CICs versus ISO PowerFlexes

[Hank_Z]

John,

You've explained that numerous studies have shown that isometrics produce strength gains very quickly. I've incorporated ISOs into my workouts.

If I were to consistently do a full workout of CICs versus a full workout of ISO PowerFlexes, do you have any reason to believe that one would build more strength than the other?

--Hank

[blackbelt]

At the very least, I would think that the performance of CIC’s, especially if done at the three recommended positions, would build more strength along the FULL length of the muscle.

I know there are debates galore on this. I look at it this way. If I perform a certain movement, short of full range, after a while the muscles used in that range of movement will be stronger. But, that doesn’t necessarily transfer over the rest of the muscle.

In my mind at least, short ROM exercises don’t hit muscle fibers throughout the FULL length of the muscle.

[JoeJustice]

I personally have found that ISOs work best when incorporated into an overall workout. I don't think it's good do a workout of ALL ISOs or ALL DVRs or ALL powercals. If you use the various ISOs, DVRs and DSRs as "finishing moves", I think you get the best benefit out of everything!

I talked about that in this thread:
http://www.transformetrics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81

I know this doesn't directly answer your question, Hank. But I'm bringing this up because I think we sometimes seem to have a kind of isolation mindset, particularly in bodybuilding/fitness. We say, "If this works, why not do only this all the time." And you really see it in the weight lifting world where people to set after set of preacher curls just to isolate that bicep 100%. It think it's best for everything to fit together, from cardio to strength training to diet to flexibility and all of the little pieces that make up all of those different areas.

Get everything working together and before you know, you are a snowball of health and fitness rolling down the hill and everyone just better get out of your way! :jump:

-Joe :smile-big: