Isometrics, also called static strength training, has been used for many centuries as part of a strengthening regimen. The idea of gaining strength through tension has been incorporated into yoga and ancient Chinese martial arts. Modern day static training is referred to as Isometrics. Credit is given to a Russian strongman named Alexander Zass, who has been generally accepted to be the Father of Isometrics. He credits his strength and muscle development to isometric exercises. Through this method of development he was able to break chains and demonstrate other astounding feats of strength.

In the mid-1950’s German researchers Hettinger and Muller released a study that showed with minimal tension exercises, incredible muscle mass and strength could be achieved. The isometric method became very popular in the US. Particular notoriety for this method belongs to Angelo Sicilian, better known as Charlie Atlas, who coupled his successful bodybuilding using isometric exercise with a promoter to pitch the idea in comic books and magazines. This was the famous ‘sand in your face’ ad that said through his technique, which could be had by mail-in orders, a 97-pound weakling could be transformed into a muscleman. Atlas's company that offered this technique was called Dynamic Tension. His method and company proved highly successful in promoting isometric tension exercising. Dynamic Tension is still thriving today.

Isometrics had a period where they became associated unjustly with gym bodybuilders who were trying to hide the fact they were using steroids to enhance their muscle mass. They contributed it to isometrics and the public shied away from it when it was discovered. NASA has investigated isometrics as a way to prevent bone and muscle loss in space travel. They released reports that showed isometric to be better in certain circumstance than isotonic exercises. Isometrics, because of their ease of doing without a formal facility and the length of time need to complete the exercises, continues to be a popular method today.