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.

Well made unit but the timer has become erratic after a few days use. There is also a warning that comes with the unit about battery short circuits. May have quality control problems.

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.

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.

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 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.

Yeah not cool . 2/5