Recently I have been re-introduced to the sanchin kata of Isshinryu. Sanchin is a dynamic tension moving isometric type kata. What I mean is dynamic tension or isometric exercises, i.e. a type of strength training where a combination of joint angles and muscle length are contracted in a static position where isometric exercises done through a range of motions are referred to as dynamic.
What you are actually doing is a combination of both isometric and dynamic tensioning, i.e. you remain in a static position while working muscle agains muscles by resistance. Then you move into the dynamic tension part where you overcome the isometric, the joints and muscles work against an immovable force.
Sanchin or dynamic tension movement tends to work better in building muscle and strength. You can safely do a 110 percent effort and continue so with effort remaining at 110 percent as strength is depleted thus allowing for longer periods with maximum volitional tensioning.
Sanchin involves the static contraction of muscle with movement while maintaining the principles of martial systems, i.e. alignment of skeletal systems such as joints and spinal alignment along with structure, posture, centerline, heaviness, centeredness, etc. When you consider dynamic tension as executed through the Charles Atlas systems and dynamic tensioning in Sanchin you get a more well rounded and complete exercise with karate's sanchin provided you adhere to all the principles involved, i.e. "Breathing, Posture, Triangle Guard, Centerline, Primary Gate, Spinal Alignment, Axis, Minor Axis, Structure, Heaviness, Relaxation, Wave Energy, Convergence, Centeredness, Triangulation Point, The Dynamic Sphere, Body-Mind, Void, Centripetal Force, Centrifugal Force, Sequential Locking & Sequential Relaxation, Peripheral Vision, Tactile Sensitivity, and Rooting."
When performing sanchin you adhere to the principles as described above along with using just the bodies structure and skeletal/muscular/cardio/breathing systems in unison, as one whole system working together as a wholehearted unit.
One caveat, since sanchin involves dynamic tensioning that results in a temporary spike to internal pressures such as blood pressure you must first get your personal physician to certify your health just in case you are one of those persons who currently suffer from higher blood pressures or even susceptibility to strokes, etc. There is no evidence or research that says dynamic tension, isometrics or sanchin (a combination of both dynamic tension and isometrics) will result in high blood pressure or be the cause of strokes, etc. It is better to be safe in the case of sanchin practice and training. The benefits are there with health caution as the prerequisite to sanchin practice.
p.s. dynamic tension/isometrics are also found in practices such as yoga or oriental martial arts and bodybuilding.
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