Isometric Exercise Equipment - Steel Bow 20", Portable at Home Gym Equipment for Back, Shoulder, Chest, Biceps, Triceps, Abs, Arm Workout, All in One Exerciser for Men & Women, 0-130lbs

Ok, first i say to get this out of the way, no I'm not paid, padded, prodded, or patted to give my thoughts on the Bullworker in this case the Steel Bow. When I was a young boy, we are talking like quite awhile back. I had an opportunity to have one of these. It had such a carry over effect, that it stayed with me throughout high school, out into football, weightlifting the whole thing. People under estimates these little gems. I get so tickled, that's why they can say, "The Best Kept Secret In Fitness". Why? My dear friend. Sure for more than 20 years or better hospitals, and such incorporate isometrics into Rehabilitation, because it's fast and effective to get one quickly onto the road to recovery. Please don't think it is not effective because of it's lightweight...think again. Look at a little of its History. Bruce Lee used a Bullworker during a point in his career. Muhammad Ali I believe help to promote it. Isometric exercise was used in space missions, because besides weights taking up a lot of space (no pun intended) there was the issue of no gravity, so what use would weights be. Then there is Alexander Zass, best known as the Father of Isometric workouts. He was a strongman who bent steel, carried a mid size horse over his back, and many more incredible stunts, was he known for a lot of weightlifting, not much, matter of fact he came to develop his own isometric workout. Back to the Bullworker. It's secret lies in the fact that it's easy on the joints, can tone, define, build strength, and make you Stronger and Quicker without hurting yourself. All that is even needed is only 60-70% of your strength for gains. But today they have all kinds of different exercises with the Bullworker Program. They usually come with a wallchart, and or heavy duty carrying case. Not to mention you can get different accesories to add on, and they help extend to even more exercise and variety. As of now they have the " Bow Classic" Bullworker about 36" has 2 springs 0-50 and 50+ ..the Classic has etched in levels with a ring as well as the other that lets you know how much you are doing..good for 6'0 and above, now it says that it reads 260 at max, all I know is, once there was being offered $20 bills at a Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic if anybody could compress and this was the older models probably not as strong, but nevertheless I believe it were only 4 out of like a hundred or so that could do it, it was discovered they all benched over 400 lbs. and The "Steel Bow" Bullworker 20" good for under 6'0. But that is even not written in stone, a lot of guys and gals prefers the smaller one of is equally as strong. It comes as of date with 3 springs the reading doesn't go as high, but I would not want to try and use the third spring to try a ten second max. Really a person has to try one to believe it. They are like anything, you can't like just look at it and say it works. They are fast and easy to use, no downtime, no changing weights, machines...and like only 7 seconds per exercise and you are done! You can literally do a 5 minute smooth routine and like bam, done! Matter of fact they often would say this, look into the mirror today, then look again in two weeks you will already start seeing results. Most first time users are amazed with the very first workout because of the way it feels in their muscles. Not only that but the Bullworker will build tendon strength, I believe that may be part of its Secret..but my advice read what others say especially on like a Bullworker Site, or like on a face book ...there are guys who have had these since like for 20, 30 years, and some of them have actually used them for 30, 40 years...even weightlifting people who wound up with busted up joints comes around and uses them..All I can say is you got to actually experience one first hand. These are the REAL DEAL no knock-offs, you buy it, they will last most people 20-30 years or even a Lifetime. Many guys had one for like 20-30 years, then pass it down to their children, friend, next of kin...It's almost like a Secret Club or hidden thing, but once you've in or get involved you're There. Hope this helps.

I gave my first Bullworker (purchased in 1973!!) to my son a few years ago, and occasionally wished I had it back. I recently realized that I was becoming less and less able to perform some physical activities. so I decided to purchase another. After watching several videos and reading reviews, I settled on the Steel Bow Classic model as it seemed to be more applicable to what I wanted to do. I also did exhaustive research on isometric exercise. I had come to believe some of the negative press on Isometrics, but came to learn that almost all the negative research on isometrics was either flawed or simply non-existent. Latest serious research, however, is unanimous; isometric exercise is the most effective exercise for beginners, those at an intermediate-level of fitness and seniors who are looking for something simple and fast that will help them dramatically improve their fitness level. Fact is, isometric exercise, when used with proper breathing techniques, has been found to reduce blood-pressure while increasing strength, cardio-vascular health and overall fitness levels almost twice as fast as isotonic and aerobic exercise while greatly reducing stress on bones, joints and tendons. Isometrics also makes it easier to maintain a level of fitness once attained. From there, the decision to actually purchase the Steel Bow was easy. I received the equipment on the date promised and was extremely pleased with what I found when I opened the box. The Steel Bow absolutely oozes quality. Over the years I have owned several different pieces of exercise equipment, some costing 20 times more that the Steel Bow, and none of those products showed the level of fit and finish shown by the Bullworker. The Bullworker I gave to my son is now 46 years old and going strong; it's easy to see that this Steel Bow is built to a higher standard of production and assembly. I was off to a good start. Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the equipment. There are two additional, higher resistance springs included, there is a spiral bound, heavy card-stock, glossy book with dozens of exercises orgainzed by the area, a likewise high-quality wall chart for easy reference while doing a workout, and a super high quality case has a special pocket for the different springs. There is even a non-slip rubber pad to prevent slippage when an exercise calls for resting one of the handles on the floor or on one's knee. As for the exercises? Well, I have only just begun, but after the FIRST DAY of running through some of the basic exercises that I remember from years ago, I am confident that anyone who tries the Steel Bowl and uses it AS DIRECTED will notice exactly what I noticed; an almost immediate sense of increased strength and power. I'm on my third day now, and I can tell you that it is no illusion. The Steel Bow by Bullworker is specifically designed for isometrics, and isometrics is probably the single best mode of exercise for most everyone who will do it as per directed. P.S. It is important to note, isometric exercises typically consist of one to three compression or extension exercises that are then HELD STATIC for a period of 7 to 10 seconds. After years of lifting weights and doing calisthenics, it is hard to believe, without actually trying it, that isometric exercise as described can have a GREATER impact on your strength and fitness than either weights or calisthenics, but it can and WILL, if you commit to the program. Yours, for better health!! Michael Schmidtman

First this is a sturdy well made product. I already follow an effective full body workout and have done so for almost 60 years. I purchased this to maintain strength on trips, but haven't made any trips since the purchase. However, I have been using it for isometric exercise after my usual routines. The original isometric idea was based around pulling as hard as possible against an immovable force and in the early research of which I am aware they were looking at emulating the Olympic lifts, at that time there were three. Because of this many muscles throughout the body were involved at one time causing a large increase in blood pressure during the lift. The Bullworker does not involve more than a few muscles at a time so there should be no concern about blood pressure. I have found that exercises in my usual routine feel easier after a couple of weeks of the isometric addition. I think this works better than pulling against a stationary object because the spring creates a tension that the muscles must overcome to maintain position. Pulling against a stationary object sometimes results in unknowingly reducing tension. So this is an excellent device for isometric isolation movements. Because it has a limited range of motion you have to do many exercises to work the muscles through a full range. Because of this I will keep using my isotonic routines and use the Steel Bow as a strength supplement. I imagine this could be effective even with the limited range of motion for someone who does not follow another type of routine. I use weights, callisthenics and a couple of simple machines.

Having owned a Bullworker in the late 1970's, when I decided to move away from exercise tubing, I was pleased to see that not only was the Bullworker still available, but that there was an option called the Steel Bow. Unlike my old Bullworker, the Steel Bow has end handles with rubber finger inlays and the cables have their own type of rubber handles with finger grooves that make for a comfortable exercise experience.. As far as I can remember, the Bullworker chart that I had only showed isometric exercises that involved compressing the unit or pulling on the cables and then holding that position. I don't recall anything indicating that customers could do continuous repetitions of certain exercises (isotonics), combine various body motions while holding spring tension (Iso-Motion) or a combination of isotonic reps followed up by holding tension on the last rep. All of these options can be executed with this unit that, while simple in construction, is incredibly versatile and effective. I've had two spine related surgeries and it wasn't until I'd been working out with the Steel Bow for a while when I realized how safe this product is for the spine. Since the exercise process involves compressing a spring, the spine isn't having to support a heavy resistance load as is the case with some other strength building methods. Here's something you should be aware of if you purchase a Steel Bow. Removing the basic spring is easy but you'll need to make sure you have no oils of any kind on your hands. This is because you need to grab the smaller diameter tube and pull it downward against spring pressure in order to remove the one removable hand grip. When replacing this spring with either the middle or highest tension spring, the resistance level may make replacement of the removable hand grip a challenge for some people. Since you can hold the tension, do repetitions against the tension or combine tension with other body motions, boredom should never be an issue and that's before you factor in what you can do if you also incorporate a bow extension with it. This large variety means that the structure of your workouts can range from mild to intense. Due to my two spine related surgeries, there are certain exercises I must avoid. Through working with my chiropractor and taking his recommendations along with the modification of some exercises, I've been able to work around my limitation issue without any problems. My sincerest thanks to John Hughes for his involvement with this fine product.

I'm 55 and struggle with some arthritis pain which makes it difficult for me to press weight with free weights or weight-stack machines. The Bullworker recently found me on social media, and I immediately recognized it from the classified ads in magazines I read as a boy. I began to research and found a strong community online, along with the owners of the company and decided to take the plunge with the Steel Bow. I've been working out for about a month, and I am seeing quite a difference already. My arms, chest and shoulders are getting harder, my arm pain is subsiding, and my weight loss has been kick started from a stall. The Bullworker is a fine tool. It is a well built machine which will last a lifetime. It is engineered for proper form and comfort, and it is a formidable workout! The science of isometric and isotonic contraction explains how it works. There's no easy pass here! You can work your entire body with this tool. I like it because I can do it from a chair while I watch television, and it keeps me from getting bored. Again I would mention that there is a strong online presence for the brand(dozens of videos, social media groups, Amazon answered questions et al). The owners of the company are athletes and users of their product and they treat their customers like a family. Do some research and look at the product. It won't replace free weights or machines for competitive weightlifters and bodybuilders, though it is a great adjunct for anyone who works out. For someone who wants to get back into decent shape, tighten up, get stronger and healthier, this machine is a great way to go.

This is a great exerciser, and I've been using it for 7 or 8 years. So, it stands up to plenty of use. It's light and very portable when you go on trips. However, I would make three recommendations for using the Steel Bow. (1.) Realize that many of the exercises depicted in the instructions that come with it are silly, and I would not recommend them. For example, pressing the device against your thigh or chest is going to cause bruises, and you're not going to exert as much force as you'd want to. (2.) Buy several of the devices so you can do supersets; changing springs is a hassle; not that it's a hard, but you don't want to keep changing back and forth during a routine; so put a white spring in one steel bow, gray in another, etc. Then label each one so you know the difference. (3.) Personally, I avoid any exercise that keeps the upper arm or upper leg stationery while the forearm or lower leg moves; that puts too much strain on the elbow or knee and eventually leads to problems. So, some of the exercises (particularly those using the side bands rather than pushing the ends of the device) tend to do that. If you follow these three tips, I think you'll truly appreciate the Steel Bow, especially since I find it requires less will power to use it rather than using weights or doing setting up exercises.

I purchased the "Steel-Bow" along with the "Classic Bullworker" to work on isometric strength. I still do a great deal of strength training, but like to mix things up as much as possible. I have found that for me, this product is ideal for doing isometric holds in between sets (ie. pull ups, shoulder presses, etc.). Although some of the suggested exercises are very difficult, I would not be able to rely on this product for full body workouts. I am confident however, that utilizing this product will strengthen weak areas in my body and assist in injury prevention. That being said, I am satisfied with my purchase.

I've looked around and this package is the best deal for your money. I don't know how Amazon did it, but you can't order this package off the Bullworker site ( as of this writing). Everything is sold separately. With this package, you get the bow, 3 workout charts (worth $12 each), the eso ($9.95), the bow extender ($19.95) and two dvds ( $19.99 & $12.99). While there is no super saver on the shipping, Amazon's shipping is about $5 cheaper. So you are saving $103.88 with this package. You also get a great bag to fit everything into that you can sling over your shoulder or put into a suitcase. The steel bow is made quite well. I've never owned a Bullworker. I'm not a hard core weight lifter. I am hoping to use this so I can skip the gym. I want to tone up and build some muscle without bulking up. I haven't been able to locate any reviews by women. Some men have mentioned that their wives and daughters also liked it. If there are women who are using it, I sure would like to hear from you on what you are doing. From all the reviews I've read on various sites, this seems to be very effective at doing what I want and more. I must confess I'm a bit skeptical because I don't see how this small device can deliver so much. However, the BW has been around for 30 years, so I decided to order it, as its longevity speaks volumes. I haven't used it yet, but will do an update. I wanted to let readers know what a great deal it is and would recommend it, if they are in the market for a Bullworker for a holiday gift, for someone else or themselves. Stay-tuned.... Update: This little device is NOT going to the thrift shop. I don't like lifting weights; too many sets, too much time, uncomfortable positions. The BW eliminates all of this and really tones your arms, shoulders and chest FAST. I'm talking about 3 times a week, a half dozen moves, done 4 times each. Not 4 sets, 4 moves. I decided not to take measurements, just do it. The BW has a gauge on it and I could barely move it in some of the exercises. I now get my motivation from seeing the gauge move higher and higher and looking in the mirror. There are 2 DVDS, one is done sitting, the other is standing. I don't like squats and lunges, and so I prefer the sitting DVD, which is quite a workout for 1/2 hr. My legs easily bulk out and I'm not saying the BW bulks out your legs, I just prefer doing Callenatics because it works. Lastly, I don't like situps, planks or leg lifts. If you haven't figured it out, I know what I like and what I don't. I want things that work and that I like doing. Well, I really like the ab exercises with this device. Not hard on your neck or back, nor uncomfortable or awkward positions. There are numerous exercises, 3 different ways of performing them, and 3 springs to increase resistance, so you won't get bored. But, I don't think I'll ever get bored with it. I'm so happy with how my upper body is looking with so little effort, and each time I do it, it gets better. Second update: I am smitten with this device. I continue to use it and my shoulders, arms and chest continue to take shape. I use it every other day, maybe for 10 minutes, often while watching tv. I really got a wonderful surprise when I took a yoga class. I discovered that I had developed a lot of strength in my arms and shoulders and was able to do poses I couldn't do in the past. I'm really happy about this development and now I'm enjoying yoga 3 times a week.