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.