The current state of the fitness industry paints a troubling picture. Consider this: Nearly 80% of Americans have no gym membership, and of those who do, the average visitation rate is less than twice a week. Yet, despite these relatively low engagement numbers, nearly 100% of all exercise participants are injured to some degree from exercise. Clearly, our collective promotion of "Dynamic Exercise" is failing us, with the resulting harm, avoidance, and economic burden becoming increasingly evident.
A 2016 report published by the CDC shed light on an alarming fact. General gym exercise, not high-contact sports like football, basketball, or ice hockey, was identified as the primary cause of hospital admissions in active Americans over the age of five. Let that sink in. The very place we go to enhance our health and wellbeing has become the leading contributor to our physical harm.
Read this: Sports - and Recreation - related Injury Episodes in the United States, 2011–2014
We've been fed the idea that "something is better than nothing," as if any exercise, no matter how poorly executed or unsuited to our individual bodies, is a step in the right direction. This oversimplified mantra has inadvertently become the biggest deception in fitness and preventative healthcare. Take the promotion of running as an example, Yale Medicine reported that over 25,000,000 runners are injured by running every year. With annual injury rates around 50%, it’s time for the fitness industry to stand up and collectively stop the promotion of running as “healthy”.
Read this: A systematic review of running-related musculoskeletal injuries in runners
Let’s not be discouraged: when it comes to appropriate exercise for health related goals, there is hope.
Enter isometric strength training – a method that has been overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of dynamic workouts. Isometric strength training focuses on increasing muscle tension where the contracting muscles maintains a consistent length without visible movement at the affected joints. This approach is not just a fad; it's grounded in science and offers a myriad of health benefits that are superior to dynamic movement-based exercise.
For one, isometric strength training substantially reduce the risk of injury. Without the constant motion and impact of dynamic exercises, the risk of injury to joints, ligaments, and tendons is minimized. This makes it especially beneficial for those looking to avoid or recover from injury.
Additionally, isometric exercises are efficient. They allow for targeted muscle engagement and strengthening, ensuring that you get the most out of every second of your workout. This concentrated focus means shorter, yet more effective sessions.
Lastly, they’re universally adaptable. Whether you're a fitness novice or a seasoned athlete, isometric training can be tailored to your needs and limitations. They offer a level playing field where everyone can benefit, from the elderly to elite sportspeople.
The fitness industry is at a crossroads. We have the knowledge and the tools to shift our approach and prioritize safety without compromising results. As consumers, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts, we must champion isometric strength training and incorporate it more prominently into our routines.
It's time we redefine fitness. Not by the number of hours spent in a gym or the intensity of our workouts, but by the wisdom of our choices and the longevity of our health. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to do better. And the journey begins with recognizing the value of isometric strength training in our fitness repertoire.
For more information on isometric strength training and its significant impact on functional health and performance, visit our website at www.Isophit.com or reach out to me at brad@isophit.com.
Yours in Isometric Strength,
Brad Thorpe
CEO / Inventor
Isophit