Comprehensive Isometric Equipment Review

[@shumardi1]

I bought a Bull Worker when I was in the 7th grade back in 1976. It came with a list of exercises and I did the whole routine every morning. I was pretty skinny back then. I don’t know if that was the best thing I could have possibly done, but it was a huge step up from what I had been doing. I benefited quite a bit from that Bull Worker.

[@bobl9949]

Myself as well, the Bullworker as a teenager back in the seventies was my only go to trainer and it worked for me.

[@m.j.armstrong1803]

I've been putting a lot of mileage on my ISO trainer and ISO loop in the last few months and loving it. (In fact, I'm about to work out in a few minutes.) I recently added hybrid isometric squats to my routine, and holy cats, THAT is an intense exercise, and super effective. Thanks for all the wonderful content you share, Matt!

[@anthonyromayo6296]

I also have a lot of Isometric equipment. My World Fit ISO Trainer is my most used piece. I highly recommend it.

[@brasilultimateteam]

what else do u reccomend?

[@vinnylivoti9567]

As always Matt a great overview of the most popular isometric equipment out on the market. Straightforward and concise. Keep up the great work!

[@peterjaimez1619]

Hi, do you know the German "Isokinator"? Cheers

[@The-Contractor]

I bought two Yoga straps. I just wrap the straps around my hands/hand to whatever length I need them to be. The sliding rings for changing the length of the straps make for a secure loop for my foot/feet or tree. I work mostly in unilateral fashion as common movement patterns are unilateral. It's not complicated.

[@jorgewashington2981]

Thanks Matt for another helpful video. I love my World Fit Iso-Strap Trainer and little Bullworker Iso Loops.

[@fredcatcreedy980]

You don't see or hear much about the bull workers anymore, but I think they are undervalued. I remember it seems almost like an eon ago one being in a gym I use to attend. Only one man ever used it as his sole training tool and ended up being the biggest guy in the gym.

[@mxmsrex]

That's my feeling as well. The spring resistance hits different

[@fredcatcreedy980]

@@mxmsrexthe spring mimics an active load.

[@mxmsrex]

@@fredcatcreedy980 OK, thanks for the info :) What kind of exercise routine do you use for the bullworker? I think heavy duty works best

[@fredcatcreedy980]

@@mxmsrex an initial 8 sec isometric contraction, followed immediately with isotonic contractions until failure. One set for each muscle group. 3-minute rest between each set. I do 3 workouts a week.

[@mxmsrex]

@@fredcatcreedy980 OK, my method is basically heavy duty 1 by Mike Mentzer. When I cant do 12 reps, I move up the resistance. 2 to 3 warm up sets, 1 working set. No workout lasts longer than 30 minutes. Each muscle group gets trained once per week

[@vin5388]

Can you please review the Isokinator?

[@elnavegante0721]

En 1975 y más adelante era una fantasía llegar a tener un Bullworker (muy costoso aquí en México, era importado). Ahorré para comprar un clon mexicano llamado Bio Tensor basado en el mismo principio (resortes que ofrecían resistencia.). Con ese entrené mucho tiempo. Yo no veía resultados pero otros si los veían. Lo abandoné (ignoro que fue de el). Hace un año y meses compré el clon del Bullworker, el ISO 7X.... Muy bueno!! Pensaba sería fácil su uso y me equivoqué, pues si ofrece miy buena resistencia. Descargue de la red la guía original del Bullworker 2 y es la que ocupo..... Grata experiencia y en verdad aumenta la fuerza antes que el volumen.

[@nickoldschoolrules52]

Is there a strap out there that has some elastic quality to activate the loading reflex? Thanks.

[@kabukiarmadillo]

I had never heard of the IsoChain before this video. However, I DIY'd myself a similar device years ago for a fraction of the $400 they want for this thing. The chain, platform and bar can be easily sourced at a hardware store. I used a simple luggage scale to provide strength feedback. Later I attached a six foot length of webbing to my Bullworker. The webbing has knots tied into it. Standing on the line you can exercise your entire upper body. The knots keep the line from sliding out from under your foot which acts as the anchor. (I guess you could attach it to a plate too but that would make it less portable.) The Bullworker gives you the resistance and the means to measure your gains. You can work arms and shoulders simultaneously or independently as you choose. The Bullworker had the advantage of being able to exercise my abs which my diy IsoChain could not. I also coiled some line around the outer tube and taped it in place. The coils have a finger width gap between them. Let's you narrow grip the Bullworker to work different angles of the muscle.

[@skriabinfly]

Brilliant ideas. Would be interested to see a demo or explanation video or photos, but i understand that would be a lot of trouble to undergo for the amusement of random strangers on the interwebz :)

[@DawnaSila]

I must say, i have 2 bullworkers, mostly i'm chosing the IsoBow, its so simple and awesome!

[@JonathanMartinez-fw5fq]

Very informative, detailed review of isometric equipment. I found this very helpful in making my choices of equipment. Thank you

[@RedDeltaProject]

Glad it was helpful, and thank you for watching Jonathan.

[@marcoddy6812]

I find that home made isometric equipment is way more versatile. Cargo straps, chains, caribenas, handles.. can do pretty much any exercise you can imagine with those.

[@charlieabel1533]

you left out the ViiiV Pro Isometric machine - I have one and it's great!

[@iamtheonewhoknocks4288]

How much do you weigh now? Were you able to break the 190lbs barrier using bodyweight only??

[@utkarshjha98]

What should be the diameter of pull up bar in order to get good grip strength? As i was planning to make a DIY pull up bar

[@Bobo-wl6bs]

Whats your opinion on the ripstick?

[@cmoneytheman]

Ripoff better to get one of these in this video way more pressure on the muscles

[@beck-tn9gl]

I recently got the Isomax during a Black Friday sale. I'm really happy with it. What are your thoughts on the Ripstick? It seems pricey for what you get. Good video. Thanks

[@masonictrucker8031]

Just bought a very good Bullworker X5 which is the best Bullworker that was ever created.

[@rob-boticscalisthenicshome6355]

Great video thanks for some sound advice

[@stanleybroniszewsky8538]

Going along with isometrics, I'm sure people have heard of Marlon Birch. He's got some great isometric exercise books. I own two and he really looks impressive 💪

[@hendrik5693]

What do you think about the Isokinator?

[@RedDeltaProject]

Never used it so no idea. However, here's my laundry list of things I look for in isometric equipment: - Strong enough to challenge the fundamental tension chains. So it should be suitable for things like deadlifts, squats, and presses. p.referably up to 1000# - Quantification is great, but not always necessary. If you do have it, audio feedback is by far better than visual feedback. Trying to read a meter or force gauge during a set is a pain in the neck - Comfort and stability. The ability to put a lot of force through the body depends on how comfortable you feel while using the equipment.

[@TheElThomaso]

I think it's like the quantifiable alternative to the iso-bow. Looks quite interesting, but the prices are stiff, even for used ones (as I've been trying to hunt down for a while).

[@ascendediam]

​@TheElThomaso it's the advanced ver of the bow it offers constant pressure and is more balanced cause it's set resistance

[@JoseRoque-u7e]

You should try and make a review of the Isokinator

[@marcvinyard3050]

Thank you for another great video. Other than the measurability, does the isochain have other characteristics that allow you to work your muscles harder?

[@dannyshark7822]

It’s got programs that really make working to target load for set amount of time extremely convenient. Easy to get 1 rep max, then start a workout routine at 50-70%. Follow up with 5-10 pound progression at next workout. And make solid gains in strength. Really need the isometric manual for the workout programs in my opinion.

[@williammills5597]

Dragon door now have a updated isometric exercise equipment. It’s called isomax.

[@lymphomasurvive]

He knew before you did.

[@clydenolet736]

Brought my iso chain to the gym to work with clients - it was a nightmare carrying 30lb of chain and plate up 3 stories 😂

[@kabukiarmadillo]

No need for chain. I diy'd one with a length of webbing. Just tie loops in the webbing at regular intervals. Use carabiners to connect the webbing to your plate or foot, and the bar. (I used individual handles.) I added a strong spring to the bottom loop to give me a bit of range when pulling on it.

[@The-Contractor]

Reads like a good warm up.

[@cool9282]

You totally missed the legendary Isokinator!

[@PandaForceSupreme]

You said 'moving isometrics,' and pointed out its error. I believe Bruce Lee coined the term 'dynamic tension' to describe that type of exercise. He would practice his movements while keeping his muscle under constant flexion. I believe it helped him feel, what we now call, the mind-muscle connection. Please, do not quote me on this.

[@Orutra621]

I'm curious about the spring that connects the handle to the platform. Why the spring?

[@ascendediam]

Cause it offers resistance are you new to working out that's a obviously answer

[@Orutra621]

@@ascendediam If it moves then it isn't isometrics, numb nuts. Why have the spring and not just attach the handle to the platform?

[@cmoneytheman]

​@@Orutra621troll

[@cmoneytheman]

If anybody wants one i got a classic s2 or 100 and the steel for 80

[@3Pillers]

👍

[@DBASSDAN]

Never done isometrics, no offence but looks very boring.

[@jorgewashington2981]

It can be but in my opinion its worth it. I've made some gains in strength and muscle tone but no size increase but then again I am 65 y.o. btw I incorporate Bodylastics and bodyweight exercises into my routine. In my humble opinion isometrics strengthen ligaments and tendons better than others methods plus fires up the nervous system also. Isometrics are also a Time Saver. I recommend Matt's excellent book on isometrics. Give Isos a shot. Bruce Lee used Isometrics as part of his exercise regiment.

[@calisthenicsconsumer8873]

17 here and i highly recommend it. Boring but only takes a few minutes to reap huge strength benefits. Will admit it looks incredibly boring but the science that backs it doesn't lie.

[@cmoneytheman]

Its working out its not meant to be fun

[@cmoneytheman]

@@calisthenicsconsumer8873 how can working out be fun its not meant to be fun its meant to feel the muscles working

[@calisthenicsconsumer8873]

@@cmoneytheman Doesnt have to be fun, but if it isnt tedious, its a lot easier to keep using it consistently.

[@jfd4755]

So much talk for no much

[@cmoneytheman]

Bullworker is the best I got the best model s3 get one folks