Bullworker Classic Isometrics Review

Bullworker Classic Isometrics Review. If you are interested in training, getting in shape, or simply increasing your strength level you may have, at some point, used a wide range of different pieces of equipment, like a weights bench, resistance bands or even one of those "all-purpose" multi-gym machines that come complete with a pec deck. While you can use the Bullworker to work the same sets of muscles as those training aids mentioned above, you can also use the Bullworker to work a whole new set of muscles that you never knew you had.


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Pictured: The Bow Classic (36 Inches)

It's this versatility that makes the Bullworker such a superb training companion, and its one of the reasons why the Bullworker has had such a massive impact on the evolution of home fitness. Portability and versatility are two of the Bullworkers key selling points.

If you're new to the Bullworker, here is a quick explanation about what is actually is.

The Bullworker is a handheld isometric training device and a highly respected alternative much larger home fitness equipment, or visits to the gym, which can sometimes include a costly monthly membership fee (even if you don't attend for whatever reason).

It is a home fitness enabler, requiring minimal space, that will improve your overall muscle-definition, strength, fitness and general mental and physical health. You almost always feel better after a workout of any kind once the endorphins are released by the body due to exercise. The Bullworker was invented by Gert F. Kölbel.

As with all exercises that use resistance (from iron weights to bodyweight), the key training on which the Bullworker is based upon is known as Isometric resistance. 

Isometrics

Isometric training or isometric muscle contractions have been used for centuries as a way to effectively build muscle without using any gym-like equipment. Push-ups (Press-ups), squats and sit-ups are all basic but extremely effective forms of isometric training using your own bodyweight to provide the resistance. 

This is great training, and also one of the most natural. I certainly recommend bodyweight training as some of the best exercises a person can do, regardless of age or gender. And as an added bonus, it's completely free!

However, some people prefer to work out with equipment, and when you perform isometrics with a versatile tool like the Bullworker, the sheer amount of different types of exercises available to you are far greater than that what is offered by, say, a weights bench.

Yes, the user can even perform leg exercises with Bullworker (search for workout charts / illustrations on Google).

 

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Pictured above: The Steel Bow (20 Inches)

Furthermore, the type of resistance that the Bullworker offers can help to stimulate even more muscle fibres, which can convert into muscle growth and an increase in strength. Isometric exercises are commonly used in the early stages of injury rehabilitation, contracting muscles without motion. 

This helps build back muscle strength with less risk of joint damage while the affected / injured area is restored back to full health. The Bullworker can provide assistance with various injuries to help regain muscle strength, which, over time, contributes to the healing process.



The exercises coined by Bullworker usage have now been implemented by hundreds of thousands of people the world over. There are some very revealing "before and after" success stories on the Internet, particularly YouTube.

The primary isometric exercises of the classic Bullworker and its later models, like the Bullworker X5, took the Dynamic Tension philosophy that was a key aspect in Charles Atlas' world renowned muscle building instruction program, and placed them in higher regard than they already were. 


Alternatives and Copycat products

The original vintage Bullworker (And now newer models) was, and still is such a success in terms of training at home, that it has seen many companies come along and try to replicate the classic Bullworker design. So if you take a look around on outlets like Amazon you will see a fair few similar looking products for sale. 

Don't get me wrong, some of them are pretty good and fairly well-made (decent springs, made of mostly steel etc). But none seem to last as long as a genuine Bullworker, or provide a lengthy warranty.

The genuine Bullworker range has expanded rapidly over the years, and there are many types of "Bullworkers" now out there. Read more about them below. With many of the replica products being inferior quality when compared to the real thing, this is confirmed by customer reviews.

The real alternatives to the Bullworker where space, effectiveness and versatility are concerned are, in my opinion, resistance bands (which are very popular at the moment), and the Isokinator, which is also made by Gert F. Kölbel.

Resistance bands are much cheaper, but the majority only have one resistance level per band, although I believe you can buy a set which has different resistance levels. And then there's the Isokinator, which is quite expensive but ridiculously well-made and offers a training twist which I doubt you have seen before. 

The concept is the same, as in resistance training, but the method of operation and exercises are creative to say the least. Read more about the Isokinator. There's also products like the bendy bar, which are good, but not really that versatile.
 

Suitable for most - Even Seniors

 
Even for the older generation, the Bullworker is still an excellent exercise tool. It can help activate muscle groups that haven't been used much. And what makes it suitable most of all is due to the fact that the resistance level is completely dependent on the users ability and preference. It can be used for light or heavy training. So that makes it suitable for not only men who are not used to doing any form of exercise, but also women too. 
 

Models currently out there for sale


The Tensolator (which was endorsed by Boxing Champion Rocky Graziano back in the day) can be found for sale on eBay, usually second hand. There have been a few loft / shed finds though worth mentioning, where an unused example was found tucked away and then listed for sale. So take a look on eBay if you want the chance to own one of the real classics. As well as the Tensolator, there are many older models on eBay for sale.

Bullworker X5
 
Considered as one of the best Bullworkers ever produced by experienced users. Now, this particular model is hard to find brand new. However, it can still be found for sale online in second-hand condition on sites such as eBay, Gumtree and many other local classified websites.
 
Bullworker 36 Inch Bow Classic

The biggest and baddest of the bunch. Starting at zero and going all the way up to 160 plus pounds (lbs) of total resistance, this model will give even the strongest individuals a serious challenge. Comes with a 5-Year Warranty.

Bullworker 20" Steel Bow

Small and extremely portable, the Steel Bow is one of the best-selling models. It's basically a miniature version of the Bow Classic. The resistance level is a perfect for most - zero to 100 lbs. You can use this model anywhere. Comes with a 5 Year Warranty. 


Bullworker Bow Basic

The cheapest in price to buy brand new from the official website. It still offers all the features the original model provides but has a lower level of total resistance (75 lbs) and the spring is not changeable. This is a good deal made better considering it also comes with a 3-Year Warranty.

There's also the ISO-BOW and ISO-FLO, which are geared towards stretching, improving motion and flexibility. Bundle packages are available for sale, such as the Pro System, which includes the Bow Classic, Steel Bow, extension straps, ISO-GYM and ISO-BOW. 

If you have already bought a Bullworker and are searching for videos and documentation on how to use the device, there are a lot of videos on YouTube, PDF's to download online and Free manual(s) plus a 90-Day workout Routine on the official website. This model is talked about more below.


The Cheapest Brand New Model

The Bullworker has many thousands of users, from young people to older people. It's a great tool to help a person stay in shape. However, if there was one thing that new and existing users of the Bullworker have a problem with, it's with how much the Bullworker costs to buy. It's not cheap.

For this reason, many people hesitate to buy a brand new Bullworker and either look for an alternative, or search for an older well-used model to purchase from eBay or Gumtree. This is totally understandable, as many people want to save some money and spend far less than what an original, brand new model costs to buy.

Bullworker-Bow-Basic-Isometrics-Home-Gym-Workout

If you don't want to read the rest of this section, the Bow Basic (pictured above) is the lowest priced, full-sized (36 inches) Bullworker and can be found for sale here on the official Bullworker website. Apply the promotional coupon code “visible10” and get 10% off all signature products.

However, there is a "cheaper" model which has been released by the Bullworker company (so it is an original) that aims to bridge the gap between being too expensive, and too cheaply made to offer a good level of product longevity. That model, is the Bullworker Bow Basic. Packing a resistance level of 0lbs - 75lbs, it provides an adequate amount of force and should be enough for many individuals.

The resistance spring in the Bow Basic is not swappable. Some models, like the Steel-Bow and 36" Classic allow the option of changing the inner spring.

This could be to change of the resistance level, or if the normal spring has been used to the point that it has lost some of its resistance over time. The Bow Basic does not have this option. And while models such as the Classic and Steel Bow come with a 5-year warranty, the Bow Basic comes with 3 years.

While 3 years in itself isn't bad, and a non-changeable spring certainly isn't a deal breaker, these are two of the reasons why the Bow Basic is the cheapest full-sized Bullworker to buy brand new. In terms of working out, and the variety of exercises that can be achieved, it still offers everything that the normal Bullworkers do.

Although the maximum resistance is lower than both the Classic and Steel-Bow. But a lot of people claim the Steel-Bow and Classic models resistance level is too much for them anyway, so the Bow Basic will suit some individuals better. There are other products that are very similar to the Bullworker, such as the ISO X7, but it's not made by the Bullworker company, so wasn't included here as one of the cheapest to buy.

What about buying in the UK if ordering from USA

I've seen this question being asked a lot, so thought I should quickly cover it. Due to shipping restrictions in every country right now, and delivery times potentially being much longer, if you are in the UK and want to order a Bullworker product, it would be best to order it from Amazon UK due to them having the stock already located in the United Kingdom ready to go. 

That of course means delivered to your door within a few days, rather than a few weeks if buying from the official Bullworker.com website, as they are located in the USA.

Be sure to get your coupon code and take advantage of any discount you may be able to get. If purchasing from the official website apply the promotional coupon code "visible10" and get 10% off all signature products (Classic, Steel Bow etc). If you have any questions post them below in the comments section. Thanks.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nice review. I am thinking about buying one. Peck press the standard #1 exericse is what I need it for. I rekon it will help improve my hook punches.

Anonymous said...

Superb review. Great portable training system.

Reddit-Knowledge said...

Bullworker is good. Like the older ones. But, truth be told, rubber bands can be just as effective. I've been using a big wide band for a while now, and it is a great workout. So versatile, and much more portable. Really tiring too.

Bought a box that contained 3 wide for 50p from the second hand shop. What a bargain! If short on funds don't dissmiss the bands man, they are really good. I was surprised. I've now added them to my exercise routine permanently. Use them 1 - 2 times a week. Bands are also a good alternative to the isokinator.

Anonymous said...

You can create your own exercise equipment by building tools out of materials like bricks, plastic, metal, or wood. Weights, resistance bands, dumbbells, chairs, and other items may be used as equipment. A barbell is the most typical piece of homemade equipment. You can lift up to 40 kilos (approx 85 pounds) of weight with a barbell.

Barbells can be used for a variety of workouts, including squats, holds and weightlifting. Depending on an individuals demands, people utilize a variety of materials for their equipment. For instance, a sportsperson could safely and successfully lift huge weights using his or her own homemade equipment.