The Science of Canoeing By Richard Cox

Table 5.12 Characteristics of Isometric, Isotonic and Isokinetic Conditioning Techniques Compared
Method Equipment Advantages Disadvantages
Isometric Wide variety of homemade
or commercially available
devices to provide
immovable resistances
Minimal equipment
required, less time required,
safe because there are no
weights to drop
Isotonic Free Weights Psychologically pleasing to
see work accomplished.
Easily adaptable to progress
evaluation, Necessary
equipment is generally
available. Specialised
exercises may be designed.
Weight Machines Psychologically pleasing to
see work accomplished.
Easily adaptable to progress
evaluation. Removes the
safety and weight changing
Isokinetic True isokinetic devises such
as Cybex
imitations of free weights
Allows development of
maximum resistance
throughout full range of
motion. Exercises may be
performed at a variety of
speeds with maximum
resistance
Progress is difficult to
observe, may become
boring, not as logically
applicable to sport as
isotonic or isokinetic
programmes
Increased injury potential
with bars, workout time
may be increased by time
required for changing
weights
Substantial initial cost of
equipment. Some limitation
in terms of specially
designed exercises
Cost too great for normal
club setting, adaption of
equipment to a variety of
exercises is limited.