The Herman Trainer

[Jiffy]

Hi Guys,

Just wondering if anyone has one of these or has heard any stories about them?

I'm considering buying one but thought I'd get some opinions first...

http://www.goherman.com

[Fairfax_Uechi]

That looks pretty cool, but I'm wondering how useful it would be to most martial artists. I'm also concerned with how much force it can take (see their FAQ). But it could be a good training aid, and definatley something that would be fun for a kids class.

[bushido_man96]

It looks like something that would be great to break out every now and then for the class to check power levels and such, and see what kind of advances have been made. I wouldn't see myself using it everyday, though.

[AndyS]

We have used Herman in training, it's very good, maybe not everyday. Still it lets you bench mark progress or highlight area's were we are slipping a little.

Get a competition going on it and watch the sparks fly as each student tries to out do the last one and beat each others scores.

[Wolfman08]

it lets you bench mark progress or highlight area's were we are slipping a little.

What I was going to say. That's the value of toys like this. Sure, you can say "well, I hit the bag for 5 minutes longer than yesterday, so that's probably an improvement", or "Well, in my MMA fight today I cracked three ribs, that must mean I'm improving!" but a tool that lets you quantify those numbers can be good too.

I read an article on a classical Iron man website (some blog, I don't remember) and it was speculating on why isotonics (lifting weights and body weight exercises like push ups) took off compared to isometrics (pressing your hands together as hard as you can). The Isometrics should have been hugely popular since the strongest man alive during the period when isotonics were becoming popular was Charles Atlas, who would routinely tour the country following other strong men, and do his own feats. And than theirs. Better than them. And he pretty much never lost competitions to anyone. And some of his feats of strength have only recently been matched or surpassed. Compared to Isotonics, which had few advocates, except for folks doing Indian Clubbells. So, why did Isotonics become popular according to the author? Well, you can actually measure progress. Doing a 5x5 with 60 lbs will work today, but in a month or two, it wont be enough. But a 10 second exercise today will produce basically the same amount of burn in a year if you're doing it right. It's really just a matter of being able to physically measure your progress.

[AndyS]

it lets you bench mark progress or highlight area's were we are slipping a little.

What I was going to say. That's the value of toys like this. Sure, you can say "well, I hit the bag for 5 minutes longer than yesterday, so that's probably an improvement", or "Well, in my MMA fight today I cracked three ribs, that must mean I'm improving!" but a tool that lets you quantify those numbers can be good too.

I read an article on a classical Iron man website (some blog, I don't remember) and it was speculating on why isotonics (lifting weights and body weight exercises like push ups) took off compared to isometrics (pressing your hands together as hard as you can). The Isometrics should have been hugely popular since the strongest man alive during the period when isotonics were becoming popular was Charles Atlas, who would routinely tour the country following other strong men, and do his own feats. And than theirs. Better than them. And he pretty much never lost competitions to anyone. And some of his feats of strength have only recently been matched or surpassed. Compared to Isotonics, which had few advocates, except for folks doing Indian Clubbells. So, why did Isotonics become popular according to the author? Well, you can actually measure progress. Doing a 5x5 with 60 lbs will work today, but in a month or two, it wont be enough. But a 10 second exercise today will produce basically the same amount of burn in a year if you're doing it right. It's really just a matter of being able to physically measure your progress.

You're right, we found students respond well when we could physically measure their progress and show them results. Its a good tool for new techniques and building up the power once the basics are in place ( stance, balance, focus etc).

Thank you for your reply

[sensei8]

I've never seen the Herman until now, however, it seems that it could be used as a very positive training tool at home or at the dojo/dojang.

I've seen devices like this in times now having past, but, the technologies yesteryear were very archaic and limited compared to the Herman.

Also, the price is quite affordable, imho. Thanks for the info/link Jiffy!!