INTRODUCTION AND A BIT OF HISTORY
Bullworker is a brand of fitness equipment and exercise devices designed to help users build strength, tone muscles and improve overall fitness. Bullworker products offer both isometric and isotonic modes of exercise.
Isometrics involve static muscle contractions, where the muscle length does not change. Isotonic exercises involve muscle contractions with changes in muscle length, such as lifting weights. Bullworker tools are designed to provide resistance in both of these forms. My preference is to do isotonic reps first and then finish with a lengthy isometric hold.
Bullworker was first introduced in the 1960s by German engineer and fitness enthusiast Gert F. Koelbel. The original Bullworker device was a spring-loaded portable fitness tool designed to provide isometric resistance for various muscle groups.
The Bullworker Steel Bow is shown above. I have used this for several years and find the chest compression exercise (shown) to be an excellent pectoral developer. The Steel Bow is 20″ in length and not only a home workout tool. It is portable and I have often taken mine with me while traveling. The Steel Bow total package is shown below.
THE BOW CLASSIC
The Bow Classic is 36″ in length and works better for me as a back developer. One of the best back exercises is the “archer”, which is demonstrated below. The “archer” stretches my latissimus dorsi muscles as well as anything I have tried.
As you can see in the images I am using, there are two sets of handles on these tools. The red handles can be pushed together against the resistance provided by the springs within the steel tubes. Or the black handles can be pulled apart against the same resistance. The springs can be changed to suit changing needs or different exercises. This is similar to changing barbell or dumbbell plates, but much easier.
VIDEOS
First of all, here is a video by a young, but very experienced bodybuilder, “Machismo”. He is very “laid back” but he knows bodybuilding. He is comparing his results with Bullworkers vs. free weights. He likes both methods.
Here is another video by “Machismo”. He is showing us his 5 favorite Bullworker exercises. The Bullworker he is using has been upgraded since the video.
This video shows the current Bow Classic at work with strictly isometric movements. Some people only do isometrics. I like to do isotonic reps first.
CLICK ON THE LINK
I keep a permanent link for Bullworker Fitness at the side of my website. It is updated with current information within the Bullworker site – prices, descriptions, videos and more. Just click on the red link for total access.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I have recently learned that martial artist and movie star Bruce Lee used Bullworkers as a young man to develop his striking force.
I have used the Bullworker Steel Bow and Bow Classic for about 4 years each and have found that they look the same today as when I opened up the boxes they came in. They are built to last. I use them regularly every other day. I like to do cardio one day and resistance exercise the next day. I also take the Steel Bow when I travel. It’s nice to always have a workout option wherever I go.
With every Bullworker shipment, there are extra springs, workout manuals and a carrying case. There is also a Facebook group for Bullworker. Questions are answered, advice is given and bonds are established. There is no charge to participate.
Many people consider Bullworkers to be portable home gyms. Full body workouts may be done. If you are in a hurry and need a 5-minute workout, you may do only the isometric holds for a variety of exercises. I prefer to do very high reps with the light springs and then lengthy (30 second) holds at the end. This becomes a cardio routine as well as a strength builder. I am breathing heavily at the end.
Please leave me any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below. Or email me, richard@myworkoutathome.com.
Let’s get fit!
