My buddy is an ex-weigtlifter and suffered injuries doing that. Now he is useing a five foot staff (like mine) for a barbell and two 10" Oak Reflexology foot rollers as dumbbells, but loves using the faux barbell and dumbbells, so uses these always and thinks it is easier holding the faux barbell & dumbbells. With his injuries from weigtlifting days had him consulate his MD first. It is working for him! Plus he loves Isometric Exercisers and bought a Snyder Isometric Exerciser and a Mickey Mantle One Minute a Day Gym and enjoys both.
I still have my Whitely sping cable exerciser! Old fashioned but works.
Isometrics were big time in New York, many guys & teenaged guys were into it in te 1950s/60s. I bought my Snyder Isometric Exerciser (new ones) on Ebay, same for the Mickey Mantle One Minute a Day Gym; check EBAY out a few times. The Synder is simpler then the Mickey Mantle.
MikeNY
I've always enjoyed your posts, especially the ones about how you and the guys you grew up with used isometrics back in the day. I think you guys were ahead of the time. I've looked for the Snyder exerciser, but haven't had much luck. I've never seen the Mickey Mantel one. Is it pretty much the same thing?
For my isometrics, I typically use a wooden board I stand on with an attached chain and bar. So essentially the same concept as the Snyder device. However, I would like something more portable, like the old York device, which had a thin flat piece to stand on. I've been trying to find something like that or at least a piece I could use to make my own, but so far keep coming up empty. My son now refuses to go the hardware store with me!
Yeah Michael I agree. Plus he already has injuries from weigtlifting. The MD thought that doing Isometrics (with movement) will not hurt im, he preferrs using the wooden Figting Staff & faux dumbbells, and it works for him.
Good that Your friend found something he is enjoying. There is nothing wrong with VRT. There are alot of benefits one can recieve from doing it. I think most people that lift weights get hurt because of bad form, trying to lift to much or doing weird exercises that can hurt You. Lifting weights won't hurt someone if they do it sensibily. But if someone like Your buddy has already caused injuries because of it they are better off with alternatives. Isometrics and VRT are good choices that can build muscle and strength.