Which type of resistance training involves contractions without change in muscle length?

Isometric exercise involves muscle contractions where the muscle length remains unchanged. During isometric exercises, individuals exert force against an immovable object or hold a position against gravity. This type of training is effective for building muscle strength and endurance, as it engages the muscles without any visible movement in the joints or muscle length.

For example, holding a plank position or pushing against a wall are both isometric exercises. The tension in the muscle increases, but because there is no movement, the length of the muscle does not change.

Understanding how isometric exercise differs from isotonic, isokinetic, and dynamic exercises is important. Isotonic exercise involves movement and changes in muscle length, isokinetic exercise requires a consistent speed against resistance, and dynamic exercise involves changing muscle length with the joint moving through a range of motion. Each type serves different purposes in a fitness regimen, but isometric exercise specifically maintains the muscle's length while generating tension.