Bullworker Vs Isokinator

Is it really a fair comparison to put the Bullworker up against the Isokinator. Because really, they only have two main things in common. Those are, that they both focus on Isometrics / resistance training, and the other is that they were both made / invented by the same person, Gert F. Koelbel. So why do people look to compare these two devices.

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For sale here on Amazon (UK, USA and Canada)

Well, I suppose they both fall into the strange "contraption" category, where they are both looked at more like "one man bands" or Swiss Army Knives of the exercise world, where one tool can potentially do it all. In many ways that is the correct perception, because that's how many people view these devices, and that's how they are actually marketed as well.

Effectiveness and Results


If used regularly both can be effective. Resistance training is one of the best things for increasing strength, mass and definition. So any form of resistance training is definitely a step in the right direction for those who want to see and feel positive changes in their body, and also with their sense of well-being. However, these enhancements aren't exclusive to any device, as exercise in any form can and does make a person feel better both physically and mentally.

However, if we look at some of the information online where people have done before and afters with each device, we should be careful not to read into their results too much. This is because all people are different. I'm sure you've seen some individuals in your own life who do hardly any training at all, but are really defined. Some people are just like this, while others can train every day and still not look very muscular. It's down to different body types.

2020 update: Both the Bullworker and Isokinator are not cheap to buy. In these uncertain times, with the worldwide lockdown making money tight for many people, a cheaper alternative than both of these devices should be considered. You don't need an expensive piece of equipment to workout. Good motivation and determination are the main qualities needed. A good workout program or guide that you can follow and perform at home will do just fine.

2022 update: The two programs below have now been discontinued. However, an alternative that has really surprised me, one that definitely rivals both the Bullworker and Isokinator and is much cheaper to purchase, is resistance bands. I have been so impressed with them that I have now added them to my workout regimen permanently, using them around twice a week. 

They are so versatile. With a little creativity almost every exercise that the Bullworker and Isokinator can perform can be replicated. Not with the same level of force, but repetitions make up for that. And, the motion is much more natural, gradual and realistic, rather than constant heavy resistance. Of course, Bands won't replace resistance training altogether, they certainly haven't for me, but they are a great addition to training and work really well alongside any other training routine. 

There are lots of different types to choose from, but I would go for the wider, flat resistance bands as they are very cheap, versatile and last a long time. Those are what I use. If you want more resistance with this type of band just position the hands closer together so the band is hard to stretch. You can find wide flat bands here: Elastic Exercise Bands Set for Recovery, Physical Therapy, Yoga, Pilates, Rehab, Fitness, Strength Training.

Resistance bands are great for losing weight, toning up, muscle definition, recovery from injury and, of course, all round resistance training.

The Stay At Home Exercise Plan. No training equipment is needed for this program, as its primary focus is on using your own body weight to get in shape. There's also some great stretching related training exercises for becoming more supple and flexible. A complete 10 week training program that has three thirty minute workouts each week. #youareyourowngym

Alpha Home Workout System. Like the Stay At Home Exercise Plan, training equipment is not vital, but this guide not only focuses on natural bodyweight training, which is the natural way to exercise, but also weight / strength based training.

So when you see before and after results with any device or machine, and you think wow, that's impressive, it does not mean that every person will look that way if they follow the same exercise routines the person did who posted their before and after. If you know yourself, and you know your own body type, then you will have some idea of what to expect from each device.

If a person posted some impressive results from using only a Bullworker, this is great for them, and just as great for the products image, but if that person really did only use the Bullworker, you have to ask yourself, could that person have gotten the same impressive results from just doing say 50 press ups per day..

Bullworker Vs Isokinator Portability


Compared to a weights bench or multi gym the Bullworker is very portable. All sizes can be transported by hand fairly easily. But the classic original, the newer X7, and the Bullworker 36" Bow Classic will require a fairly big bag if you want to take it with you somewhere. So its not the best choice for someone who knows they want this device to travel with them. This is where the much smaller Steel Bow makes a much better fit for individuals who need something a bit more mobile friendly.

At only 20" the Steel Bow is basically a miniature version of the Bullworker, and it can do everything its bigger counterpart can. So, for people who are looking for a device that is portable, the Steel Bow makes the most sense. However, there is also the Iso-Bow, which is extremely portable, but will not provide the full resistance intensity that the Bullwoker do. The Iso-Bow is more a stretching / Flexibility aid. It can offer some resistance exercises, but that's not its main area.

In terms of having the full tension / resistance functionality on the go, the Isokinator is definitely the winner as far as being the easiest to take with you on the road. With it being completely handheld, it is the best choice for people who know they want to use it while they are on their travels. The only downside to the Isokinator as far as being mobile goes is that it is fairly heavy. Thankfully, there are few different Isokinator models to choose from, and one of the models has addressed the weight issue quite well. If you want to buy the model that is the lightest in weight, take a look at the Spaceman. This model can be found for sale in the UK, and in the USA.

Price Comparison


This is the area where the gap between the two is pretty wide. For example: Right now you could, if you don't mind purchasing a second hand item, go on to eBay and buy an older model classic Bullworker for literally £20 - £25. You can't do this with the Isokinator, because even second hand, any model up for sale used still costs more to purchase than a brand new, up to date, Bullworker 36" Bow Classic. Regardless of this, even comparing the two side by side brand new, at its lowest price, the Isokinator (Classic model) costs twice as much.

If you want the more heavy duty model Isokinator, the Green Giant, which has a top resistance weight of 180KG, this costs around 3 times as much as a brand new Bullworker.  In closing, and taking everything into consideration, if you know that you're going to always be training at home, and have no need or desire to haul any device around with you on your travels  I personally think the Bullworker is the better option.

2 comments:

Danker said...

Another good bullworker review can be found here:

https://bullworkers.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I second the bands!!! Resistance band exercises are a popular way to build strength and tone muscles in the body. These exercises can be done at home without any equipment. Worn around the waist, resistance bands are easy to use while sitting or standing. Resistance bands help people with injuries and those who want to lose weight exercise regularly. Exercise with resistance bands can also reduce stress and anxiety.

Resistance bands are elastic bands that contract and expand when heavier or lighter weights are placed on them. They’re used to strengthen muscles from both the arms and legs. Most resistance band exercises use a lighter weight than you could lift with your hand or leg, such as a kettlebell or dumbbell. The point of these exercises is to increase muscle strength without increasing bulk. This makes resistance band workouts safe for anyone to do at home.

They can be used to strengthen muscles from both the arms and legs. You can perform different types of leg exercises with a resistance band, such as high knee kicks, stair repeats, lunges and more. You can also do upper body moves like one hand at a time overhead presses and chest flies with resistance bands.

It’s best to start slow with new exercises until you get the feel for using a resistance band properly. You don’t want to injure yourself from doing improper exercises. Using resistance bands for leg exercises, you can strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.

Using resistance bands is an easy way to work out at home without any equipment or weights. It helps build stronger muscles in both the arms and legs without putting strain on your joints or back muscles. Anyone can benefit from using a resistance band at home.


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