Reviews

I preordered the Isochain as an Isochain Advocate. I read the data, and I was convinced. Suffice to say, I had high expectations.
For context, I'm in my late 30's, and a former football player. I started using kettlebells in my late 20's, and more recently I've trained using the Convict Conditioning program. The problem that I run into with training is consistency. When I learned to lift, it was critical to go to failure every set and go full-bore every workout. That's just not realistic after a hard day at work, so any time work would get busy, I was sacrificing workouts because I didn't have either the time, or the energy to go all out. The COVID lockdown was a big setback as well; because I work in an ICU, my wife wanted me to quarantine on my off days this spring so I didn't infect her or our son. The result was a lot of sitting around.
The Isochain has solved a few problems for me:
One, it's extremely efficient. I can get a good full-body workout in 30 minutes. Even when I get busy, I can find 30 minutes nearly every day.
Two, it's effective. When I read that I could improve my strength by 5% per week, I was a little skeptical. But that's about where I am. Nearly 30% stronger in squats, deadlifts, bent rows and overhead press over 6 weeks. The different modes deserve a shout out here for helping to track this progress.
Three, even when I don't have my "A game", I still feel like I get the maximum out of what I do have. Those days where I skip a workout because I feel like I can't go all out are over. As long as I give the best effort I have on a given day, the Isochain turns that into the best workout I can get with that effort.
Four, it's safe. I've had problems with my back, my knees, and triceps tendons over the years. Zero issues with any of those. As an added bonus, my 3 year old son can be in the room with me and I don't worry about him getting hurt the way I would if I were lifting a barbell or swinging a kettlebell. I like that I can set a good example for him and keep him safe.
Five, I don't have much soreness after a workout. The isometric manual mentions "virgin soreness" early on, which you then grow out of. That was my exact experience, the soreness has been mild at most after the first 3-4 weeks. And even at my most sore, it was far less than what I've had before with traditional weight lifting.
Six, the space requirements are minimal. For a lot of the exercises, you only need slightly more space than the size of the base.

A few caveats (not negatives, per se):
One, I have noticed more improvement in my numbers for exercises where I'm strong enough to stretch the spring a little. Removal of cortical inhibition makes a difference.
Two, there is a bit of a learning curve with isometrics if you're accustomed to traditional weights. It's just different pushing as hard as you can against something that doesn't move. It gets better with practice.
Three, the bottom carabiner likes to flip so the narrow side is up, around the chain. This can be a tight enough fit that it takes some effort to get it repositioned so the chain length can be adjusted. I solved this problem by taking a long twist-tie and making a figure-8 around the sides of the carabiner so that the narrow portion stays down, adjacent to the spring. That keeps the large part up by the chain for easy adjustments.
Four, the chain is 90 links long, but doesn't have an easy way to identify where you are. I painted a stripe on every 10th link, so that I can easily track chain position for each exercise.

All told, I really enjoy this device, and the results I'm getting. I'm very excited to see where I am in a few more months.

TL;DR - Great device, great results. A few minor downsides were remedied easily with some minor tweaks on my part.

I was an Iso-Chain Advocate and patiently waited for months to receive my Iso-Chain. I just have to say it was worth the wait! I have been a customer of Dragon Door for many years and I own several "pairs" of kettlebells. I am 62 years old, and due to my activities, I have several old injuries that seem to revisit me when I embark on an ambitious kettlebell program, most notably a left shoulder injury that reappears with just a simple loss of form on a kettlebell movement. And of course, upon embarking on my Iso-Chain journey, I experienced another setback. While repairing a plumbing problem at one of my buildings I fall and bruise a rib.... Another setback!
My original purpose for embarking on an isometric program was for blood pressure control and to keep me off meds. Now that the rib problem has healed I am on my way with the Iso-Chain. I can say that almost immediately, my shoulder is much better! No more constant nagging pain throughout the day. I am starting to see some growth in upper body muscles, and most importantly, I feel stronger and seem to be much more in tune with my body. Knee aches and pains (yeah, I almost forgot about those, I am so used too them) have all but disappeared as well. I have noticed a slight improvement in the blood pressure numbers and I am sure once I get deeper into the programs, these numbers will get to where I want them to be.
In my opinion, everyone over the age of 60 should own and use one of these devices! Just the freedom from pain is well worth the investment, not to mention the other benefits!
At this point, I also have the mention the fact that Dragon Door's customer service is 2nd to none. I prefer using the Load mode and counting the beeps. To my chagrin, my Iso-chain started refusing to go into Load mode. After several minutes of struggling, pulling out batteries and resetting the device I could finally get it to cooperate. Initially I was convinced that I was doing something wrong. I finally reached out to Dragon Door and they promptly replaced the control bar. No questions asked! This is Customer Service at it's finest! For anyone looking for cutting edge physical fitness solutions, Dragon Door is the hands down leader in the field.
Highly Recommended!
(I have also introduced my 15 year old grandson to the ISO-CHAIN! I am using him as a test guinea pig! I will report on his progress once I get him a little more consistent with his workouts.)

Three weeks on the chain...started 12/14 with Promethean 3x a week. As of today's session, I'm up 30% on my max and about the same on my 6 set average for deadlifts, curls, and shoulder press. I'm trying to keep it under 35 minutes with warm up and cool down.

Two things: 1) I'm hyped for the Isochain; and 2) for me, the app is a must.

I recently purchased the Isochain and have to say that I am absolutely in love with it!
I have bought a ton of fitness equipment in the past (ask my wife!) and I can honestly say that this is the first piece of equipment I look forward to using almost daily!
Very functional and have noticed great strength gains in the first month since I got it. I love to check the amount of force generated with each movement and have watched numbers climb!
If I could have only 1 piece of equipment it would be without hesitation, the Isochain!

"Initial" review after approx. 1 month's training and experimentation. Brief background: 57 years of age, 36 years of gym/barbell training, 5 years of convict conditioning. Got intrigued by the isochain and bought it. Bar-console was defective, Dragon Door sent a replacement immediately, sterling service! The manual lives up to its title, if it's isometrics, it's in there. Solidly sourced, too! I've tried isometrics several times during my training life, and Dragon Door is right : being able to MEASURE what you are doing IS the game changer. Between measuring and manual, you'll know both what you're doing and why.

Time or recovery ability constraints will dictate how many exercises, how many sets and how many workouts-a-week you can do, but you will be making an informed choice, and be able to check out if the choice is working as intended. Personally, I dived in with an 1-1 to isochain conversion of my usual exercises, of course doing 6x6, and hey, if you can isos every day, that's the way to go, no?

No. It's a bit insidious, really. You DO recover fast from isos, and it there IS something about the "biofeedback" of the console that makes you eager to hit the next workout a.s.a.p. -- but the console will also tell you when you aren't ready yet; an important fringe benefit: you can always do a bit of ballistic cheating with a barbell, effectively getting by with less effort. If you cheat on the isochain, your bluff will be called immediately -- no beeps.

So I've (reluctantly, those iso's ARE addictive) brought my program down to seven exercises and the frequency down to 4-5 a week. I test the transfer of strength regularly, by doing my previous convict conditioning exercises, and I can confidently report that it DOES carry over, and I am NOT experiencing any "angle specificity"; the CC bodyweight moves are a lot easier already, and I am only doing that program once every 7-10 days, so the improvement can ONLY come from the iso workouts.

But there are far more important benefits from the isochain. My wife has been struggling for many years to find a "safe" way to train. A 110-pound ICU nurse, she once had to catch a 240-pound unconscious patient falling out of bed, and do so from a lousy angle. One shoulder and two back surgeries later, her usual gym/barbell-style training was out. Calisthenics have been adequate, but with six fused vertebrae and brittle rotator cuff, some positions and movements are off-limits, and that includes some that are required resonably strenght-inducing loads. OTOH, building strength is imperative to support the back and shoulder. Checkmate.

Enter the isochain. Now she can find the optimal/safe/strongest position for every muscle group, and THEN "pile it on". As an example, she can only "afford" to bend knees and hip 10-15 degrees when doing a deadlift. To get effect-inducing load in that position with a barbell would be high-risk, or require a power rack -- and even with the power rack, the barbell could prove too heavy, and cause injury. With the isochain, there is only load when she actually pulls, and it "disappears" the moment she stops pulling. With the CONSOLE on the isochain, we can keep the intensity on a "safe" level, and still within the range needed for progress.

Short of a roomful of advanced training machines, I can't imagine any other training tech providing that combo of safety and effectiveness. The isochain delivers that roomful of advanced training machines in a tool that takes up less than one square meter (I'm european).

... So if you guys at Dragon Door aren't already marketing the isochain aggressively to physical therapists, you should. Muscleheads like yours truly COULD go on slinging iron (though I'm not likely to ever do that again), but a lot of people who'd never be ABLE to benefit from the gym could do themselves a world of good with an isochain.

You guys are on to something with this thing!

As a long-time customer ( I actually drove to Saint Paul, MN for my first kettlebells in 2002) I was excited to read about the ISO-Chain when it was first available. I read everything I could about isometric strength training protocols from Bruce Lee's workouts to set/rep schemes for strength/hypertrophy. Then, I watched every video I could find about this type of training, and especially the latest featuring the iso-chain. After deciding to purchase it I have never regretted the decision (especially with the improvements on the metal ring on the handle).
The feedback is truly what makes every workout productive, and at 63 years old I continue to look forward to continuing strength training with isometrics as the next phase that will allow me to do so. The strength carryover has been terrific ( TRX, kettlebell, club bell have all improved or at least remained where they were previous to isometric training.) and the time efficiency for what you can accomplish is incredible.
Congratulations on being out in front of the pack with the latest innovations to a time-tested style of training that seemed like there was no place to advance! It must be gratifying to read these reviews and see how many folks are continuing into advanced years with productive and relatively pain-free training. I echo many of their sentiments and see this as a wonderfully beneficial style of training to beginners and advanced trainees of all ages.

This is wonderful product where the hardware is of high quality and the thinking behind the innovation of the measurement is ground breaking. In my view, it is the measurement capability coupled with the audible timer that sets the device apart and helps to maintain motivation. I also purchased the partner book, the Ultimate isometrics manual, which I found to be critical to getting maximum benefit from the Isochain. The manual quotes fantastic alleged potential strength gains. I found myself oscillating between wanting to be really excited that those gains were possible for me as a 54-year-old male who has worked out for most of my life and thinking that maybe it was all marketing hyperbole.
So, in my first 6 weeks, I did 3 exercises, 5 times a week, around 10 minutes per day. Each exercise at maximum tension, 6 times for 6 seconds.
The results as follows: Deadlift position: Maximum strength +69% (+97 kilos/+213lb), Average +65%; Underhand rows: Maximum strength +81.25% (+84.5kilos/+186lb), Average +93%, Standing press: Maximum strength +51% (+20 kilos/+44lb), Average +134%.
Whilst using the Isochain I have continued doing short dynamic free weight workouts around 20 minutes per day and found I have broken through decades long stagnation with increased strength to a point where in most lifts I am stronger than I was in my 20s. Suffice to say, major improvements in joint health, body composition, mobility, cardio endurance etc.
I have now switched to 3 new exercises and 2 weeks in the gains are matching what I achieved in the first cycle.

The science and history of Isometrics speak for themselves. The IsoChain roars!!
Coach Paul's book is a goldmine one can revisit for life. The IsoChain is upping my strength, saving my time and joints. Thank you, Dragon Door!!

Been dedicated to training for performance for 40 + years. I competed in football at the college level and after, took up different disciplines of martial arts. I've taught professionally from general fitness to professional athletes.

I can't remember a time when a training modality had this much of a positive effect on me. You must purchase a copy of the Ultimate Isometrics Manual with the Isochain. My training is renewed, the results have been incredible so far and there is so much more to experiment with. All backed by scientific references.

I'm grateful to Paul Wade and the Dragon Door Research Group.

Im 77 yo physician who has experimented with Isochain as possible safe and effective treatment for sarcopenia (muscle loss in seniors). Ive been active most of my adult life but am not naturally muscular. I have worked faithfully with the Isochain for the past 9 months. For the first time ever, I have built up my delts and pects. And no injury. I am 5'11". I began 183 lbs, 22% body fat. Am now 175 lbs, 13% bodyfat. And the change is noticeable.

I think this is a remarkable product. In my case, it clearly has reversed sarcopenia which is important to me and potentially to my patients. Because of the safety factor and effectiveness, I have also been recommending Isochain to my patients with sarcopenia As I get more experience, I look forward to sharing the results with the larger community.

I am over fifty and have some other dragon door items, which have been useful and high quality, eg, neuro grips. I have used kettlebells and Original Strength for a few years, and have always trained my whole life in various disciplines of martial arts. I am not a gifted athlete, naturally, but I have a great work ethic. I have always found strength comes easily. So, I started isochain with a double body weight deadlift, a 32 kg kettlebell press. I had nerve issues and lots of tendon pain and have had surgery for sports injuries. The isochain has basically allowed all of the joint issues and tendon issues to heal.
I am now at a triple body weight deadlift on the isochain. Double (real metal lift) to triple in 8 weeks. I feel it is really a tremendous workout. I train with a great fellow in his sixties who also finds the workouts immensely satisfying and effective. I have found real world applicability to the strength I?ve gained whilst cycling and using kettlebells. I cannot claim to know if every claim of the book is true, but I?m stronger, not injured at all, and feel confident that the isochain is responsible to a large degree. I should add, It is now an adjunct to OS and to sled dragging and battle ropes and neuro grips and heavy bands. It is an integral part of my training and I think it will allow me to be mobile and strong until I shed this mortal coil. It is the most expensive piece of equipment I have bought, but I feel it is worth it. The CNS load dwarves respect, so take the book seriously and start with three times a week.

I have been lifting weights and training for over 50 years. After this I have many old injuries. I have basically been forced to stop all heavy lifting. I got a band program and while I gained some muscle size and mobility, my strength continued to decline.
I have used isometrics in the past but was never regular with them mainly because of no feedback.
The ISOCHAIN rectified that problem. My strength is coming back. Mobility and joint pain have improved.
I highly recommend the ISOCHAIN and be sure and get Paul Wafe?s book.

I'm a fat, busted up 54-year-old dude who works in a shipyard.
Until recently, I've gotten away with not taking very good care of my body, thanks to a strong constitution and a naturally dense musculature.
My 50s have been a nasty wake-up call, though, and I needed to do something, so I got an Isochain.
I've been using it for 2 months now, and I have to say that I think it's the best damn thing ever.
I'm functionally stronger, it's helped with some of my joint pain, and I even look better.
My workouts are simple, short, and effective.
Plus, I enjoy using the thing!
I couldn't be happier and I'm going to buy another one for a backup.
Way to go, Dragon Door.
Thanks!

I had doubts about the proclaimed results. I have had my Isochain for about 2 week now. I've dedicated myself to a 45 day program that I tailored to my specific needs. Problem areas to be more specific. I have been doing weighted calisthenics for 3 years. I measured my maximum output on 32 exercises. I'm doing a 6 X 6 routine. I record my average for each rep. I purposely did not.look at my results till at the end of 7 days. I was shocked to see that I was making 3% to 9% gains on every exercise. The 3% was due to a shoulder injury that I was able to get through thanks to the Isochain. My shoulder is feeling slightly better due to not working out dynamically and it's getting stronger even though it's injured.

The Isochain is my favorite piece of equipment that I own, then would be my pull up bar. I did a front lever today to see if I had lost any of my static hold. I was blown away to find that I could hold it for approximately 6 seconds longer.

I love that I can pick sticking points in my workouts to make them stronger. I strongly recommend getting The Ultimate Isometrics Manual. It has a wealth of knowledge. Thanks to all at Dragon Door.

I have been exercising and training most of my life. I am 73 years old. I have used heavy weights in the past but switched to body weight exercises as I got older. They did help me stay conditioned but left me not quite satisfied after using weights.
I have noticed good muscle and strength gains by doing full body exercises doing full body workouts 3-4 times weekly. It is convenient and time efficient way to get an excellent work out.
I highly recommend the isochain to anyone who wants and excellent workout in a time efficient manner.

I recently got the Isochain, and have been loving every single second. I use it in conjunction with daily calisthenics and 4x a week BJJ training.

I'm a 34-year old who's reasonably healthy and fit, but by no means a mega athlete, nor do I look remotely muscular. In the short time I've had the isochain (about 1 month now), my overall strength and grip strength have been improving very nicely. I'm constantly getting compliments on my insane grip strength in BJJ now.

While I can't vouch for any visual differences in my physique yet, I can safely say that this piece of equipment is a joy to use, causes 0 pain or discomfort, and very nicely compliments all of my other training as a standard promethean MK II workout only takes about 20 minutes to complete.

I'd also like to shout out Dragon Door's EXCELLENT customer service. My first Isochain arrived with a broken handle screen, and they sent one out immediately and had a replacement to me in just two days, absolutely no questions asked. That alone has made me a customer of Dragon Door for life.

I can affirm that my 6 weeks of using Isochain has resulted in noticeable improvements as attested in your existing reviews. I was doing a mixture of high intensity routines and started to diminish my 58 year old self after years of being addicted to intensity minutes earned rather than the measurable gains in strength that the Isochain provides.
And yes, I actually look forward to the next routine of 6 second-6 sets of 4-5 exercises. I have even utilized a strong ceiling anchor I have for TRX straps and have improvised hanging the chain from it to do lats pulldowns, tricep diamond presses, and stiff arm lat pulldowns. And I created an EXCEL spreadsheet with a pivot table to monitor progress.

The measurement aspect of the Isochain is so motivating that I can't emphasize it enough.

I have already "sold" one device to an active female friend and will continue my quest to discuss the benefits of the Isochain to those who have no exercise routine in their life.

I am sober to the warning mentioned in the foreword that isometrics only works when "done correctly", but I hope my improvements and enthusiasm will be convincing enough to sell them on the Isochain and its convenience and time saving results.

I have been a strength coach for 35 years and counting. In that time I have utilized various forms of functional isometrics and static contraction training.

Dedicated devices for this style of training can cost as much as $20,000.00 The Isochain offers a compact and relatively inexpensive option for strength coaches and athletes to add this powerful training modality to their training toolbox.

The digital display offers the crucial missing link to this style of training. Allowing instant feedback which enhances ones ability to both track progress as well as design implement and update comprehensive strength programs for you or your athletes.

With a little bit of creativity you can go beyond any seeming limitations of this device and utilize it for a broad array of applications and outcomes.

I highly recommend the Isochain.

As an International customer one is always concerned about how logistical the order arrived via FedEx well packed and in perfect condition. My experience as a customer has been excellent. Brilliant customer services and product.

I moved away from free weight training when I hit my 8 reps of 3 sets 100kg bench press target in 10 weeks. I moved to Bullworker Isometric strength training device. This training sustained my muscle mass and increase strength with some gains on top. I kept with this other a year.

Knowing that Isometric training really builds strength and muscle mass. I really needed a powerful device such as the Dragon Door isochain that can measure resistance output of up to 1000Lb.

I got the Dragon Door Isochain doing just Belt squat and deadlift with it twice a week over 3 months.

My bodyweight is 80kg. I gained an inch to my thigh in 3 months and I am very pleased with the results I have got using the DD isochain.

Initial Deadlift 70kg to 254kg in 3 months.
Initial Belt Squat 160kg to 450kg in 3 months.
Seriously I can send the display of these reading if there was an option in this review.

I believe 100% this Dragon Door Isochain can increase anybody's strength and gain muscle mass.

I am looking to add the DD Isochain workouts to my upperbody for more ground breaking results.

It's the only practical device out there that can put 1000Lb/453Kg between your legs with a belt. For a great value price.

This is a great tool to complement resistance band or free weight training. The ability to see your progress from workout to workout is amazing. There is a learning curve as with all new training tools. The ability to make incremental changes to the chain length really allows to train each angle. If you're on the fence about this training tool don't wait. Your joints and tendons will thank you. Plus you will increase your strength.

I am getting older, 70 +, and find that heavy weights don't work for me anymore. I find the Isochain to be very effective at maintaining my strength as I age and it does not put strain on my joints. I can workout with it everyday and not feel sore. Being able to actually see how much I am pushing or pulling is great. I have used isometric training in the past but could never gauge my strength gains. This is by far the best equipment I have ever purchased.

I've been seriously lifting for over 10 years, and in the past couple years I've noticed certain parts of my body "talking to me" that made me look for solutions that allowed high force production while keeping joints safe. This product does that, and the customer service is excellent. There was a defect with my initial bar that wasn't even totally compromising, and after a quick phone call to the company and a photo of my issue they sent a brand new bar my way free of charge. Absolutely would recommend to anyone looking for a safe way to "train heavy" yet safely.

Im and Army veteran and struggled with exercising for years because of old injuries from the service and playing basketball for decades.

I also have a habit of going harder than my body can take and getting stuck in cycles of injuring myself.

Isochain is the first device I've used where I actually feel BETTER after using it than before. After studying the manual I understand why, removing the movement aspect is reducing the wear and tear on my joints.

I have tried a lot of things over the years, this is the best I've found. I can't imagine who wouldn't benefit from it. So thankful for Dragondoor for making it and creating a great manual to go along with it.

Kettlebells were cool, bodyweight training even better, but they still ground me down, the Isochain really is different and im excited to see where this goes.

The only reason I give it a 9 is because it is a little bulky to move around, however the newer "Isomax" version seems to fix this. So that's probably a 10.

I ordered this product with no hesitation when I first saw it. I was not disappointed. It allows me to quantify my isometric workouts which I love. This product is so cool that I ordered a second one for my brother.

Everything in a bombshell just one recommendation a thicker plate
Strength has definitely exploded the best thing is I can use it in everyday life for an injured vet huge plus thanks again guys
Well done
Zach b

It's hard to put the value of quantifying isometrics with audio feedback into words. It truly is one of those things you have to experience to understand the value behind it.

It took me a couple of workouts to really "get it" and understand what the programming of the Isochain does to the isometric workout. Once I understood what was really going on, I wondered how the heck I was able to effectively train true strength isometrics without that feedback.

Since then, working out without such feedback feels like I'm just training blind.

The Isochain solves the biggest problem with isometrics especially for someone used to free weights' progression! You can't know the effort of your pull from one pull to the next in one workout let alone over time. The Isochain solves this beautifully. You can set a specific load and increase it progressively over time noting the load, the reps achieved, the max achieved, and even an average.
My only real problem is the ease of moving the handle up and down the chain and noting which link to hook into. Counting links is tedious but the only good way. I've tried marking the links with colored tape but it comes off quickly. I?m considering colored plastic locking strap ties next. This is a minor quirk that can be worked around. I still love it for its safety, especially for the deadlifts.

I've been training for 40 years now, starting with isometrics in the form of a Bullworker and a power twister as a 17 year old. Then continued exercising with dumbbells and barbells. But in recent years I came back to isometric exercises again. So I was very excited to see the Isochain advertized in Paul Wades "Ultimate Isometrics Manual" which I purchased last fall. I ordered one on a Sunday and was surprised that it arrived all the way from US on Thursday morning! Great customer service from Dragon Door and FedEx!
Since then, I've been training with this fantastic training device at least twice a week - alternating isometric with dynamic workouts -
and see steady gains in my strength. My muscles are able to contract harder than ever,
and a workout doesn't last longer than 15 - 18 minutes. This is a very effective and time-efficient form of training! The concept of having an electronic unit in order to measure the applied force and monitor progress over time is nothing less than ingenious! I'm glad I bought the Isochain and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to take the guesswork out of his/her isometric training!

The Isochain does provides significant improvements in weight training, for three reasons:
- It uses the principle of isometric exercise
- It greatly simplifies the objectivity of measuring results. The "Maximum" and "Average" recording features for each exercise are truly brilliant additions, and very simple to use!
- The Isochain also reduces the possibility of injuries which always lurk when hefting heavy weights.
For these reasons alone it should be the go-to exercise device for serious weight lifting practitioners.

There are minor design/manufacturing elements that could be improved however:
- The individual links of chain should be slightly wider across their interior; currently switching from one link to another is needlessly a bit cumbersome.
- The screw bolt and its attachment point on the underside of the handle is insufficiently strong (mine bent during the second week of use.)
- I recommend clip-on rubber/plastic rings be attached to chain links to identify the precise link needed for quick changes between exercises. (I've been using tape, but the tape doesn't last long.)

The manual that accompanies the ISOCHAIN is well worth reading, regardless of your current level of expertise. A great improvement for strength training!

I've been very impressed with the Isochain for a couple of reasons. It allows me to get in a very effective workout in a short period of time, with less wear and tear to my joints than occurs with traditional weightlifting. I still have been testing my strength with weekly weightlifting sessions, and I have found that the strength gained with Isometrics translates over very well.

The only downsides I can mention are that on some exercises, I am able to feel the baseplate bending up a little under tension. Also, the "average" function on the handle unit does not seem to be very accurate because the value it gives after a set does not reflect the poundage that I was holding over the time period in my set. It's usually a bit lower, but this may be because it is factoring in the ramping up and ramping down of tension that occurs during a set of a few seconds.

Overall, the Isochain is a ground-breaking device and I am surprised that this form of exercise has not become more mainstream before now. But I guess there is not a lot of money to be made with Isometrics when only such basic equipment is needed for phenomenal results!

Regular weight lifting shifts the resistance to external force
.With external resistance applied isometrically, as with the Isochain, you also get the internal benefit of the yogic principle of "inner concentration" and experience the best of both worlds

I ordered the ISOCHAIN for my brother to train with and he is enjoying it! It is extremely time efficient and the trackable progress provides him with great feedback. He is developing his mind-muscle connection and improving his health.

The customer service from this company is top notch. Any concerns or issues were addressed and rectified very quickly!

I love Dragon Door products, and have for many years, and I especially love the Isochain!

The Dragon Door team has my deep appreciation for all that they have done to help me with my training over the decades!!!

I'm 73 years old and a huge fan of isometrics and feel that they help in all the ways you've specified, and more!

It's great to hear that they also help with blood pressure, as my 81 year old sweetheart has mild blood pressure issues, and has begun an isometrics program, along with using RESPERATE, dietary changes, lifestyle changes (e.g. less "daily news" and more time reading/watching inspirational materials), etc. Her blood pressure has improved significantly over the past several months.

This is not an "ad", but I must say that I love the Dragon Door Isochain device, and would highly recommend it. I especially like performing the Hack-Lift on the Isochain - strengthens many muscles in a short session. I typically do between one and six 6-second reps with approximately 1 minute of rest between reps. I work out in this fashion a few days per week - more if doing single reps, less if doing multiple reps. I also do Isochain curls and shoulder-presses, and have made excellent gains in all exercises over the past few months. I feel energized and better when I do my isometrics, and I don't have tendonitis or other injuries as I do when doing ballistic exercises. I also recommend learning Mobility exercises (Mobility is actually Number One in the exercise hierarchy), and getting lots of low-to-moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, etc.

I am not a physician. As always, you should "consult your physician" before starting any exercise program.

Thanks again!
Al

This is an amazing product. The gains in strength over a months time averaged in at 30%. I'm an experienced trainee too. The product doid have a design flaw that caused the eye hook to break off during a hack squat. Dragon Door will be sending me an improved replacement bar as soon as they are back in stock ( end of March) Until that time my work around is to attach a short lat pull down bar so I can continue the exercises (with time held being my only measurement.) Can't wait to get the new bar and see where I'm at! Great product, small design flaw, excellent customer service.

I recently ordered the ISOCHAIN and I'm enjoying the concept of monitoring my strength output with each set and rep. The device is built well and should last for quite some time. I would have given this device a 10 rating, however, the only drawback in time. Adjusting the chain to the perfect height can sometimes be time-consuming. Other than this, I believe in isometric training and feel it will serve me well in the long run.

I'm not much of great writer in regards to reviews, but I did record a full video review of the Isochain. Link will be below.

The Isochain is definitely not a gimmick and even more effective when paired wirh the Ultimate Isometrics Manual.

https://youtu.be/nLFuVGhdvD8

I've had it for about six weeks. Because of family obligations i don't have a lot of of time. With the Isochain you don't need much time. As much as I love my Bullworker (which I still use) the Isochain is better. Outstanding product!

I've been using the above since December 2021, unfortunately I broke the screen, the eyebolt on the bar was slightly off set after a squat type exercise. Having screwed the eyebolt a little too far back into the bar i blew the screen. Luckily for me Dragon Door sent out a replacement bar free of charge. I like the product and customer service is flawless. I don't have the base plate, I use a strength dynamometer plate with carabiners and a rock climbing daisy chain in place of a chain.

Don't know exactly how and which exact exercise worked, but the pain has gone.
So from my point of view only this one returns on the investment cause i suffered
from it for the last 3 months.
Few sessions with IC were enough to get rid of it.

I am not a body builder! I'm currently 68 years old and I've have spent years taking care of my mother and stepfather. The one thing that became obvious was that their lack of exercise was contributing to the decline of their health and quality of life. Before he died, my stepfather destroyed 3 recliners by falling into them. I encouraged them to start an exercise program, but my request fell on deaf ears. It occurred to me that I was on the same track.

About 8 years ago I began an exercise program that consisted of using exercise bands, dumbbells, and calisthenics. Slowly, I got stronger. During 2020 I read an article on the "misunderstood" exercises known as isometrics. I was intrigued by what I read and started looking for a good book on isometrics. What I ended up with was purchasing a course from Paul "Batman" O'Brien called 7 Seconds to A Perfect Body. I started that program January 2021. Later I received an e-mail from Dragon Door about their new product, the ISOCHAIN.

I was shocked by the price of the ISOCHAIN. I didn't see any exercises that could be done on the ISOCHAIN that couldn't be done on WorldFit ISO Trainer. The WorldFit ISO Trainer was only about $40, a big savings! However, I did order the book mentioned in the e-mail, The Ultimate Isometrics Manual by Paul Wade. The information I read in The Ultimate Isometrics Manual convinced me to invest in purchasing the ISOCHAIN.

I purchased the ISOCHAIN in March of 2021, but I didn?t start to use it until late July.

So, what's the bottom line? Let's use a question and answer format.

Am I happy with the price of the ISOCHAIN. No, but it is the best investment in exercise equipment I've ever spent. I've spent thousands on exercise equipment over the years. I have found the feedback provided by the ISOCHAIN handle to be crucial to my progress.

Would I recommend the ISOCHAIN to friends and family? Yes, I have already done so.

Am I getting progressively stronger? Yes. OMG, I've got pecs and biceps!

Do I now love to exercise? Hell no!

I went through 3 of these things. Not one would work as advertised. The time mode just doesn't function. Each one is stuck on a number and won't budge no matter what I tried. And no matter what number it's stuck on it beebs 3 times and stops! Very disappointing, I have look at a clock when using it. Finally just kept the 3rd one. At least it gives me the max load readout. Not worth what I paid for it. Sorry

I've been working out 3 times a week since I received my Isochain. It is an extremely efficient device that tracks your progress and provides great results. I haven't had any muscle soreness; I work out for about 20 minutes on average and feel great when my routine is finished. I highly recommend you give it a go, you won't regret it! In addition, I purchased the neuro grips from Dragon Door - they provide a whole new experience with push-ups with great results.

Best,

Andrew J Brown

Isometric exercise is superior to other forms for producing strength in tendons and muscles. It also is much faster at recruiting muscle fibers. Also, there is less damage on the joints as there is no movement.

The game changer is Dragon Door's Isochain measures force output. Measuring progress keeps me motivated. I still enjoy weightlifting and the strength gains from Isochain translates. I find myself targeting weaknesses and finding strength gains rapidly overcoming sticking points.

My biggest mistake was too much at once. I was exhausted and all my numbers went backwards. Finding the appropriate amount between Isometric and dynamic work is challenging. Also, gains can lead to problems. For example, forearm work has rapidly improved my grip strength but an imbalance flexors vs extensors is causing elbow pain which causes a decrease in strength until the pain is resolved.

There is a learning curve.

Very good in all respects. You should find a smarter way to adjust the length of the chain. The plate should be more stiff.

Such a convenient way to work out, and in such a small space. Plus this thing is just heavy duty, period. Well made and sturdy. Only reason it is not a 10 is because the links aren't numbered so it can be a little clunky switching between exercises and there is no bench press option. Matt Shifferle on You Tube has a cool strap option he shows how to install so I may go that route. I would still go the Isochain route rather than the Isomax just because I love the industrial heavy feel to this thing. Again, well made AND a great investment at only $349. Thanks dragon door! Oh and you will get hella strong too!