Have you noticed the resurgence in isometrics in assessment and programming? I’ve released a course on isometrics and the length tension relationship, and it had me thinking how my practice has evolved over time, from having little time for isometrics mainly because of my focus on specificity, to now truly understanding it’s value, thanks to a couple of my PhD students.

Why the renewed interest in isometrics and exercises like the isometric mid-thigh pull? There are many reasons but here are some thoughts: 1) easy to administer, safe and more time-efficient methods to measure maximal strength than traditional 1RM testing; 2) is a reliable way to test maximal strength in youth and adult athletes and those with little training age; 3) large numbers of athletes can be assessed in short time periods; 4) isometrics can be performed at multiple angles and can be used to train weak points/sticking regions; 5) isometrics can provide variability to your programming; 6) isometrics as a training methods can be used in training programmes to develop strength, power, muscle size and tendon stiffness; and, 7) isometric training can take place anywhere at any time, whether sitting in a plane or working out in a gym.

Any other reasons you can think of?