Back in the 1960s, a German inventor, Gert Koelbel, came up with a contraption called the Tensolator. It was later renamed Bullworker. This device used the principles of isometrics, where the muscles in your body contract statically.

The Bullworker sold a huge number of units in the 1980s.

The Bullworker consists of two spring-loaded collapsible cylinders. There are handles at both ends, which allow the cylinders to contract and provide resistance to any applied load. Two wires are also attached to each end of the grips. Therefore, the exercises can also be performed by pulling the cables out.

With a device that weighs only a few pounds, isometric exercises can be performed with resistances of hundreds of pounds. They are also very durable machines.

The device is often ridiculed by the fitness industry, perhaps due to its relative low cost, but many people swear by its effectiveness.

The Bullworker has a manometer that measures the force of each exercise. As with most training routines, this indicator can be used to assess your progress.

Here are two simple exercises you can do with a Bullworker:-

Chest compression.

1. Hold the Bullworker in front of you at chest height by the grips.

2. Squeeze the device as much as you can and hold it down for 10 seconds.

3. Release it.

Chest cable twist.

1. Take the cables and hold your hands about 9 inches apart.

2. Using slow motions, twist each end as far as it will go.

3. Hold for 10 seconds, then release.

So there you have the Bullworker, a portable isometric training device capable of hitting every area of ​​your body. It’s a great muscle-building machine that takes up little space in your home. It’s so portable that you could take it on vacation and do some quick exercises to keep fit.