Isokinator Green Giant Most Professional Total Home Gym in Mobile Compact Size Made in Germany

I bought this because I'm a truck driver and getting to the gym it's sometimes hard to do. It has a total of almost 400 lb of resistance that is adjustable.I'll start with the bad: they make some claims in their videos that are true of form of strength training and not just their product. They also make claims that are flat-out wrong and potentially dangerous such as you cannot be injured using this. There are a lot of potential injuries doing any kind of strength training and other risks specifically with the kind of training that this involves. If you have high blood pressure or high risk of stroke or heart attack this is risky and you have to see a doctor before using it. The exercises and range of motion are limited doing these types of exercises. The leg exercises aren't as effective as the upper body exercises.The good: I tested the amount of resistance and it was always more then what it showed it was which, as far as I'm concerned, is more bang for my buck. On that note finding variable resistance up to 400 lb is nearly impossible. If you were to buy dumbbells with 10 lb increments up to 400 pounds you'd be spending thousands upon thousands of dollars. What some studying of kinesiology you could easily develop other exercises beyond what they give you to target specific muscles.One of the best features in my opinion is the devices smart building that uses 70 % of the maximum force when you follow the instructions which is a great way to train.Overall the product is very well built but it might not be for everyone and I'd suggest you understand muscular anatomy and some Kinesiology before you use it. It's a great workout with a solid ability to progress by increasing resistance for a long time. Because of its price I would recommend it if you plan on using it often.

I purchased my "Green Giant" directly from Koelbel in May of 2013. It is a moderately small device with two heavy springs sandwiched between two slabs of metal. The springs are pulled on by permanently affixed lengths of webbing. There are two lengths with loops on either side of the device that you grasp or place feet or hands into. The idea behind it is really quite simple. You are pulling on heavy springs which provide resistance.The device is quite solidly made from steel, aluminum, and nylon webbing. It is not heavy but has a nice weight to it. It is clearly not cheap.I have been using this device on a regular basis since the latter part of May. Koelbel recommends this as your main or only exercise modality. I use it in conjunction with a variety of other equipment. I can't really imagine it being the only fitness program I would use.Fundamentally Koelbel reccomends a series of 7 exercises intended to work the entire body. This is a unique set of exercises that is a nice change of pace from working with weights or doing bodyweight exercises. The exercises are based around static holds that are moved through a range of motion. The springs provide resistance which can be changed via a slider and gauged by keeping two gold plated balls aligned with holes in the metal sandwich. This allows one to see progress. My feelings are that the exercises, by nature of the device are a bit upper body focused and while there is sn attempt to tailor exercises to the legs I feel those exercises are not as effective.The manual is clear and of a large size. It is easy to use. A dvd is also included. It is mostly a long and somewhat overblown infomercial but it does include good video demos of how to use the device.I like the Isokinator and have continued to use it on a regular basis since May. It is great to use whilst traveling as it is fairly compact and the exercises can be done with fairly limited space. I also like to have a yoga mat and a pair of cycling gloves as the webbing can get a bit uncomfortable at higher resistances.I have not used the Isokinator in isolation so it is hard to speak of exact results. I have seen developments in my fitness and strength but I am also using weights, bands, and bodyweight exercises.I like the Isokinator but have doubts it needs to be so expensive. While very well made, it is, in the end, a very simple device. When I purchased it directly from Koelbel I paid $382 for the device, the Iso-hook strap, and shipping. The price for this same combination at the time of this review (Nov. 17, 2013) would be $495. I believe that to be excessive. In fact I believe $382 to be excessive.I give the device 3 stars mainly because I feel it to be too expensive. I do like it but it does not seem like a necessity when compared to weight training or bodyweight exercises.

The Isokinator by Koelbel Training Research is just as described...a precision piece of machinery that delivers a great workout. I disagree with anyone who claims that this product is not worth the price. When you compare what you are getting in terms of a workout, compared to the net result from even a hard-core, power-lifting gym, then it's impossible to complain about price.BTW...I purchased not one, but two.

I received this device today from Germany.The instructions were clear and concise.It is ready to use right out of the box.This device seems very well made.It fits in a pants pocket to carry around.A good isokinetic type workout can be achieved with this device anywhere, anytime at upmost convenience and ease.

Easy to use, portable and durable.

I have tested this supposedly "home gym in a pocket" for 4 months. I used it as indicated 3 times per week, every other day. No gym membership during that period.End results: No muscle mass increase (in fact I lost muscle which I had built up over the years at the local gym!). Therefore, I cannot recommend the Isokinator for anybody involved in bodybuilding. At most for old people or couch potatoes who cannot make it to the gym. In that case, obviously it is better than no exercise at all. Unfortunately, I cannot give it a better rating, as that would be misleading to anybody wishing to buy this, especially considering how hugely overpriced it is!Communication with Koelbel has been frustrating, not so much that they do not answer (they in fact do), but they consider the customer an idiot and talk/write to one as if you were a stupid baby...I can definitely not recommend this product who serious about bodybuilding.

Phenomenal device.