Imagine Building Muscle While Barely Moving
By Sandy Schroeder
The idea of building muscle as you barely move may be hard to imagine, but that’s how isometrics work.
As always, check with your doctor before beginning any new exercises. Because there is sustained pressure at one point in isometrics, high blood pressure can be a concern and should be discussed with your doctor.
In “flex and hold” isometrics, the whole idea is to hold a position without moving, which can be difficult, but can strengthen muscles and improve cardio health, according to Easy Health Options.
To try it, stand and bend your knees and flex your thighs. Hold water bottles in both hands and push your arms out in front of you. Then stand still and do not move. As a beginning effort, hold this pose briefly. You may find it to be quite heavy quite quickly.
How Your Chiropractor Can Help
As you consider fitness options, it might be a good time to stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. The Joint’s licensed chiropractors are well equipped to help you evaluate your current endurance levels, and choose the right health and wellness steps.
When you come in, your chiropractor will ask about your daily activities, current pain level, and health history. A gentle targeted spinal adjustment may be used to relieve any pain that you have and establish a new level of well-being.
Weekly 15-minute adjustments may prove to be the best way to stay at your peak, while you investigate more health and wellness concerns such as stress release, weight control and fitness workouts.
As always, begin gradually and speak with your doctor and your chiropractor as you consider new exercises. A beginning yoga class, or the relaxed flowing movements of a tai chi class, might be the next step, along with isometric poses such as these:
- Squat – Do a half squat and hold briefly. Gradually lengthen time
- Sit up – Stop half way and hold briefly
- Wall press – Stand near a wall and press against it as if you are pushing away, but don’t move
Isometrics may be one more way to stay fit, beyond your walks, stretching and strength exercises. As you explore them you may put together a whole routine and use them as a good backup at your desk.
Stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to get started. Find out more about their affordable personal healthcare plans that require no insurance. Comfortable, contemporary clinics are open weekends and evenings, and walk-in visits are welcome. No appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Greenville, S.C.