Tonetix FAQ's

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Although isometric exercise is one of the most extensively researched methods of exercise, for most people, including many professional coaches with up to level 3 qualifications, it remains the most mysterious and misunderstood even with so much proven science.  It all starts with the fact that it is not at all visually dynamic, it looks as if you are doing nothing whilst performing isometrics, so how can it be doing any good?  It would seem that most people feel better if they are breaking out into a sweat and panting for breath.

Also, isometric exercise requires no equipment.  This is not good for gyms and gym instructors who are charging for the use of equipment.  You do not require any special clothing so it is not commercially viable. 

However, with isometrics, its delivery is more about proven science and less about chance, as it is when a gym coach comes to write a programme for a new client.  This is trial and error involving the number of sets, reps, weights required etc.  With the hard science to support isometrics, coaches of all disciplines should be incorporating it into their routines to give their clients more comprehensive programmes.

You may have heard of isometric holds being held for much longer than our standard 10-second Tonetix poses and even for minutes, which can be confusing.  This is because there are several different techniques in the isometric exercise system.  Some combine isotonic phases both fast and slow, some are for maximum duration etc.  With Tonetix, we use the standard isometric contraction where the muscle is applying force to push or pull against an immovable resistance.  This is the most basic of all kinds of isometric exercises.  It is theoretically possible to exert 100% of one's maximum capacity effort and hold that level of intensity throughout the 10-second pose.  It is therefore highly effective and also the safest form of isometrics.  Tonetix has taken the proven science of standard isometrics and packaged it into a discreet user-friendly system.  

However, some of the poses are similar to the standard Plank and Wall Squat but much more discreet.  These poses can be repeated or held for longer than 10 seconds as you are not pushing or pulling an immovable object.  You are holding your body weight.

Because there is absolutely no jumping or jarring and you are using your resistance, you will not harm yourself therefore, Tonetix is safe for your joints and strengthens them and increases bone density.  Isometric exercise also strengthens tendons, ligaments and connective tissue.  Since the muscle contraction used reaches deep within your muscles, it burns more fat than traditional low-impact aerobics. 

There are many articles about isometric exercise stating that this form of exercise can raise blood pressure. What is often omitted is the fact that the same is true for almost all other forms of exercise. 

All physical activity, especially any form of exercise will cause your blood pressure to rise for a short period.

During exercise, the blood vessels in your muscles get bigger as the blood flow increases allowing more oxygen to be delivered to the muscle being exercised.

During isometric exercise, the blood flow to the muscle decreases briefly because the contracting muscle applies direct pressure to the overall structure including arteries and veins. This is called extravascular compression, which is not a problem for an average healthy person, but it is always recommended that you check with a Doctor if you are in any doubt at all for yourself.  The blood flow will increase again once the muscles begin to relax.  This is why it is important to breathe deeply and naturally throughout, oxygenating your blood.  We also ease into and out of the Tonetix poses so that the compression and release are gradual.

Numerous studies have proved that between 20% and 50% of the strength transfer occurs at the angles of +20 and -20 degrees to the isometric hold.  In addition, for athletes wishing to achieve the most complete curve strength gain, it is easier to achieve with isometric exercise by simply performing an isometric contraction at several positions on the complete range of motion of the limb/body part being exercised.

Depending on the specific problem with a bad back, it is always advised to seek medical advice, but to generalise, since there are no jumping, jarring, sit-ups or tummy crunches, Tonetix can be safe to do even with a back condition. You will build up core stability, which will help your back. Adopting the Tonetix posture will build up muscle memory to make it a habit, in turn improving your back.  It is clinically proven that isometric exercise has an analgesic effect and therefore relieves pain.  

Tonetix is for everyone regardless of fitness level, age, size, gender or able-bodiedness.  It is safe to do every day, several times per day, but as recommended in any physical regime, it is wise to allow one or two rest days per week to give your body time to repair and avail more energy on your Tonetix days.

When you follow the Tonetix programme correctly, you will feel results immediately and see results within the first week.

The evidence most strongly suggests that microscopic tears in the muscle and damage to connective tissue associated with the muscles are the prime factors involved in the production of DOMS or Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness.  Every healthy adult most likely has developed DOMS on countless occasions, with the condition occurring regardless of the person's general fitness level.  However, studies have concluded that exercise involving eccentric (stretching) muscle contractions result in greater disruption or injury to the muscle tissues than isometric. Inevitably, during most forms of isotonic exercise, you will be using both eccentric and concentric muscle contractions and depending on the intensity of your workout you will get sore.  With Tonetix, there is no bending, stretching, jumping or jarring and you will not develop soreness unless you use maximum intensity for longer than suggested.

Because there is absolutely no jumping or jarring and you are using your resistance, you will not harm yourself therefore, Tonetix is safe for your joints and strengthens them and increases bone density.  Isometric exercise also strengthens tendons, ligaments and connective tissue.  Since the muscle contraction used reaches deep within your muscles, it burns more fat than traditional low-impact aerobics. 

The most unique quality about Tonetix is the fact that it is discreet. You can do it anytime, anyplace and anywhere also means you need no extra time to fit in a workout because you can do it whilst carrying on with your normal daily routine.  No extra equipment is required and because you will not break out into a sweat, you will not require any special clothing or any change of clothing.

You do not need to have good coordination to be able to do Tonetix you will become more balanced and have bodily awareness. Tonetix is delivered over the Internet, so you do not need to attend classes. 

Your brain is always trying to protect you, so if you are hurting, it will tell you to stop. You want your muscles to tire, not strain or hurt. Tiring muscles are toning muscles.  It is proven that by using just 2/3 of your maximum intensity during each pose, once a day for each body part/muscle group, you will not over-train and any average person can do Tonetix daily.  If you were to do a more intense workout at nearly 100% maximum intensity, then it is recommended to have a rest day between workouts due to the higher demands on the Central Nervous System.

A few minutes of exercise a day can significantly lower stress. Including Tonetix in your everyday life at the same time as being able to carry out your usual tasks will cause your muscles to relax and with that comes relaxation of the mind. You will feel more content knowing that you have incorporated a workout into your day without having to make time for it. Tonetix also helps you to release endorphins; these chemicals help you to deal with stress and feelings of pain. You will feel mentally sharper, stronger and more relaxed.

Whilst doing Tonetix, you must breathe deeply which can increase blood flow to the brain bringing oxygen,  improving mental function and keeping you alert. Tonetix releases your body’s natural pick-me-up chemical, dopamine, hence promoting the feel-good factor. 

Isometric exercises are going to make up the bulk of your training for the first couple of months after childbirth. These exercises are safe and effective and provide the perfect method of retraining the capacity to stabilize the trunk and resist movement functionally.

Key isometric core exercises can be implemented after childbirth. They each offer an excellent method of training the trunk and have research supporting their ability to activate core muscles to a very high degree.  Tonetix has simplified some of the most common isometric poses for the core.

Even very slim people will benefit from an improved posture and toned body. The slimmest of people can have cellulite, which will improve with Tonetix.

Tonetix increases your metabolic rate and burns fat. The techniques are so discreet that if your mobility is impeded, you can still perform the poses. You will turn fat into muscle. Muscle requires more energy than fat so you will be burning more calories helping to reduce obesity.