Few stories highlight the power of isometric (static) training better than The Spiritual Journey of Joseph L. Greenstein: The Mighty Atom by Ed Spielman. In the book, a young Joseph Greenstein—then known as Yoselle—has a conversation with Gama, a champion wrestler from India and one of the greatest wrestlers of the 20th century. Their exchange went like this:

“Gama, may I ask you something?”
“Ask.”
“Your opponent was very big…”
“…and yet I threw him like a baby.”
“How?” Yoselle asked in wonderment.
“It’s really quite simple,” the Indian said good-naturedly. “In the Punjab, where I lived, there was a large tree behind my house. Each morning, I would rise up early, tie my belt around it, and try to throw it down.”
“A tree?” the boy marveled.
“For twenty years.”
“And you did it?”
“No, little one,” Gama smiled, “but after a tree…a man is easy.”

Take-Home Message

Whether you’re pushing or pulling against an immovable object, pausing during a lift, or even wrestling a tree, isometric training can be incredibly effective. Incorporate it into your routine regularly, and you’ll develop strength that carries over into dynamic movement.