Dynamic Tension

In my last post I think I mentioned Dynamic Tension and Isometrics a few times.  So, I thought maybe I would talk a bit about what this is, in case anyone doesn't know, and doesn't feel like doing any research.

Dynamic Tension is, in essence, using the strength of one muscle group to provide resistance for the opposing muscle group.  It's a concept that has been around for eons, particularly in the Far East.  It also happens to be the method by which the proto-Superman, Doc Savage supposedly gained his superhuman strength.  So there's a pretty cool geek-factor.

There are a few methods for doing this, and each has slightly different effects.

Isometrics could be called "static contraction."  Basically, you flex your muscles as hard as you can, forcing each muscle group to pull against its opposing group.  Every major muscle group in our bodies has an opposite;  the Bicep is opposed by the Tricep, the Pectorals are opposed by the Lats, etc.  There are many minor muscles and stabilizing muscles that get involved, depending on variations of body position, but the concept is the same.  As you flex these muscles, each opposing group fatigues at a fairly equal rate.  Arnold Schwarzenegger was a big proponent of using "posing as exercise" to supplement his gym work in this manner.

Here is a video that illustrates this kind of thing well.  Note the fact that he does this just standing there.  Although it may seem cheap for an exercise video, it does a good job of illustrating that this kind of thing can be done, as he says, anywhere.  Including your  kitchen.



I like this video because this guy has my ideal physique.

Dynamic Tension (sometimes called Isokinetics) works in a similar way, but instead of the muscle groups being static, they are in motion.  Most fitness experts feel that this is a better way to do it.  Basically, you are replicating the effects of weight lifting and other resistance movement, by using your own body parts as the "weights."  The concept was made popular by Charles Atlas, and his program is still available. 

In this video, the gentleman uses a basic bicep curl to illustrate.  But, the simple concept can be easily adapted to just about any body part.



So, there you go.  These are the kinds of things I do at my desk while at work, standing around in the kitchen while cooking a meal, or even while driving in the car...

Hit the reset button!

I need to get a copy of this book.

I have come to the conclusion that my exercise habits closely mirror my writing habits.

For those of you who don't know, besides being a devoted husband, doting father, and minor government functionary, I am also a writer.  Of fiction.  Not just of pointless blogs.  In fact you can read about my writing, and many other (semi-)related topics over on my other blog.  So, go do that.  I'll still be here too.  The internets is magic!

Anyways, what was I saying?  Oh, yeah.  My exercising, much like my writing, comes in odd fits and spurts.  And I have come to the conclusion that I will probably never be able to follow a strict diet and exercise regime.  Mainly because I am Motivationally Challenged (read: lazy).  So, I have decided to adopt a simple philosophy:

DO SOMETHING.

Every day I will make it a point to DO SOMETHING.  Whether it's a 15-minute walk around the capitol square during lunch (when it warms up!), or a handful of push ups and crunches, or simply doing some Dynamic Tension at my desk, each and every day (no rest days) I resolve to DO SOMETHING.

Additionally, I will resolve to eat less.  This will actually be harder.  I tend to eat with my mouth, but not my stomach.  Normal people eat with both.  Your mouth tells you when it's good, and your stomach tells when you it's enough.  I tend to listen to my mouth and ignore my stomach.  That is, until my stomach tells my mouth "If you send one more thing down here I'm sending it all back!"

I really need to quit doing that.

So, what did I do today?  Well, I did a whole bunch of different Dynamic Tension exercises at my desk (and during a meeting, and while driving).  Also, I had Chinese buffet, but stuck to two small plates of food, and NO dessert (hey, that's an improvement for me!).  I probably should have gone less on the food as well, but old habits die hard.  I was lucky to be able to stay away from the tapioca pudding.  I also walk to and from my car every day, which is no small feat, especially in this weather.  And I never take elevators unless I am travelling more than two floors.

So, this new way of thinking about it shouldn't be too hard to embrace.  At first my SOMETHING will probably be small.  But, as time goes by, it will get bigger.

As for this blog, I'm not sure where it will go.  I will probably start doing a "Workout Report" feature, wherein I post about a significant workout I just did.  Ideally, I would love to do a daily post about what I did that day, but that might get monotonous.  So, instead I may do a weekly summary.  I'll probably aslo talk about workouts and exercises I have discovered and tried, and let you know how they work.  Hopefully, if anyone reads this thing, eventually I can get suggestions and feedback from folks.

Ok, time for me to get off my butt and DO SOMETHING.