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Include these 8 isotonic exercises to improve strength and flexibility

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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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Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

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Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

Forget boring home workouts, on-demand HITT classes and cold winter runs.

The latest wellness trend bouncing around TikTok involves a workout you might not even realize you’re doing, and that’s the point. It’s called rebounding. This low-impact exercise involves jumping on a mini fitness trampoline — called a rebounder — to get your heart pumping and support lymphatic drainage.

On Amazon, this best-selling model is currently on sale for just $129. It measures in at just 40 inches, making it ideal for small spaces while still offering room for an adult to jump, squat and jog in place. Users swear it gives them a seriously effective full-body workout, and many remark that it’s “so much fun” to use.

Clinical trials also back the benefits: a 12-week rebounding program for overweight women showed significant improvements in body composition as well as a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

Ready to jump on the rebounding trend, too? You’d better hop on this Amazon deal fast.

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Amazon

This sleek rebounder by BCAN is sturdy and easy to set up, thanks to pre-assembled bungees and simpel video tutorial.

Reviewers say it’s completely changed their workouts, with one remarking they “feel like a little kid again.” Others have also noted it’s much easier on their joints than higher-impact exercises.

“It absorbs impact well and allows for a nice, smooth rebound that is gentle on the joints, making it perfect for a low-impact cardio workout,” one person explained. “Whether I’m doing high-intensity intervals or simply bouncing for fun, the movement feels fluid and responsive.

The BCAN model features an upgraded handlebar for added stability. It’s 8mm premium bungee — with a durable woven outer layer and a 350-strand natural latex core — delivers smooth, quiet bounces, so you can enjoy your workout without disturbing others.



This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.

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Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

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Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

Exercise is often spoken about in the context of physical fitness – stronger muscles, better stamina and improved overall health. But its value, especially for children, extends far beyond the body. Regular physical activity can quietly shape character, teaching lessons about effort, patience, discipline and resilience that mirror how the real world works. From learning to cope with discomfort to understanding that progress takes time, exercise can become a powerful training ground for life itself.

Exercise is important for kids. (Image generated via Google Gemini)

Also Read | Chennai fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares 5 simple things to focus on for long-term fitness

Chennai-based fitness trainer with 18 years of experience, Raj Ganpath – founder of the Slow Burn Method, co-founder and head coach at Quad Fitness, and author of Simple, Not Easy – is shedding light on why exercise is important for kids, with the benefits going beyond health and fitness. In an Instagram video shared on February 27, he explains how the impact of exercise extends far beyond physical wellness, shaping resilience, discipline and long-term character development.

Embracing discomfort

According to Raj, exercise is one of the healthiest ways to help children learn how to sit with discomfort in a safe, structured and sustainable way. Life inevitably brings challenges and unease – something adults understand well – but many children today are shielded from situations that test their resilience.

He explains, “Exercise is a great way to experience this discomfort in a safe and sustainable manner. Lifting weights, holding a plank, doing cardio, repping till it burns, all of these things are opportunities to embrace discomfort, opportunities to put themselves in a place where they’re not comfortable and learn from it, opportunities to practice physical and mental resilience.

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Learning hardship

The fitness trainer emphasises that hardship is an inevitable part of life, and meaningful success often requires pushing through moments of difficulty. While most adults recognise this truth through lived experience, children may not always have the same exposure to challenge. Raj believes exercise can bridge that gap.

He elaborates, “It will teach them that they need to do hard things if they want to accomplish something. Getting through a very hard workout, setting a goal and achieving it, completing a task. All of these things are not just random chores. These are incredible opportunities – opportunities to experience hardship and build fortitude.”

Delayed gratification

In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for instant gratification is stronger than ever – and children are growing up at the centre of it. With technology, streaming platforms and 10-minute delivery services, almost everything is available at the tap of a screen. As a result, the ability to wait, persist and work steadily towards a long-term goal can easily take a back seat. Exercise, notes Raj, offers a powerful counterbalance.

He explains, “Everyone wants everything right away today. This is true for us adults too, but it is even more true for our kids because this is the only world they know. A world where everything happens right then and right there, whenever they want it, wherever they want it. Exercise will teach them to wait, to be patient, to trust the process, to fail and still keep going, to work towards something larger that they will get much later. This is a very important character building quality and will serve them well for many, many years to come.”

The fitness trainer concludes, “Exercise is not just about health and fitness. It is a simulation of life itself. A ready-made character building tool available to you to help prepare your kids for life, the raw and real life that they’re going to have to deal with no matter what. So make sure they build the habit and make sure they embrace it.”

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Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

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

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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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