1. Isometric and Isotonic Muscle contractions
By: Ashley Dudman

2. The basics
There are two types of muscle contractions: isotonic and isometric
The prefix of both words is “iso” and it means “the same”
Different exercises exert different contractions. Isotonic involves muscle contraction and shortening movement as depicted in the figure above whereas isometric does not involve muscle shortening movement but deals with muscle contraction

3. Isotonic contractions
At the beginning of life, humans exerted isotonic contractions: infants using their arms to sit up, a pull up bar at a playground and swinging a bat are all considered isotonic contractions
Exercises are considered isotonic if they meet the following criteria: an eccentric and concentric phase must be involved. Also, tension within the muscle must be present, but the joint on the other hand will have no movement

4. Isotonic contractions continued
Isotonic contractions will have the same tone. This means there is no droopiness and the muscle is toned throughout the entire exercise

5. Examples of Isotonic Exercises
Pull ups
Pushups
Bicep curls
Tricep dips
Resistance bands
Crunches (situps)
Lunges

6. Isometric contractions
“Equal length” contractions are considered isometric. If the muscle is contracted but not shortened, the same, equal length is maintained
The limb will be in a fixed position and no movement will occur. Tendons will be pulled, but the length will remain unchanged

7. Isometric contractions continued
Isometric contractions are a convenient way to stay in shape. Common household/office items such as chairs and walls are perfect for this type of exercise
Even the busiest people can find time to fit these beneficial, quiet exercises in throughout the day. Always consult a physician before performing any intense exercises. Isometric contractions can raise the blood pressure and heart rate in little time causing danger to some

8. Examples of Isometric Exercises
Chair leg extension
Hand press
Wall push off
Overhead press
Side bend
Neck stretch
Cross arm stretch
Arm flex

9. Works Cited http://exercise.lovetoknow.com/examples-isotonic