page_title: Bullworker
section_title: The Tensolator and the first Bullworker device
hierarchical_section_title: Bullworker / The Tensolator and the first Bullworker device
caption_attribution_description: English: Image of the physical exerciser patent "Bullworker". https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/52/2d/06/08b9f8c9e3cf21/US3268225.pdf
context_page_description: Bullworker is a product and fitness company that specializes in isometric exercise. The original portable home fitness device was invented by Gert F. Kölbel in 1962.
context_section_description: In the early 1960s, Gert F. Kölbel used and enhanced the devices of Pons and Chapman to create the Tensolator wich became the Bullworker, a portable home fitness device and the seven second isometric exercise principle for the fastest strength gains, using both contraction and extension movements involving range of motion for all the major muscle groups, into one lightweight and compact fitness tool at a price everyone could afford.  
  The US patent states:
  "The invention relates to physical exercisers, and more particularly to a device for human use by which a large variety of physical exercisers for training and strengthening the muscular system of the body may be carried out. It is an object of the invention to provide an exerciser usable by compression, pull and expansion. Another object is to provide an exerciser of simple and robust construction which is safe against accidents. A further object is to provide an exerciser which the user may manipulate with his hands and feet and may also support against the floor, wall or ceiling of a room".
  The original Bullworker device consists of two sleeved, spring-loaded, telescopic cylinders in the center, with two hand grips affixed at the outermost ends. Two opposing cables are attached to the hand grips at each end of the device. The original Bullworker exercise apparatus weighs about four pounds (1.8 kilograms). Exercises are performed by pushing inwards on the contractible cylinders, by pulling the cables outwards away from the cylinders, or any variation of these. The resultant compression of the internal spring creates the desired resistance. The Bullworker will return to its original position when pressure is released. A range of up to 150 pounds (68 kilograms) or more of resistance is possible in the Bullworker exercise routines.
caption: Image from the bullworker patent
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