An older friend of mine cleared out his storagehouse, and found an old item he gave to me. Appearantly from the Czech Republic sometime in the 1970-1980ties, but the date is not certain.
To me, it looks like an old gimicky type of equipment, that self proclaimed strongmen used, back on old adverts. I can only come up with one excercise that can be performed with it (rear deltoids, though it is a bit heavy for that).
Can anyone share any info on this device, where it originates from and how to use it?
Thanks for this! Chest expander then. “It’s changed my life…”!
I will definitely try the czech device out, but am prepared for springs exploding everywhere, as it looks more like a toy, to be honest. That said, there is a new made heavy duty version available on the market.
I see myself becoming the chest expander nerd of Tnation! Someone has to do it!
Researching the subject, I’ve found some interesting content on Youtube. The Reg Park Chest Expander Program (below) seems to be a great introduction.
Did this program, and must admit I’m humbled by the feel of the chest expander. The strength curve is different than resistance bands, more smooth or defined - Where RB gets really tight in the stretched position, the spring derived tension of the chest expander is more evenly distributed.
Also, on second thought, my czech device is a sturdy construction, that does not bend or fail any provocation. Not sure how much force it produces, but I would say it feels like around 44 lbs in the most stretched position with the 2 springs attached.
Now, I tried this the day after a heavy powerlifting session yesterday, and it was like the perfect light accessory workout for arms, shoulders and upper back. It felt great, to be honest!
The great German Strongman Fred Rollon, known as “The Human Anatomy Chart” developed his incredible condition primarily through training with 300 lbs chest expanders. Showcasing the limits of natural hypertrophy. The pics are from 1907 and 1924! Look at them underarms!
Did some internet research on my chest expander, with poor output, though eventually found one ad on Ebay providing some pics on Ebay (it sells for 85 GBP)!
I also talked some more with my friend, who gave it to me, and showed him the pics, which brought back old memories. He bought and used the expander during the 1960-ties (though the ad states 1950ties equipment). Appearantly, the brand is Artis, which is czech, as is the region of Liberec.
I have continued using the chest expander, following the Reg Park program 1-2 times weekly, as an accessory routine. Following this, I recognize my bench press numbers are moving upwards. It’s definitely a better device than resistance bands, as the force delivery are more evenly distributed, and the rotating handles makes it easier to work with. I love it on triceps especially, as you are able to reach deep for a full movement stretch. Slow, focused reps on this chest expander is a killer, and gives rise to one helluva pump.
I will continue to contribute to this thread as a mission statement in resurrection of the old school chest expander for the second coming.
An update to anyone out there. Not sure how many (if any) are following this thread? I intend to keep updating irregularly until someone tells me to stop it.
I have on top of my foundational training continuously been using the chest expander 1-2 times weekly for 6 weeks now, roughly following the Reg Park program of 11 excercises. I’ve applied a HIT protocol of one set only, with a slow rep tempo leading up to 60-90 sec time under tension. There is some interesting output to report.
I have gained strength in every movement, and the 3 strands are not entirely enough to make me fatiqued any more, on most excercises.
I have (much to my surprise) gained small, but significant mass on shoulders, traps, rhomboids, biceps and triceps! Probably because of the new force/movements in stimulus. This thing actually works!
I really really like this type of training!
As christmas is coming, I’m seriously considering buying the GOAT chest expander by Robert Baraban (appearantly an austrian guy) with 7 strands = up to 70 Kg of resistance. It’s an expensive device (about $200) but most likely worth it, if the equipment is actually being used.
My father had one of these things, it was damn hard. I used to anchor one end to a door knob and do one arm rows and one arm chest presses, up until my mother threw a shit fit after she saw the door was all fucked up.
Obviously I stopped doing it, especially after the divorce.
No, they didn’t get a divorce because of that, I don’t care what they say.
I’ll see if he still has that thing next time I visit.
I remember the handles being green. I think Bruce Lee used one, probably why my father got one in the first place. Those 70s dudes like him were into that kind of stuff lol.
