Some of the recent discussion on isometrics has me wanting to give the isometric belt a go again as a finisher to my workouts. I even checked out the John Peterson forum again, something I haven't done in several years.
I see John is giving the belt a lot of play which is good. Some years back he was wanting to shuck it for a cumbersome medieval torture device with two bars and a kevlar strap you ran the bars through. I told him it was a mistake and people would get hurt on it. The belt was simpler, safer and more versatile. I have to laugh though. I doubt he'd ever admit I was right about that.
I am glad he decided to hang with it. It is a great piece of equipment. I use a cutdown belt almost every workout for self-resistance and will start using the full belt again for Isometrics.
I have two isometric belts. I prefer one that is a suspension/isometric trainer which has loops. It's made by Sierra Exercise Equipment. This is just my opinion, but the Power Belt is a little expensive. The material of the belt is very strong and it's ok. But I prefer the one I have with loops. If someone is handy at making things it would be pretty easy to make You're own belt at a much cheaper price than any belt sold. I'm sure there's better ways but here is one: http://rosstraining.com/blog/2010/01/13/homemade-suspension-trainer/
John, what are the other devices You use for isometrics?
I personally use a few different devices for isometrics, depending on the movement as some implements seem to work better for specific exercises. One of the devices I like to use is a Yoga strap, which is a long strap with several loops for handles. I find this gives me a more secure grip, which in turn allows for a stronger contraction. My only complaint is that they are never long enough for all the movements I would like to do.
I've been intrigued by the power belt, but it seems like an overpriced version of a tie down strap you can get at Home Depot. For anyone who has the power belt, is there something that I am missing (better material, width, adjustment, etc.)?
Bob, that almost looks like the belt/device that wrestlers Billy Sandow and Strangler Lewis marketed back in the 1930's.
I use this simple adjustable belt loop with 2 slipping handles for my dynamic and isometric exercises. It works good for me.
An isometric strap is the way I like to do isometrics. I do prefer a differant strap than Yourself but yes it is safe. Also for the guys that can't afford it, there are ways to make Your own. Fred Hutch use to talk about doing an isometric first than doing a movement exercise right after for the same body part. I've tried it and it really works up a sweat.