a trampoline – due to the impact skipping started to have on her joints and legs. And she’s onto something – a NASA study found rebounding to be up to 68% more effective at working the muscles and joints than treadmill running – something scientists call mechanical loading, which is crucial for bone, muscle and tendon health.

It doesn’t have to be expensive, either. Judy told The Times that she had bought a mini trampoline for £24.99 and that she used it in one-minute bursts.

‘Rebounding can be a smart swap for women in midlife, particularly if high-impact skipping or plyometric training has started to feel unforgiving on the joints,’ says personal trainer Michael Baah. ‘As oestrogen declines during perimenopause and menopause, we typically see reductions in bone mineral density, muscle mass and tendon elasticity,’ he explains. ‘High-impact ground reaction forces from traditional skipping can be effective for bone health, but they also place substantial load through the knees, hips and Achilles.’ Rebounding, on the other hand, ‘absorbs some of the ground reaction force, reducing peak stress through the joints, while still stimulating muscle activation in the calves, glutes and core.’

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It shouldn’t replace strength training, adds Baah, which ‘remains the most effective intervention for combatting age-related sarcopenia and maintaining metabolic health,’ but it’s an incredibly valuable conditioning tool ‘for women who want to protect their joints while maintaining cardiovascular fitness.’

Below, we also look at the other workouts Judy has turned to in recent years to stay strong and active while protecting her joints – and why you should try them, too.

She swims

‘As I get older I have found a lot of things I enjoyed doing really impact my knees and hips, but a lot of things I can do in water…I also realise I have five grandchildren now. I want to be able to run after them and pick them up and put them down with relative ease,’ Judy told The Times. ‘I have a whole routine I do in the swimming pool and there is no impact in the water. It is a better way to do some of the things I used to do.’

Indeed, not only does swimming protect your joints, but it’s also effective for cardio fitness. ‘The biggest advantage of swimming is that it is low impact. The buoyancy of water significantly reduces joint loading, making it an excellent option for people with joint pain or who have a lower tolerance to impact,’ personal trainer and nutritionist Georgia Garlick previously told WH. ‘It is a true full-body exercise, involving the upper body, trunk, hips and legs simultaneously.’ On average, she added that moderate swimming burns 500-700 kcal per hour – typically more than moderate cycling.

She has started playing golf

Judy has also discussed how participating in Strictly Come Dancing back in 2014 instilled in her a desire to continue challenging herself and trying new things – no matter her age. In that vein, ahead of her 65th birthday, she told HELLO!, that she had taken up golf. ‘I’m addicted to it, it is so incredibly relaxing,’ she said. ‘It gets me out in the fresh air and away from my phone and because it’s not as physically demanding as running around a tennis court, it suits me now that my arms aren’t as strong as they once were.

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‘As we get older it’s so important to keep trying to find things that stimulate you, make you think and keep you socially connected – and golf ticks all of those boxes.’

A review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine linked golf to an increased life expectancy, reduced risk of chronic disease and improved mental health.

She plays pickleball

While padel has become hugely popular, it seems that its sibling pickleball – which combines tennis, badminton and table tennis – is more up Judy’s street. After trying the sport herself, she’s since campaigned to get more people involved. ‘It’s just fun and engaging, and it’s incredibly inclusive. And for Scotland, it’s a perfect fit for us. We have terrible weather, we have badminton courts everywhere – in every community centre and sports centre. Even church halls have badminton courts,’ she told The National. ‘In terms of setting up quickly, wherever you are, I think it’s a perfect fit for getting more people more active.’

Judy added that she sees it as a perfect transition from tennis to something that will let her play a similar game for longer.

She stretches regularly

The final touch to Judy’s fitness routine? A dedicated stretching routine. ‘Since I turned 60, I’ve realised how important it is to stretch to stay mobile and flexible if I want to stay active with my grandchildren,’ she told HELLO!.

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While we don’t know the specifics of Judy’s stretching routine, even dedicating just a few minutes daily to mobility can supercharge longevity.

There is an ideal routine based on science, though. According to a panel of experts convened by the American College of Sports Medicine, who reviewed a range of studies, you should:

  • Do flexibility exercises (stretches, yoga or tai chi) for all major muscle-tendon groups – neck, shoulders, chest, trunk, lower back, hips, legs and ankles – minimum two to three times per week.
  • Spend 60 seconds on each exercise. If you can hold a specific stretch for 15 seconds, try repeating it three more times and if you can hold it for 20 seconds, two more repetitions would be ideal.

As Judy regularly says, though, it’s about finding forms of exercise that you enjoy, as you’ll be far more likely to find the time – even if it’s for five minutes – to get stuck in.

Hannah Bradfield is a Senior Health and Fitness Writer for Women’s Health UK. An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Hannah graduated from Loughborough University with a BA in English and Sport Science and an MA in Media and Cultural Analysis.  She has been covering sports, health and fitness for the last five years and has created content for outlets including BBC Sport, BBC Sounds, Runner’s World and Stylist. She especially enjoys interviewing those working within the community to improve access to sport, exercise and wellness. Hannah is a 2024 John Schofield Trust Fellow and was also named a 2022 Rising Star in Journalism by The Printing Charity.  A keen runner, Hannah was firmly a sprinter growing up (also dabbling in long jump) but has since transitioned to longer-distance running. While 10K is her favoured race distance, she loves running or volunteering at parkrun every Saturday, followed, of course, by pastries. She’s always looking for fun new runs and races to do and brunch spots to try.

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9 subtle signs you’re struggling with exercise dependency – and what to do about it

Published

1 day ago

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February 25, 2026

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9 subtle signs you’re struggling with exercise dependency – and what to do about it

In an era where ultramarathons, double training days and weekly Hyroxes have become the norm, the signs of exercise dependency are increasingly blurred. Movement is celebrated as medicine, after all – so how do you know when it’s become something more sinister?

At its core, exercise dependency is a pattern of compulsive exercise where working out stops being a flexible, health-enhancing habit and becomes something you feel driven to do – even when it’s harming your body, mood or life. But since it’s widely seen as a “healthy” habit, the signs are often missed.

In reality, depending on exercise (often to avoid painful or difficult emotions) carries significant physical and psychological consequences – and research shows that among people who regularly exercise, 14-42% of them suffer. Below, dietitian and expert in REDS Renee McGregor shares the signs to watch for, then scroll down for advice on how to restore a healthier relationship with exercise.

Signs of exercise dependency

  1. Using exercise to manage emotions: Relying on exercise to fix negative moods or feelings of worthlessness.
  2. Never feeling you’re doing “enough”: Feeling that no matter how much you train, it’s not sufficient.
  3. Hidden workouts: Hiding the amount of exercise done from others.
  4. Distorted priorities: Inflexible, obsessive, and compulsive thinking regarding fitness goals.
  5. Ignoring pain or injury: Continuing to train despite illness, exhaustion or injury.
  6. Withdrawal symptoms: Feeling anxious, depressed, irritable or restless if a session is missed.
  7. Compulsive scheduling: Structuring the entire day around workouts and feeling intense anxiety if the schedule is disrupted.
  8. Increasing intensity/volume: Needing more exercise to achieve the same high or emotional satisfaction.
  9. Prioritising exercise: Skipping work, school, social events or family obligations to exercise.

How to recover

1.Identify compulsive patterns

Studies show exercise dependence shares features with other addictive behaviours, like tolerance, withdrawal and compulsive use. And McGregor says around 60% of people with exercise dependency also show behaviours linked to a dysfunctional relationship with food. Aim to identify what makes you want to exercise: is it a desire to control your weight? Or to avoid guilt or anxiety? How do you feel when you’re not able to exercise?

2. Reduce wearable tech tracking

Constantly tracking your steps, workout data and fitness scores can inadvertently increase anxiety, guilt and comparison around metrics and goals, potentially reinforcing obsessive exercise behaviour – instead of healthy motivation. Indeed, studies show wearables can exacerbate harmful compulsive exercise behaviour and should be used with caution in people prone to dependence.

3. Find a non-body-based hobby

Language learning, pottery, chess, or volunteering can all help to reduce stress, build identity outside exercise and improve well‑being by activating new reward pathways and providing a sense of purpose. Research on these types of leisure activities shows that engaging in hobbies is linked to better mental health, reduced depression and anxiety and is also protective in recovery from addictive behaviour.

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4. Seek professional psychological support

Other research shows various types of therapy can help explore motivations and past experiences that contribute to compulsive exercise, as well as helping to rebuild social functioning outside of exercise routines.

5. Broaden your coping strategies beyond exercise

Multiple studies show that exercise often serves as an emotional coping strategy for stress, anxiety or low mood – not just physical health. Experts say recognising and addressing this in therapy can help you to broaden your emotional toolbox beyond exercise – for example, studies show walking outdoors (without tracking your pace or steps) can help relieve stress and anxiety. Other research shows five-ten minutes of paced breathing, journalling and short guided meditations can also work. Gardening, long baths and reading fiction can also act as a stress release.

6. Structure balanced activity with rest

Establish a structured, weekly schedule focussing on moderate intensity exercise over high intensity, with rest and recovery also formally scheduled in, as per research. It’s not about completely cutting out all exercise, but making it a realistic, sustainable and healthy part of life.

7. Set training boundaries

Experts recommend built-in rest and setting a minimum duration per exercise session to avoid overexercising and to boost physiological recovery and psychological resilience. Aim for at least one rest day between workouts.

If you recognise these signs in yourself, it’s important to seek support from a GP or qualified mental health professional. Exercise dependency and exercise addiction are treatable, and getting help early can make recovery far easier and more sustainable. Contact your GP or use the NHS’ Mental Health Services, or contact BEAT.

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 As Women’s Health UK’s fitness director and a qualified Pilates and yoga instructor, Bridie Wilkins has been passionately reporting on exercise, health and nutrition since the start of her decade-long career in journalism. She secured her first role at Look Magazine, where her obsession with fitness began and she launched the magazine’s health and fitness column, Look Fit, before going on to become Health and Fitness writer at HELLO!. Since, she has written for Stylist, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Elle, The Metro, Runner’s World and Red.Now, she oversees all fitness content across womenshealthmag.com.uk and the print magazine, spearheading leading cross-platform franchises, such as ‘Fit At Any Age’, where we showcase the women proving that age is no barrier to exercise. She has also represented the brand on BBC Radio London, plus various podcasts and Substacks – all with the aim to encourage more women to exercise and show them how.Outside of work, find her trying the latest Pilates studio, testing her VO2 max for fun (TY, Oura), or posting workouts on Instagram.  

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