15/10/2026
STRONGER TENDONS 💪 | Swipe for 8 Isometric Exercises to Try
Your tendons help transfer force from your muscles to your bones, allowing you to run, jump, lift and move.
Building your capacity to tolerate load can help support performance, resilience and recovery from many tendon-related problems.
Isometric exercises involve producing muscular tension while holding a position relatively still. They can be a useful way to introduce or maintain loading as part of a wider strength and rehabilitation programme.
Here are 8 exercises to add to your toolbox 👉
HOW TO USE THEM
✔️ Aim for 30–45-second holds where appropriate.
✔️ Complete 2–3 sets per side, where applicable.
✔️ Start with 2–3 sessions per week as a general guide.
✔️ Cherry-pick 2–4 exercises that suit your goals.
Choose a resistance you can control with good technique, and adjust the duration and load to suit your ability and symptoms.
A little reminder: Isometrics are one tool, not a magic fix. Tendon rehabilitation often involves gradually progressing to heavier resistance and more dynamic movements. The right approach depends on the individual and the tissue being treated.
💬 What area would you like exercise inspiration for next? Comment below or DM us with your suggestions!
📍 Tūī Osteopathy
Split-stance calf raise hold — Calf muscles and Achilles tendon
Loads the calf–Achilles complex, which plays a major role in walking, running, jumping and pushing off the ground.
Resisted hip flexion + ankle dorsiflexion — Hip flexors and tibialis anterior
With your hip held around 90° and resistance around your foot, this exercise challenges the hip flexors and the muscles that lift your foot towards your shin. The emphasis depends on which movement you’re performing.
Weighted wall sit — Quadriceps and patellar tendon
Holding a wall sit with a kettlebell in each hand challenges the quadriceps and loads the patellar tendon. This is a simple way to build lower-limb strength and loading tolerance, which can be useful as part of a progressive programme for patellar tendinopathy.
Hamstring bridge hold — Hamstrings
Loads the hamstrings at the back of your