Bullworker Classic Review: Compact Training Tool or Old School Gimmick?

[@homerthecat3623]

My dad whos now 75 had a bullworker in the 70s. He went from thin to really quite solid and built a lot of muscle mass in the arms shoulders and chest. Hes thinking bout getting one again so thanks for the review.

[@hybridresistance]

Love hearing that. I got some other bullworker content coming soon.

[@StevieRichardsFitness]

Awesome review as usual. At the point I was at in my road to recovery, I didn’t really have a choice regarding isometrics. After using the Bow Classic and even the Isochain for the past month or two, I’ve realized how important isometrics are- at least with my injuries and such. It can be limiting as far as range of motion, but the ISO FLO they sell opens up more possibilities with exercises. Keep up the great work.

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you Stevie. I love how you capitalized on this during your recovery. I think this could be the perfect tool for some people based on their abilities. Someone else was telling me about the ISO FLO also as being very useful. Thanks again for the motivation in checking this out and not minding that I'm dipping into your reviews.

[@SuckRats]

Stevie Night Heat bay bay!

[@mrqualityreviewer4752]

I have the power pack it’s awesome piece of kit and I have the isochain

[@Drenn71]

How interesting that you’re covering this equipment, I still have original bullworker made of stainless steel, cannot change the tension spring, combining this with my total gym workout, great coverage, thanks André

[@cmoneytheman]

This updated model is way better

[@MrJawnyNumFive]

Bought mine in 1974. Used it all through high school. Everyone thought I lifted weights. I still use it a couple times a week.

[@cmoneytheman]

@@MrJawnyNumFive not enough

[@WHU63]

This brings back a few memories. I had a BW in the early 80s aged 17. Worked out six days a week for over a year before progressing to weights. Now aged 58 i spotted one in a church sale a few months ago and had to buy it. Theyre great. They dont build mass muscle but are definitely good for fitness and exercise. Most of all they take me back to my younger years. Thanks for posting.

[@hybridresistance]

I love hearing from you guys who had experience with these things back in the day. Got to say I've been enjoying mine.

[@BigBoaby-sg1yo]

I actually disagree, I got a bullworker when I was 17 and did gain mass . I now use an isobow and the bullworker steel I still use light dumbbells 7.5 kg - but have a break from weights and only do isometrics for a few weeks . Yes you definitely build mass with isometrics- nothing like weights , but if you increase the tension from 7 seconds to 15 seconds,you will gain mass and great definition.

[@MrJawnyNumFive]

​@@BigBoaby-sg1yo Yup, I've never lifted weights in me life. Tried to, but within 1 to 2 weeks, I was back to my 1974 Bullworker and other isometrics, built mass too.

[@phortunate1]

Wow, a Tensolator... well that is what they called the one I had back in the 70's. Almost identical, but no interchangeable springs. That's neat. My Father was into isometrics (like Charles Atlas stuff) and weights, and I was a couch potato back then. He got this for me as a way to get me to do something. Which I did. And I carried this thing to college. About 10 years ago, I gave this device to my son... so 3 generations now have had this one Tensolator to use. Mine had army green handles and an anodised powder and chrome look. It had the same plastic slider, too. I used it fairly regularly, but I used it isometrically. Compress and hold 7 to 10 seconds. Pull and Hold. I did almost every exercise I saw you do in this video. Nice to see these still around. Now that I TG my life, I am not sure I would use this, but like you say, perhaps for travel, better than nothing. I miss your TG content.

[@hybridresistance]

Love hearing that history from you guys! The TG content is coming. Looking forward to getting back on it.

[@ericeric5903]

I have the original Bullworker and used it for many years. It still works fine. I'm 70 now and had some surgery the last few years. To get back my strength and to try something new I went to free weights this past year .. but ended up hurting my back. I think I'm going to return to the Bullworker because there's little chance of hurting yourself. Maybe I'll treat myself and buy a new classic one. Thanks for the review ...

[@waitinginthepipeline]

I still have the old bullworker. I also bought the new one and I must say the new one is excellent with interchangeable springs so you can start out easier. It's so smooth. I tend to use the new one for upper body and the older one (X5) for lower body. Good luck.

[@BachScholar]

Thanks for the review. Had one as a kid in the 70s. I may get a modern one soon.

[@hybridresistance]

No problem, here's an updated video in case you didn't see it kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6nUeZmZjpiYr7s

[@herrband7320]

Mike I’m super glad you reviewed this! After your podcast episode I was wondering about the Bullworker but your detailed review helped me get a better “feel” for what this tool realistically offers… and a sliding bench trainer has so much more for me personally.

[@hybridresistance]

Very happy you enjoyed brother. I agree, but of course I'm biased that SBT is better. But as always that depends on the person's goals, abilities, and interests.

[@garyk57]

Oh, this brings back great memories! There were 3 of us buddies in high school during the mid 70's that bought and used the early 'Bullworkers' with the green handles. We all had noticeable muscle gains and loved them! I wouldn't say they can take the place of free weights or a fully equipped gym, but they are affordable, effective and take up little space. Thanks for the great review, Mike! Update July 2024: I just purchased a brand new 'Bullworker Classic and love it!' The changeable springs make all the difference compared to my original in the 1970's.

[@thesuperioraffection4502]

I'm 55 but never heard of the Bullworker. The add at 1:23 though did remind me of the old isometric exercise adds for Charles Atlas. I purchased it way back when as a youngin' but didn't stick with it.

[@hybridresistance]

I actually got confused because I thought Charles Atlas used this product, but when I looked into it I found out I was wrong.

[@watteau6646]

I have the same model. What's funny is that you do several exercises that are not even in the manual. Important to note is that the inside grip and reverse grip chest compressions (6 exercises total) in the included manual are impossible with this device, because it will fall apart since you are just grabbing the pipes, due to its adjustable spring detent. So I use an older single-spring bullworker for those.

[@FaarookeHill]

I have one. I don't use it for reps. I use it for isometric push and holds for 15 secs. I think it works a lot better that way. I do animal flow movements before I use it. Then I alternate everyday with total gym . Works awesome for me..

[@MrJawnyNumFive]

Same here, in my high school days, I did the hold for 12 to 15 seconds, but 3 sets. Now, in my 60's I do one set of 15 seconds, then also use a Total Gym. Its now just stay flexible and range of motion. 👍

[@nicolapinna5140]

I use it with isometrics only, but because I do other stuff with weights, total gym, bowflex, kbs, clubbells, indian clubs, macebell etc. I do animal flow me too

[@Brockthedog315]

Yes. The holds is where it is most effective. Not shown to its full extent here.

[@nicolapinna5140]

I have got 2 Bullworker, an iso-flo, an iso-bow and a worldfit iso trainer. I am working only on isometric training and I see great results with them. I think that tools and isometrics are very underrated

[@loulopez554]

From top trainer to top reviewer, you're the man💪

[@hybridresistance]

Just a man playing with his toys. Thanks again for all the support.

[@DavidSmith-gj2dm]

I’ve had mine since 1975 still working fine 😊👍🏻

[@hybridresistance]

Awesome to hear.

[@larryschnurr6407]

I had the original one with green handles back when I was 18. There was no way to switch out the springs back then. It was tough and good for Isometrics.

[@hybridresistance]

I heard that was the case with the old ones. I was surprised to learn that they had only one spring. I heard one guy's review how he actually preferred that, which surprised me.

[@earplugs55]

I only ever had the basic bullworker, just doing isometrics you didn't need to have different springs, you just move it as far as you can and hold for 7 -10 seconds, and having no springs to change, simpler to use, I've still got an x5 bullworker, I've tried most ways of training, I suppose a newbie to exercise would get some strength increase, but if you really want to be a serious trainer you need weight training, x3 bands etc, ok, but not for serious trainers.....@@hybridresistance

[@vincentlivoti4184]

Hi Mike adding My two cents after have using both the bow classic and the steel bow 20 inch model. Like Chrisman Hughes, says think of the bow classic as the barbell. The steel bow is like a dumbbell. Depending on your height and arm length. I agree certain exercises are a little awkward with the larger 36-in model. If you're mostly doing upper body, you're better off with the steel bow 20 inch model. One thing you haven't tapped into with this. Is ISO motion movement basically keeping the unit under load or under tension and move the unit around. You will burn out your muscles very quickly. It gives a pretty intense workout. I also like mixing this up, doing super sets with body weight exercises, calisthenics, suspension trainer and do a few sets with the Bullworker in between. Consistency is key to any fitness regiment. The nice thing about the Bullworker products is they are compact and are easy to use anywhere. On the couch while watching TV at the office when you have a few minutes.

[@SolarCookingGermany]

I found an old bullworker at a thrift store, best €3 I ever spent 😀 I like that you can sit on the couch and exercise which makes it more likely that you use it every day. I started after a shoulder injury, and while I can't tell how much the bullworker contributed to overcome it, my strength has improved a lot.

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks for sharing that, it’s definitely one of the best things you could use just sitting down.

[@earlsmalls]

My dad had the one with the green handles when I was a kid. I thought it was corny. I was dead wrong! I use the ISO 7 version after every workout!

[@hybridresistance]

Awesome to hear.

[@mikeervin7654]

I'm a fan of the bullworker also. I like the total gym and bowflex better. But you're muscles are popping using it.

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks Mike. Still want to mess with a Bowflex. If they just weren't so big of a unit.

[@MrJawnyNumFive]

Fucken-A, me too!! I'm also in total agreement, I have all 3 too. Usually I use the Bullworker with TG or BF. 👍 Never have lifted weights although people think I do.

[@nicolapinna5140]

​​@@MrJawnyNumFiveI have got these me too and I work with them. I also use kettlebells, Indian clubs, macebells, clubbells etc. I like to use a lot of tools😊

[@jorgemartinez-fy2pt]

Another great video! Wanted to let you know that I bought the X3 through the link you gave me and used your discount code. Can’t wait to get it and try it. Take care and thanks again for the discount code!

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you so much Jorge! That means a lot and definitely helps me. I'd suggest you go through all their instructional material and feel free to reach out if you have any questions on that. One thing I will say that after a lot of volume with that product it can catch up to you. So mixing in other equipment and or just being mindful to not overtrain would be a suggestion. Also, I found going lighter for higher reps with constant tension really will light you up.

[@jorgemartinez-fy2pt]

@@hybridresistance You are very welcome! Thanks also for the training tips 👍 and hope you have a great rest of your week!

[@SalsBodybuildingArchives]

Nice review...How about doing a demo on the old Power Twisters...How many exercises and what body parts get worked. I remember in the mid 70's. the Power Twisters were about 36 inches long...now they make them only about 24 inches long. Thanks for posting, Peace, Sal

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks Sal. I'll put that on the list brother to check out.

[@devisals]

My dad started with this when he was younger. It is effective because it builds a muscle base

[@eladmitchell752]

awww man,one of my first workout things,bring back memories 😂i had one at 12 in 1978,it was good for chest,arms,shoulders,it was good for its time if it was the only thing u had,mike yr taking me back to my dinosaur days,cement plates,hollow bars,metal weight shoes for hamstrings🤔all were essential for progress,now we have the t.g.thats so versatile some will look at a bullworker as worthless. great video took me way back

[@hybridresistance]

Awesome to hear more about your training history Elad! Didn't know you were from the "Old School". That's some of the best training right there.

[@eladmitchell752]

yeah ill be 58 this year,it was the best because we made the best out of everything, appreciate u brother,bless u and yr family

[@cmoneytheman]

The only people who look at these as worse less are trolls or stupid

[@cmoneytheman]

I stopped using weight 2 years ago,i wanted a piece of equipment i could still use when i get older that wouldn't cause me to get injured when i got older,i just happened to find a s2 by mistake,using it toned my muscles great in the first 2 month's of having it,and it didn't make me use alptof energy,whereas when i did weights for years i would have low energy spikes throughout the day,along with at the risk of getting injured if i kept using weights when i get old,i used weights from 2009-2 years ago until i got my s2 From watching the videos, it looked like there was a medium difference in smoothness and a low recoil. For the s3 model Thoughts before retrieving would work my muscles harder than the previous model, which I still have which is the s2 Using the S3 in person, the smoothness is a big difference more than the medium. I thought it was looking at the video. Even though I have been used to the black spring in the s2 since last year, in the s3, I have to get used to the first spring again and work my way up to the last one because the s3 works my muscles harder. I knew that before getting the s3, I would have to get used to all springs because my muscles would be worked with no limits. The S3 not only has a small recoil, but as I said, the smoothness is a big difference from the S2. I noticed that I can stop the spring at any distance and push from there, but with the S2, I can't cause it has that bad recoil, so whatever point I stop at, I usually just push from there. The s3 you can feel with each rep is that the muscles are being worked smoothly with a good amount of pressure, even when using the first spring. Each rep is fully controlled. Get the S3, it's amazing.

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you for sharing all of this. Great comment!

[@TerryGuy-xs7lr]

Appreciate the video. I picked one up in an Amazon lightening deal so it was half off. Now I know what I can do with it. Thanks.

[@hybridresistance]

Those lightning deals are great!

[@buddyryan875]

My parents had a bullworker we never knew what it was but did play on it haha. Don't have bullworker yet. Isomax has been a gamechanger as I've mentioned. Do a few isomax exercises before a workout and seeing huge strength gains. Bonus it fires up the nervous system too for the workout. The most limiting thing about TG/X3 is max strength especially in weakened position. Isometrics gave me a way to get a lot stronger without the risk of really heavy weight in a safe way. Has made me stronger in TG/bands which is triggering additional hypertrophy and pushing thru plateaus. Love isometrics the weight meter display on Isomax makes it quantifiable and my wife actually gets pumped to do the isomax every workout to see

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks Buddy. My Isomax review will coming soon as well. Would love to hear your thoughts on it as I'll have some questions in my video as well for you guys who've been using it.

[@buddyryan875]

@@hybridresistance looking forward to your video!

[@andrewsmith8729]

I owned a Bullworker as a kid in the mid 1970s. The spring was not adjustable and too strong for a young teenager. Just about 60 now (July 23).. saw these on eBay at a ridiculous price....found a second hand Classic model in new condition ..... it was sold because the spring was too strong for the age of the person. What I did was purchase a couple of lighter weight springs. My expectation is those lighter weight springs will allow me to focus on forcing blood back into the core of my muscles. Anyhow, the idea here is to use the Bullworker to force the blood into the centre of the muscles using lesser weighted springs and holding the resistance for longer than a few seconds. Years ago, there was a martial artist called Mike Dayton ? He was into Chi exercises where the belief was a person only uses the out layer of their muscles. The exercises were designed to force blood back into the inner core of the muscle, thereby increasing its size and strength. This Mike Dayton used to break police handcuffs and rip the New York phone book in half. People in the crowd would throw tennis balls. He would catch, squeeze and pop them in about 1 second flat. There was no doubt he was a strong guy. The was a show on TV called That's Incredible. He went on there with the intention of holding back a Formula 1/ Indy type racing car. It was a bit of hoo-hah... but they slow motion camera did show he fractionally held back the car. See How Edit.. if you are going traveling... Pull it apart to pack into a smaller bag

[@altonm9371]

I still have a Bullworker, stopped using it in the 80s, had worn the springs out on the two previous ones I owned. I found them to be great, especially the ab exercises. Really surprised to see you reviewing one and pleased they are still around. I then progressed to TG and have been doing so since. I think I will dust the old Bullworker off and do some supersets with the TG after seeing your review.

[@hybridresistance]

Awesome, love to hear that!

[@stevendragulski7440]

Just ordered mine tonight. Gone from years of free weights, to the Total Gym and Soloflex to giving this a go. Have had to give up even the Total Gym and Soloflex for now due to bicep issues. Hoping isometrics are something i can do without actually finally tearing them. Maybe it'll help them gradually being smart and not overdoing it.

[@Mechanix360]

If you had to pick one overall, which one would you pick @ slidingbenchtrainer: isokinator or bullworker?

[@hybridresistance]

I honestly use the isokinator more for what it's worth. The bullworker is great, it's just been out of sight out of mind honestly in my basement. I need to it out again. The quality on the Isokinator is MUCH better, but it should be for how expensive it is. It's essentially built for life. You know it's good when they say you could literally use it in the shower. If you do pick up a Isokinator, greatly supports me if you use this link : koelbel.com/en/?sPartner=146728

[@TensionalityEFex]

I've been mostly using the Bullworker for 3 years now. I'm 55. I do some calisthenics, use a little the power twister, and free weights for doing squats. I like the lateral pull downs, to closely simulate a pull up (I can't set up a pull up bar in my apt) and I like the crunches you can do with it. I've put together some videos, if you go to my channel, showing this.

[@vijaypatankar9978]

Your video is very useful but l have purchase it. It is not previous while excerixing it's both handals I can't press because they are too hard. What to do?

[@hybridresistance]

I'm sorry, I'm sure of your question?

[@Nad1922]

thank you for the video I also have a bullworker who is already 30 years old, and last year I bought the isokinator green giant made by the same company. I no longer use it because I prefer total gym, but I would like to have your opinion on the isokinator. Thank you

[@hybridresistance]

I did hear about the Iskinator. I will look into that.

[@Nad1922]

@@hybridresistance Thank you very much my friend 🙂👍

[@mikehintenach2503]

I’ve seen a lot of great reviews for the IsoMax by Dragon Door as a true isometric device and am hoping you could do a review of that product.

[@mrqualityreviewer4752]

I have the isochain it’s great I will do another review on it soon

[@hybridresistance]

It’s incoming very soon.

[@lvvenky9973]

Thank you. Is the BW with interchangeable springs available in India ?

[@hybridresistance]

I'm sorry, I really don't know on that.

[@predatorprey8656]

No is not. You will have to import to India.

[@mrqualityreviewer4752]

Great piece of equipment

[@stevecraddock933]

I use it as an isometric device, not for reps ,use weights for reps.

[@shinoymartin9155]

Nice video.. And useful too I also nocticed the background in the video is nice. ✨️Which country is this? Form India

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks for watching brother. It's the USA

[@rdp317]

I sill have mine. It still works good. Must be about 55 years old

[@seamusnaughton8217]

Best ever bether than gym used in my 20 now 63going get another one

[@jonziegler6538]

The Bull worker is excellent. I do isometric holds with mine. For about a decade exercising was causing awful post workout muscle/joint pain. I bought my first Bullworker off eBay. I then started collecting them. I keep a Bow Classic at work. I have had students ask if they could have it, I always sat no, but I will purchase them one when they graduate. Most are well built. The Iso 7x is a pile of junk. The most "brutal" of the Bullworkers was the Steel Bow 28. Some call it the Bullworker 28. The resistance was extreme if you will. A very stiff spring. I trained on mine regularly. It was fun compressing it then seeing the brutes at work struggle. I use mine for travel workouts. They are worth it.

[@hybridresistance]

That's awesome. Great story how you'd give students the bullworker. I can see this being perfect for the office. I do feel like this new model's quality might be not be as good as years past. I saw someone else's video how they collected bullworkers. The old ones look very cool.

[@Tomasquo]

I have a 34" model that closely resembles the Steel Bow 28, but the plastic cable sheaths are red. Like yours, it is very strong. It has a glued-on label, so I doubt whether it is actually from Bullworker, because their markings are always etched into the metal. It looks identical to both the "Heavy Duty Press Exerciser" from Body-Solid and the defunct "Bully-X5" from Bully Xtreme Fitness.

[@jonziegler6538]

My Bullworkers have been to every rest stop between SLC and Sacramento and back. Sun Valley, Jackson Hole, Canada, Lake Coeur d'Alene, Moscow (Idaho), Las Vegas, The Grand Cayman, Miami... They are handy!

[@jonziegler6538]

I had a Bully Extreme at one time. I gave it to a friend who could have used it. He never did I do not think. Probably 15 years ago another Ten solar or called The Pitt Bull was being sold out of New Jersey. I think he went under.

[@jonziegler6538]

I have 11 models of various areas of origin. Someone, A wonderful gesture, sent me a model from Japan and I think The Lady Bullworker. I have green and brown handled models, the Bullworker USA models. They are good to have.

[@BagherBacha23]

I have Indian bullworker but my dream is to own steel bow & bow classic ❤

[@hybridresistance]

You see that $500 "special edition" bullworker?

[@BagherBacha23]

@@hybridresistance yeah

[@bobrocks8387]

You cannot beat the convenience of it.

[@keithornstead7559]

You know; after watching this and surveying more videos about Bullworker, I'd think I'd change my mind about Total Gym. I've been hearing that it's really not that excellent or convenient for a home gym when it comes to bodybuilding, athletic training, and parts not included but to order only. BULLWORKER seems much excellent and safer for ALL ages.

[@hybridresistance]

Definitely try both and see what you think. I can only speak for myself on the results and what workouts I prefer. No question I have a bias, but I feel a TG or other SBT is WAY better for the value, effectiveness, and versatility.

[@sancaman]

You can use the Iso-bow to increase the range of motion. The Bullworker realy is a portable gym and almost a lost gem

[@bobbyf7317]

For a guy who’s in the fitness business you really need to improve your form with the bullworker, I suggest you watch Chrismans videos. His form is perfect. Once you accomplish a better form for the exercises, you will reap the benefits, much better.

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you brother. I actually did talk with Chrisman (interview in the future) told me there is no one way to use a bullworker and encouraged experimentation. We get into this in my future interview. I somewhat explained in this video I was trying to chase a muscle pump / tension for this video. I since use it more in a different way.

[@jimperry4420]

The chest compress exercise should be called shoulder dislocaters. My friend gave me one of the original ones and it’s basically useless.

[@hybridresistance]

So far I'm not a big fan of those either, but I know there's people who wrote into me that love that particular exercise. Thought it was just me.

[@shumardi1]

You are not really using as an isometric device.

[@hybridresistance]

For sure not in this video. I also made an updated video if you're curious kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6nUeZmZjpiYr7s

[@cmoneytheman]

I got the steel s2 for 80 and classic for 100 anybody want

[@jimmymcgregor3900]

Slow down on the chat mate. Less is more

[@hybridresistance]

@@jimmymcgregor3900 thank you so much brother for the feedback kind of depends in the day you catch me. Doesn’t help that I watch and listen things at 1.5 speed though. God bless you and thank you for watching.

[@paulanderson1915]

Too much talking!!!

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you for watching my friend

[@liljoe7171]

I commend u for the effort in trying not to trash this item BUT i didnt see anything in the demonstrations that would make me want to buy that thing especially for 200$!!!...there is a reason some things die off....I'll try to b respectful and just stop ther....no thanx. 👍👍

[@hybridresistance]

I definitely see what you're saying. I think the price if fair based on what I hear about reputation of how long the product lasts. Most fitness products now days seem to be fairly high in price. Even a TRX is around $140. I hear you about not being something you'd be interested in as that was kind of my initial feeling about not wanting to try it. But if someone legit wanted a device to beat on for isometrics with fairly good resistance (mostly in the upper body) I think it's good for the purpose. But just like everything in fitness, really comes down to your own preferences and ability.

[@ariemulderij4341]

you're supposed to hold the position (that's called isometrics) not make reps with it...🙈

[@hybridresistance]

I would say (and from what the owner told me) there's no one way to use a bullworker. Even their own promotional material / workouts are generally performed with reps. Certainly can do traditional isometrics, but even after talking with the original patent holders from Germany (now owners of Isokinator), they too define and do more isotonic/ isokinetic versus traditional isometric holds. Also when you really get into isometrics, you discover there are so many sub classifications and methods.

[@ariemulderij4341]

@@hybridresistance you're right, maybr it is best to use different ways; thanks, I will try

[@cmoneytheman]

​@ariemulderij4341 I do reps only they tone the body,holds only do the same but not as good that's mostly for strength

[@ariemulderij4341]

@@cmoneytheman maybe a combination of both is best

[@cmoneytheman]

@@ariemulderij4341 yea