static contraction training

[bwlc]

Well both have worked with some top athletes and lifters so I wouldent dispute their claims.

[rogues_mrs]

Quote

Allo' mate.

I tend to use it for rehab at the moment as I have an injured lower back. However, I can basically describe the book as equivalent to what powerlifters describe as Lock outs. You've probably seen them done with Power Cages, and Racks etc. With Benchs' set up.

Can this method improve strength? Possibly, I feel that it is an important method of exercise which requires testing in Constraint Induced Movement Therapy for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.

So to answer your question, I will use it to get over plateus, or when I can not train normally ie. limited ROM.

An example would be if I have trouble locking out a final rep on bench press. I will finish that workout with a couple sets of Lockouts or Static Contraction Training the method prescribed in the book.

Is it useful, yes, but I have only tried it during plateau stages of my training.

Since I have not commited 100% to the method I can not comment on the results, but for the short time that I did use it, and the way I use it for rehab yes it is useful for preventing increased muscle breakdown.

We often use Isometric exercises when rehabing injuries, especially those around highly moveable joints eg shoulder... find they work really really well in building up strength around the joint without causing further pain/injury. Often start using v v light weights esp when joint strength is seriously compromised.
Personally I think in terms of training (no injuries involved) negatives as AT said are much more useful, Isometrics only really train the muscle at that specific point, there is little effect to strength around the whole ROM.

[mjwild]

I used it a few weeks ago before my meet, it worked for me, got me out of my sticking point in bench.