As a fitness and exercise specialist, I'm here to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the nature of push-ups and their relationship with isometric exercises.

Push-ups are a classic bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the chest, triceps, and shoulders. They are a dynamic exercise, meaning that the muscles involved are working through a range of motion. However, the concept of isometric exercises involves static muscle contractions where the muscle length does not change, and there is no visible movement.

The push-up as traditionally performed is not isometric. It involves lowering the body towards the ground and then pushing back up, which is a concentric and eccentric movement. However, variations of the push-up can incorporate isometric holds at different points in the movement, which can increase the intensity and challenge of the exercise.

For instance, you can perform an isometric push-up by pausing at the bottom of the push-up, where your chest is near the ground, and holding that position for a certain count. This pause creates an isometric contraction in the chest, triceps, and shoulders as they work to maintain the position without moving.

Now, let's discuss the "isometric-explosive push-up" you mentioned. This is indeed an advanced variation that combines elements of isometric and dynamic exercises. In this variation, after reaching the bottom of a push-up, the hands are forcefully pushed off the ground, creating an explosive movement. This action not only strengthens the muscles but also enhances power and endurance.

To perform the isometric-explosive push-up correctly, follow these steps:
1. Begin in the standard push-up position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
2. Lower your body towards the ground, keeping your back straight and your core engaged.
3. Once you reach the bottom of the push-up, pause momentarily to create an isometric hold.
4. From this position, explosively push your hands off the ground, lifting your body slightly and creating an upward thrust.
5. Land back on the ground and immediately lower yourself again into the push-up position to repeat the movement.

This exercise increases the power and endurance demands on the body, strengthening not only the pushing muscles but also the stabilizing muscles throughout the body. It's a fantastic way to challenge your upper body and improve overall functional strength.

In conclusion, while the standard push-up is not an isometric exercise, variations like the isometric-explosive push-up can incorporate isometric holds to increase the intensity and effectiveness of the workout. These variations are beneficial for those looking to improve their strength, power, and muscle endurance.

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The isometric-explosive pushup is an advanced progression of the standard pushup in which the hands are pushed off the ground. This exercises increases power and endurance demands, strengthening the entire body. Get in the standard pushup position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.read more >>