Intentionally cramp your muscles as a workout?

[coatandthai]

If I flex my bicep and hold it tightly I can cause the muscle to cramp such that it feels sore the next day, much like it feels after a heavy workout. Is this actually increasing the muscle mass or what is causing the soreness? Might be useful for a 5 minute desk workout.

 

[The Devil's Hands]

This is a very bad idea.

Drink more water and eat more potassium if you want the cramps to stop. Soreness doesn't indicate growth.

Lift and eat if you want to grow.

 

[Violinist]

Originally Posted by coatandthai

If I flex my bicep and hold it tightly I can cause the muscle to cramp such that it feels sore the next day, much like it feels after a heavy workout. Is this actually increasing the muscle mass or what is causing the soreness? Might be useful for a 5 minute desk workout.

Is this Dwight from The Office?

 

[coatandthai]

Originally Posted by Violinist

Is this Dwight from The Office?

Does it sound that dumb? Seriously, I do curls with 50 lb. dumbells and I have some nice guns, and if I flex my biceps I can make them cramp up if I hold my arm right (or wrong). I can do the same with my abs -- if I do little mini-crunches while sitting down I can make them cramp up. Is this so unusual? I always assumed it was because my muscles are well-developed, not due to dehydration.

 

[j]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isometric_exercise

 

[vanity]

Originally Posted by coatandthai

Does it sound that dumb? Seriously, I do curls with 50 lb. dumbells and I have some nice guns, and if I flex my biceps I can make them cramp up if I hold my arm right (or wrong). I can do the same with my abs -- if I do little mini-crunches while sitting down I can make them cramp up. Is this so unusual? I always assumed it was because my muscles are well-developed, not due to dehydration.

I have an idea of what you're talking about. I can do this with my abs and biceps also. I think it's the ability to focus a muscle group extremely well. I wouldn't say it's a good workout though. If you want size, you need to add weight, not cramps.