2009 VIP
Jo
Plymouth, MA

On the Top of My List for Workout Systems

5 star rating

safety conscious, personal trainer, gym rat, home owner
Pros

    affordable, works all muscle groups, well made

Cons
    no leg press, no cardio ability

NOV
5
2007

To the Point


This has been and still is on the top of my list for favorite gym systems. It's affordable, well made and works every body part. It's design is unique.

A Closer View

Machines basically come in two types. One has a stack of weights and the other is one where you would put weights or round plates on the bars of the machine. This is the type that the Workbench is.

In my experience these types of machines are very popular with men because women often don't want to move weights around.  I like leverage systems. I find them safe because the machine controls my movements.

All Powertec frame structures are made of steel. Yellow seemed to be the more common color but now red is the biggest hit. The pads are nice and thick and cover foam. 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 or condo type 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" long by 4' 8" wide by 7' high. It weighs 270 pounds. Each section of the machine has a different weight maximum. The unit costs in the $800 range. It can be bought

When I first saw this red machine I saw a large arm on the top, rollers, a lat pull down attachment and places to hold weights while not in use.

When doing a lat pull down (for your back) the seat section, which pivots, gets really easily moved to the side. This allowed me easy access to the tower stations.  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.

There is a squat station -  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 finished by using the bench for crunches and reverse curls for a more than adequate workout.

Jo's Viewpoint
I like it!


http://www.amazon.com/Powertec-Workbench-Leverage-Gym-WB-LS/dp/B000A6T9JC as well as other places online.



I_thumb_up Powertec Workbench Leverage Gym WB-LS is recommended by Jo

6
helpful
votes
Did you find this review helpful?
 
 




I_comment_shdw24 Comments about Jo’s Review

 


Jo wrote on Nov 5, 2007 at 12:40PM

N/T