Page 3 - Chapter_12

road cycling, pole vault and combative 3. Resistance of their opposite players, in
sports. It has many advantages. Using it combating sports like boxing, wrestling
correctly can help you maintain a good etc.
posture for an extended period of time. 4. Frictional resistance of external forces in
sports like cycling, swimming, rowing, etc.
Following three types of exercises are used
for developing strength:
isometric or Static exercises

The word ‘isometric’ literally means constant
length. So, in isometric exercise, a group of
muscles develops tension against another
group of muscles without any changes in the
Examples of strength endurance length of muscles. These muscles cannot shorter
during contraction because of the resistance
isometric Strength of external force that exceeds the internal
force generated by the muscles. Moreover,
It is also known as static strength. It is the the joint angles remains constant. After doing
ability of the muscle to exert a force against the exercise for some more time, the muscles
an immovable object without considering engaged in movement start to tremble. The
shortening its length. When applying this longer the duration of exertion, the greater the
strength, the joint angle and muscle length will trembling.
not undergo any change during contraction.
Exercises using isometric strength are There are the two variations of isometric
performed in one position and will improve exercises i.e., overcoming and yielding. In
strength in that position only. overcoming, the joints and muscles apply force
to an immovable object, and in yielding, they
We will familiar ourselves with these are held in a static position while opposed
concepts in more detail as we study about the by resistance. Generally, the muscles are
types of exercises used in improving strength. contracted using structural items like free

methods of improving Strength—isometric, weights, pressure places, individual’s own
isotonic and isokinetic body and ground.

Development of strength depends on the
strength requirements of a particular sport
being participated in. It upgrades speed, agility
and flexibility. These qualities are beneficial for
all individuals commonly, but sportspersons in
particular. The sportspersons have to overcome
one or more of the four types of resistance with
their strength.
1. Resistance of the sports implements to be
used, such as shot in that put, javelin in
javelin throw and so on. Isometric Exercises
2. Resistance of their own body is jumping,
sprinting, etc. In isometric exercises, no work is done,
as no visible movement occurs. For example,

Psychology and Sports 3