Portable Isometric Trainer

I have been using The Bullworker since I was 18. I'm 50 now and swear by isometric exercises when using the right piece of equipment. However, the last year, I hurt my shoulder and bicep and was having a hard time doing several Bullworker exercises. I know I have to get to the doctor to check my arm, but in the meantime, I do not want to forsake my daily isometric routine. When I saw this, I said maybe due to the size, I will be able to do these exericses without the pain. Although there is one exercise that hurts, the rest I am able to do without the pain and to my amazement, the pain is not as bad after working out with the Igrip. It is a very simple idea, but it works. If I was to design it, I would do away with the electronics and make a manual meter not unlke the bullworker. I personally think the electronics were added to charge more for the device. It is overpriced for what it is, but I'm still happy with the results. I like the fact that it is so compact, when I go away on vacations I can still do my isometrics. I have tried isometrics without using any equipment and the results are just not the same. I see myself using this for as long as I am alive, it is a good way for someone who does not want to spend hours in the gym to maintain their muscies and strength. It is also perfect for seniors who don't want to hurt themselves with weight lifting.

This is a great little product for improving arm strength through isometrics. Isometrics is putting your body in a static contraction of the muscles. You either press or pull on the handles and hold the position for the time that you set. So I set it for 10 seconds and either push my arms together or pull them apart and hold the contraction. As you're doing this exercise which you can do in various positions, the unit shows the force you're exerting instanteously. It goes up to 200 lbs. But I've never exceeded 70 lbs in a ten second set. All you do is hit the power button, wait about three seconds, and then set the timer. It automatically sets to six seconds, and then you hold the timer for the length of contraction you want. So I set it for ten seconds. When you complete your set, it instantly goes back to 0 seconds. And you're ready to begin the next set either in the same position or a different position, pushing or pulling, your choice. The computer is quick so you don't have to wait more than a few seconds to begin again. It shows you your maximum force after the set. Well, it's fun, easy to use, works to your level, but gives you motivation to push or pull harder as you see the numbers vary. The only improvement might be a sound for the timer clicking away. Otherwise, you're guessing when the set is over. There is a visible counter and it's easy to read, bright, and angles inward to see better, but I would have liked a beeping timer or perhaps a voice counting down the seconds. That would have been a great improvement. Then it's like having a trainer. Imagine if the trainer also counted down, but motivated you to work harder, too. "Five seconds to go....now pull harder...3, 2, 1...GREAT JOB!" Or maybe you can customize the motivation comments. There's a lot of possible improvement for the next version. It's a great little product, light, easy to use, and obviously will challenge most people forever. I don't think I'll ever hit 200 lbs, the maximum force it can measure. Or you can increase the duration of the contraction. But believe me, 10 seconds takes longer than you think. For the price, you can't beat it.

It's good for testing your strength. Isometrics are one of the most boring ways to strength train! Weights or pushups are superior, this device is supplemental to my daily workout.

I am pleasantly surprised. This is an impressive piece of home / on the road gym equipment, considering its size and cost. My only complaint is that the battery drains too quickly. I take the 9-volt out between uses now and will likely get rechargeables for this gadget. I train with a body builder regime (albeit with heathy nutritional and cardio components -- and I don't compete). I've found most equivalents to my upper body routine. Won't replace a full weight set of course, but I can get an effective upper body building session in a short time when I don't have time or space for a full free weight upper body session.

I bought this trainer for my father and had it sent directly to him. It did not work; nothing registered, nothing happened... my brothers checked it out as well ; so they sent it back. I was very disappointed because I previously purchased the powered pedaller for him as well as the IR vibration foot massager which he uses every day. I wanted something for his upper body.

Isometrics has long been the secret for many that seeks not just strength but strong tendons and tone. People use isometrics for rehabilitation by using lower percentages say 20-50%. Most find that they can do say 65-75% for7-10 seconds tone and strength. All out 90-100% for power and mass at around of 3-5 seconds..although at that level in my opinion wouldn't advise unless it's like once a week because at that level puts alot of stress upon your system and it's something I wouldn't encourage at the start but rather build up to. As far as my observations: On one mode if you don't select the timer it won't beep. But you still have to either mentally or count under your breath the among of time as you wish. It will keep you in check say if you were trying to do say 70 lbs. but you varied thd hold between 60-70 lbs. it let's you know the highest amount reached. If you choose the timer mode the lowest start time is 6 seconds, but will let you advance it in increments up to I think 20 seconds. You can use what the bullworker site calls their iso bow (hand strap) they are sold in varying lengths. Matter of fact isometrics and the bullworker have been pretty synonymous for many, many years. But even if one chose to use a rope or even belt to give you better range on the I-grip it would be possible. Please note these are just my observations and my opinion only. I by no means can offer what I say as medical advice or other, but hope that this will help those that may be interested. Just know that you can get pretty creative with the device and can do much more variations than just the exercises on the wall chart that comes with it..please note to get your own battery 9 volt unless otherwise stated, also comes with instructions in about 10-12 point font. also with diagrams to simplify everything.

This is a gadget. Everything that can be done with this gadget can be done by pushing and pulling hands together in front of one's chest. The main thing this thing has is a timer and it tells how much force is being exerted. It is a high-priced gadget. It reminds me of the old Bullworker from the 1970s which was another gadget of the time. ...and I fell for it again. Doh!

I bought this isometric trainer because I wanted to be able to incorporate some strength training to my day without having to run off to a gym or keep around a lot of different weights. I could not be happier with this choice. You have a variety of exercises to choose from, which work different muscle areas based on where you hold the trainer. You set the timer anywhere from 6-20 seconds, and then push or pull. A tone sounds when you need to stop, and then the readout displays your peak force. I like that it allows me to get my exercise without sacrificing even more time with my family. In fact, I often will use it while sitting in front of the TV with them.