Bruce Lee Training and Workouts – Isometrics and Free Weights
Most people are under the misconception that Bruce Lee’s training and workouts consisted of only free weights.
In reality, Bruce believed in using different techniques and gadgets to chisel his body into a hard, ripped, and muscular physique. Bruce Lee’s body was years ahead of his time. Remember, in the ’70s, Hollywood movie stars weren’t physically fit, even if their roles demanded it. That is no longer true today.
This is another area where Bruce Lee can be credited.
Bruce Lee’s first training and training program was structured by a friend of his who was a bodybuilder. The exercise routine consisted of lifting heavy weights and using compound movements. Exercises like bench press, clean and jerk, squats, etc.
However, Lee didn’t like the kind of muscle size and strength these types of exercises created. He preferred what he called “Functional Strength.”
The bodybuilders workout routine left him too “bulky.” (Actually, the first type of training Bruce Lee used was isometric exercises, or static contraction exercises.)
He also used an “Isometrics Power Rack” and an isometric exerciser called the –Tensolator.
He found the Tensolator to be great at developing his catching power and 1-inch punch. After an injury using free weights, Bruce continued to incorporate isometrics, bodyweight exercises, electrical muscle stimulators, and a variety of different exercise equipment into his workout routine.
Bruce was quoted as saying that isometrics was excellent for developing both tendon and muscular strength. Which as a martial artist suited him well. If he wishes to increase muscle size, the best exercise routine would include isotonic and isometric training.
That’s where the Tensolator has a huge advantage over many other exercise devices. It can be used with isometric or isotonic training. Today, the old Tensolator has been completely redesigned for the 21st century.
Thirty-odd years later, Bruce Lee’s training concepts and workouts are still in use today.
