jo.com's Full Review: Powertec Workbench Leverage Gym(Free Shipping)
I have used so many pieces of equipment that sometimes they start to blend. I do believe though that my experiences recently with the brand, Powertec, were the first with this company. The machine is the Powertec Workbench Leverage System.
What is a leverage system?
I have reviewed equipment with leverage systems or systems very much like them but never used that term. In plain English …… machines basically come in two types. One has a stack of weights. That means the weights are stacked on top of each other and move together. You do not have to pick them up. If I want 50 pounds I put a pin in the weight that says 50 pounds. All the weights including the 50 above it get lifted at the same time combining to make 50 pounds.
The other type of machine is very commonly seen in large gyms in the form of the line, Hammer Strength. A plate which is a round weight is put on the machine either on a bar or pole. If I want 50 pounds on this type of machine I could put a 25 pound plate on each side or any other combination that adds up to 50. In my experience these types of machines are very popular with men because women often don’t want to move weights around. That’s a generalization but one I have seen in my personal and professional experience. I like leverage systems. I find them safe because the machine controls my movements. If I do bicep curls with dumbbells it is easy for me to swing up and lift with my back. Leverage machines make it much harder to work with bad form. The Workbench uses cables which pull up or push down the various pieces with which I worked.
About Powertec and specification of the Workbench Leverage System:
All Powertec frame structures are made of 12 gauge steel. They are powder coated and surprisingly offer colors in some of their products. The Workbench comes in yellow, red or gray so you now don’t have to worry about your equipment not matching your decor. (Just kidding – I don’t think many people worry about that.)
The pads are 2" thick and upholstered over foam. They are double stitched. Back pads have a removable clear head wrap for cleaning. According to the company Powertec is the only company to provide all roller pads with an upholstered finish. These have aluminum end caps.
The Workbench can be used as a light commercial piece. That means that it isn’t quite large gym quality but would be suitable in a small gym, fitness center. If using it like this the warranty is 2 years on the parts and a lifetime warranty on the frame. There is a lifetime in-home warranty. I was very impressed with the quality and felt as if I were working out on a machine as strong and stable as a Hammer Strength piece.
The Workbench is 8 feet long by 4 feet by 8" wide by 7 feet high. It weighs 270 pounds. Each section of the machine has a different weight maximum. The leg lift holds 250 pounds, the squat bar, 350 pounds, the lat machine; 350 pounds and the press arm 500 pounds. The Workbench doesn’t come with plates or an arm curl attachment. You can buy the arm curl attachment for $129 but enough exercises can be done on the Workbench that I would recommend holding off on this piece unless you can easily spend the money. The unit costs in the $800 range.
How the workbench works
I was enamored when I first saw this red machine with a large arm on the top, rollers, a lat pull down attachment and places to hold weights while not in use. When I work my whole body I start with my back. I knew I was going to use the machine again but I wasn’t sure when so I did a full workout. The first exercise I always do is one for my back and that is the lat pull down. I was amazed at what happened to the seat/bench. The seat section is on an axis so all I had to do was move it and the seat pivoted out of the way so I could then “enter” the Workbench and do lat pull downs. This was the first time I saw a bench move this way and make it so easy to workout. The machine worked quietly and smoothly. This was in a small fitness facility so it gets moderate use. It felt brand new.
There is a high cable and a low cable for attachments. The low cable allowed me to do rows also for my back. I then went on to my chest and did bench presses. The bench is very comfortable and adjustable. Not only could I have it at angles or straight up I could also adjust the height of it. I held on to handles which had weights on the side. I lifted the handles to do bench presses.
I didn’t do squats next but this is the "station" where I did do them. You will get an accessory bar with the Workbench. It took me only seconds to put it on and take it off. This piece rests on my upper back which is how squats are done. A squat is a complex exercise that works the entire leg. Please have someone show you how to do this exercise correctly. Also if you are just beginning an exercise program talk with your doctor.
I worked my biceps by doing arm curls with the same piece as I used for rows. I then went on and worked my triceps using the same short bar but on the upper cable.
I then used the leg extension piece to isolate my quadriceps (from of thighs). This same piece turns into a leg curl to isolate my hamstrings. I found a holder on which I put plates for the resistance I wanted for this leg work. I finished by using the bench for crunches and reverse curls for a more than adequate workout.
My rating:
Powertec’s Workbench Leverage System is great. I really can’t find anything wrong with it. I can say that it doesn’t have a leg press station or a cardio station like some systems have. However it is really well made feels as strong as a commercial piece and gave me a super workout.
I hope this has helped but please feel free to leave me a comment or question.
Powertec&'s Workbench leverage gym offers total-body training with over 20 of the best and most effective strength training exercises built right in, ...More at Dick's Sporting Goods
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.