Maximizing Time Under Tension w/ Hybrid Isometrics

[@duncanmoreland6811]

I’m a copywriter (for what it’s worth!) and I really like your live load / dead load phrases - very intuitive and visual and gets the idea across

[@basslinger]

I'm on my 2nd week of GSC, great stuff, some contortion I've never done and some muscles I've never felt, thanks

[@Deondre_Clark]

I have never seen isometrics discussed in this way before. This is awesome new information!

[@synitarthrax5618]

Needed this. Thanks! I go to the doc every three months for a checkup and at 66,000 years old so far so good. I always change up my training after a visit and today started on something called Eccentric Quasi-Isometrics. I'm still finding the right exercises to make this work for each chain. For instance, I used this method on ring Push Ups and was shaking all over the place ... even though I felt the tension ... while using bands for deadlifts worked the muscles like never before with only a little shake. Probably found some weak points in my Push chain. Also, I discovered that the "top" position in the Push Up is not really were peak contraction occurs so this is something I'm looking into. I use a load which allows me to fail between 60-90 secs. If I can go longer I increase the resistance. If I come up short I reduce it. It was a great workout and my entire body was pumped up and on fire. We will see if this actually stimulated gains in mass and strength though. Considering I have about three months to go before my next visit/change I should be able to see if it's worth it.

[@taoist32]

Can you explain what eccentric quasi-isometrics are? Usually eccentric refers to the negative portion of a contraction of the agonist muscle. And by quasi do you mean similar to isometrics?

[@synitarthrax5618]

@@taoist32 Eccentric quasi-isometric (EQI) resistance training involves holding a submaximal, yielding isometric contraction until fatigue causes muscle lengthening, then maximally resisting through a range of motion. As a side note, I asked Matt about it during one of his podcasts and he wasn't thrilled with this type of training, bringing up some good points in doing so. I checked his points out and he was right so I discarded the idea. Instead, I'm going to spend at least the next 3 months ... and maybe longer ... doing Overcoming Isometric only. I've been at it almost 2 weeks now and I feel stronger and even doing simple things like moving the couch to vacuum seems easier. It's too soon to see a muscle building affect and even the possible strength increase could just be observational error. I tested myself on certain exercises and I will retest after 3 months to see if there is a difference. I combined Matt's book on Isometrics with the The Ultimate Isometrics Manual to come up with a routine that fits what I want to do. I like to experiment and this one is going great so far, but like anything, it takes time. We will see!

[@briand5047]

Regarding terminology, I've always thought yielding and unyielding would create greater clarity. I think live and dead loads are effective terms.

[@timmtoons4458]

Awesome i‘ll give it a try!

[@samb0wer]

Thanks Matt. As John said, how about Dynamic Load vs Static Load

[@RedDeltaProject]

much better than live and dead for sure.

[@PaulWBruce]

Powerlifters have been using bands for "accommodating resistance" for a long time to keep muscle tension more constant throughout an exercise. More athletic coaches have also used "functional isometrics" (essentially these hybrid isometrics). Using calisthenics with some sort of additional resistance to overcome may be the most efficient way to train. I'd like to see these hybrid isometrics done more with suspension trainers, too.

[@RedDeltaProject]

Good points Paul, thanks for sharing and I'll see what I can do with the suspension straps.

[@PaulWBruce]

@@RedDeltaProject Thank YOU for the video. I'm going to try using this for my clients.

[@cesarjkd8379]

Thanks Matt, this looks creatively simple & probably burns like he77

[@georglehner407]

Very interesting idea. I've recently started doing belt squats with the isochain (using a setup similar to what Chrys Johnsson from Nolimitsquad). One could easily load this with a kettlebell or two to make it a sort of mix with a front squat. Will try that out. Also: I guess you've been doing this with your isometric pullups already. How has your progress been with those?

[@rubiccube8953]

We need a strain gauge that you can adjust to make sound when you are within a set range of tension.

[@johndambrosio352]

Static Load?

[@JensMHA]

Beat me to it. 🙂

[@danausec166]

I believe the Isochain is the perfect example of hybrid isometrics, combining the live load along with the dead load..all in one package..loving it !

[@RedDeltaProject]

It's funny, since making this I've become more aware of the value of that spring. It really does make a big difference.

[@leonardwimbley7948]

Isometric are cool but lets talk about that sword in the backyard and where can i get it.

[@babesballesfin]

Static load versus live load.

[@3dflyer87]

Infinite load!