A popular form of muscle-strengthening exercise is isotonic training. This can be carried out either with:

1. Free weights � dumbbells or barbells; or

2. Fixed equipment � e.g., the Nautilus

In both forms exercises are carried out against a fixed resistance.

As each muscle moves through its complete range, isotonic contraction creates tension with maximum effort at the beginning and end of each exercise.

Advantages of isotonic training:

1. Relatively cheap

2. Broad range of exercises

3. Ability to exercise all major muscle groups

Disadvantages:

1. Uneven force throughout each exercise

2. Exercises may not fully strengthen each muscle group.

� HealthChat 2000.

Dr. Sims is the Medical Director of FitStop, the UK's foremost group of health and fitness centers, and an expert on matters relating to fitness of body and mind. Having trained as a GP, he now works full-time in health promotion and has written extensively on the subject, including a monthly medical column in Mensa magazine with the TV psychiatrist, Dr Raj Persaud. Dr. Sims was the original Virgin.Net online doctor.

Article courtesy of MediaPeak