Overcoming Isometrics: Isometric Exercises for Building Muscle and Strength (The Grind Style Calisthenics Series)

This is a very fast read. Most of the pages are illustrations on how to actually do the exercises. I've been doing isometrics for about 35 years. I think I have read every book on the subject. This one added information not available in other books. The author is right, Isometrics activate the nervous system. These exercises create a stronger ability to contract the muscle. A strong isometric contraction is the hardest work your muscle can do. The book also offers several hybrid exercises that involve an overcoming isometric contraction coupled with a yielding isometric hold. Do these for 30 seconds and feel the burn. Something I haven't seen in other books on isometrics is how to do a squat that amplifies the tension, using an inexpensive strap. Well worth the price of the book alone. These are several exercises for the core, and for the legs that are generally lacking in other books on the subject. At the end of the book, you get sources for a few pieces of equipment that will make the exercises easier to implement. But you can just use a towel or a rope if you like. If you do these exercises, you'll notice that your muscles get really hard when you flex them, and you get a moderate increase in size, with a greater increase in strength. These exercises are also useful if you have an injury you need to work around. I'm glad I bought the book.

This is a simple book on this subject. It gives you a good starting approach to try and implement in your regular training activities or try as a training option by itself.

My bachelor's degree is in exercise science. This author knows what he is talking about. If you want to include isometrics in your exercise routines, or want to use them exclusively, this book is a perfect guide.

Very excellent book on Isometric exercises. I own and use the Worldfit Isometric band and use it religiously along with self resistance isometrics. The mind-muscle connection cannot be overemphasized here. It is a direct key to development that all other books on the subject omit. One small thing I believe the author left out is Isometrics only make a muscle stronger within a 15 degree radius of the angle you are doing the hold. Therefore you need to do all holds at 3 places: fully extended, midway, and peak contraction. You only receive the full benefits of the holds in that way. Otherwise, this book is invaluable.

Good information

Static Isometrics is a new concept to me. I am in my mid-seventies and since my mid thirties I have exercised hit & miss. In my thirties I was in excellent condition, hitting the free weights four times a week. Of course, that conditioning is long gone. Because of my age and wear & tear, I have no desire to pump iron again. I’m sure it would do more harm than good. So, I purchased this great book and am going at it three times a week. Matts back story is a great read. The details on how to perform the moves are easy to follow. I already feel physically and mentally better and I’ve just begun the journey into Isometrics. Buy this book, follow the instructions. I believe you will be pleased.

"Overcoming Isometrics" is a general overview of the benefits of Isometric exercises. The main advantages are twofold. Isometrics can help you build a tremendous amount of strength due to the fact that your strength largely comes from your nervous system and not your muscles. This is a neural conditioning method that directly asks your muscles to work. In other exercises, for example free weights and machines, only enough energy is used to lift the specific weight which can be delimiting in building strength. Secondly, Isometrics is specifically ideal for older individuals who have various injuries and health issues which make dynamic exercises counterproductive. The only criticism is that the illustrations and explanations could be better; however, it is my understanding that several videos are offered through the author's Red Delta Project Tube Channel.

Getting close to 50, I've put behind weight lifting due to joint damage. Even body weight calisthenics have become painful on my wrists and elbows. So, I've been looking for a good book on isometrics that is current. This would be that book! This book is well thought out, written and easily applied. The exercises in this book are easy to understand and perform. To get the most out of this text, I would recommend buying an "Iso-Trainer." You can find one on Amazon for cheap and it's well worth the price.

Sehr hilfreich fürs effiziente Training

Its written well for understanding. Not too long, coming straight to the point. I‘ll definitely adding it to my dynamic routines.

Está bien para aquellos que quieran ejercitarse con ejercicios isométricos. Una buena cantidad de ejercicios explicados en el texto.

The book provides detailed instructions on how to correctly perform isometric exercises, ensuring that readers can derive the maximum benefit from each workout. "Overcoming Isometrics: Isometric Exercises for Building Muscle and Strength" offers an innovative approach to isometric training with clear instructions and a variety of exercises. If you are willing to invest time and consistent effort, this book could be a valuable tool to improve your strength and build muscle.

Matt gets straight to the point emphasising the importance of the mind muscle connection to gain strength and size and how isometrics is the best exercise type to exploit this. There follows three sections of well illustrated exercises for the whole body mainly using the Worldfit Isotrainer and Isoloop (reviewed elsewhere) and finally a section on planning your routines and some FAQ's. Not for those looking for theory or history of isometrics this book is for people who want a practical guide and just get on and do it.