Weight Lifting Without Weights

Use isometric contraction exercises to build strength with less risk of injury.

Weight Lifting Without Weights

It sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it? But, it's actually possible with the use of what are known as isometric contraction exercises.

In these types of exercises, which are excellent for strength training for seniors, one muscle is pitted against another, or an immovable object, and is held at full tension for just a few seconds.

This method of weight lifting without weights has been around for many years. Strongman Charles Atlas used to sell his "dynamic tension" exercise program from the back of comic books in the middle of the 20th century. Astronauts needing to keep fit in space used them in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs as well in those that followed.

Workout programs making use of isometric contraction exercises still can be found, including one popular routine of animal movement exercises.