Having a home garage gym is priceless; you don’t have to wait around to use equipment, and you get to design the perfect gym for YOU.
One of the best investments you can make is purchasing multi-functioning equipment such as the Powertec WorkBench LeverGym.
This Powertec home gym allows you to work every muscle of your body, giving you the most bang for your buck.
In this Powertec LeverGym review, you’ll discover everything you need to know about buying this outstanding product, and you’ll see why we rate it so highly.
It’s one of the best pieces of home gym equipment for good reason.
- Review Of The Powertec WorkBench LeverGym
- Are Leverage Gyms Good? (Pros & Cons Of The Powertec WorkBench)
- Who Is The Powertec Workbench LeverGym Best For?
- Unique Features Of The Powertec WorkBench
- Comparing LeverGym With Other Powertec Models
- Comparisons With Similar Home Gym Brands
- Frequently Asked Powertec LeverGym Questions
- Conclusion
Review Of The Powertec WorkBench LeverGym
Powertec WorkBench LeverGym - Our Ratings
Workout Versatility
7.0
Value For Money
8.5
Ease Of Use
10.0
Ease Of Assembly
9.0
Materials & Durability
10.0
Overall Rating
8.9
Product Specifications
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 81.4” x 57.5” x 81.7” inches |
Weight | 295 lbs |
Max Load Capacity | 500 lbs (for press arms), 300 lbs (for cable lat) |
Workout Stations | 1 active (over 40+ all together) |
Warranty | Yes, Lifetime for frame, 5 years for moving parts, 2 years for bearings, 1 year for pads and grips |
Assembly & Maintenance
Overall, this Powertec WorkBench LeverGym review has been positive. The machine itself is exceptionally well designed and easy to build using the LeverGym instruction manual. [1]
You’ll require simple tools, but I always recommend using power tools to speed up the building process.
As with any machine, this Powertec model requires essential maintenance, a quick spray of oil will keep the machine's joints moving smoothly.
However, if you're unsure, page 4 of the instruction manual has further guidance. [2]
Upper Body Exercises
The Powertec LeverGym offers a considerable variety of upper body exercises for a home gym multi-system, far too many to cover in this review.
Still, I’ll mention some of the most significant ones.
The flat bench press function is excellent, and you can feel your chest muscles firing up with each rep.
The angle of the handles are great for bench press, and I like the fact you can perform a hammer grip on this exercise (this is great for those of you with shoulder issues).
If you’re looking to work your lats with a gym machine, then the seated row and lat pulldown will be invaluable to you.
The handles are comfortable to hold and are perfectly shaped to allow for maximum range of motion for each movement.
You’ll also be able to perform shoulder press, bicep curls, tricep press, tricep extension, and many more.
Ab Exercises
Behind every strong body is a strong core; with this in mind, this device has several great ab exercises that you can do using their pulley system.
The high cable abdominal crunch is a popular exercise you’ll see most people performing in any commercial gym, and now you’ll be able to do it from home using the LeverGym.
A surprise addition is the ability to perform both low to high and high to low woodchops; these variations hit the obliques and will help give you that Superman (or Wonderwoman) look.
Lower Body Exercises
As I’ve mentioned previously, most home gym multi-gyms neglect legs. This is not the case with the Powertec, which offers multiple leg exercise options.
The most stand-out exercise is the squat, which is the king of all exercises.
The LeverGym will let you squat up to 500lbs, which will be plenty for most of you looking to build up your leg muscle.
To accompany the squat, you can also perform cable hamstring raise, straight leg deadlift, leg extension, and even glute kickbacks to help develop your glutes (your butt).
The leg extension on the Powertec is excellent for developing powerful quads and hamstrings.
Oh, and not forgetting calf raises, which we all know everyone neglects.
Updates From Previous Models
While the previous versions of LeverGym models were popular, they did need some tweaking.
Models such as the Powertec WorkBench LeverGym WB-LS15 and the Powertec WB-LS16 LeverGym have been improved in several ways.
One of my favorite new additions is the resistance band support pegs on either side of the LeverGym machine.
Resistance bands are a great way to increase the tension placed on your muscles during a workout, and studies show that resistance bands are effective at building muscle strength. [3]
Best of all, resistance bands are an inexpensive way of adding resistance to your machine without buying more Olympic plates.
Another improvement that the LeverGym now has is that the weight horns (where you place the free weights) are now angled, so there’s no need for weight or barbell collars.
The new angled horns also help the machine run smoother as the weights can’t move around too much.
A minor but much-appreciated upgrade has been made to the padding on the bench; it’s more comfortable and a lot more robust than previous models.
Are Leverage Gyms Good? (Pros & Cons Of The Powertec WorkBench)
I’m a massive fan of Powertec, and this LeverGym is no exception; the machine is pretty impressive but does have a few drawbacks, which I’ll cover in a moment.
This Powertec model is designed for those of you looking to build muscle over your entire body without having to leave your home.
The machine is plate loaded, so it's suitable for beginners and experienced gym-goers, as the weight is easily adjusted.
Whether you want to build strength in your upper body or your legs, Powertec has your back.
What We Like
What We Didn’t Like
Who Is The Powertec Workbench LeverGym Best For?
The Powertec Levergym is best for anyone who likes lifting heavy free weights but can't fit an entire powerlifting gym in their home.
It would be perfect for someone who might already have a set of weight plates and they need a machine to work their whole body.
It's also ideal for folks who prefer doing compound lifts such as bench press, deadlift, and squats.
It is not suited for people who want a simple machine to get a daily light workout. It's not so great for cardio buffs either.
Unique Features Of The Powertec WorkBench
Powertec is well known for making impressive home gym equipment; the LeverGym is up there with the best.
It has the typical Powertec robust design and is super versatile, with 40+ exercise options available. The machine is compact and will fit into most home gyms.
Some of its best features are the following:
Modular Access
The Powertec LeverGym’s utility bench is entirely detachable so that you can perform squats, dips, shrugs, and even use the low row function (by using the lower cable).
I love the idea that the bench can be removed from the LeverGym; it will provide you with a great adjustable bench that can be used with dumbbells (separately from the device).
This is an excellent touch by Powertec and provides any user (that’s you) with more options than most other standard home gym equipment.
Just make sure you have enough floor space to accommodate the adjustable bench and the rest of the LeverGym. It is a big machine with overall dimensions of 81.4 x 57.5 x 81.7 inches.
Fully Adjustable Bench
Not only is the bench fully detachable from the gym (as mentioned above), but it is also a fully adjustable weight bench.
Of course, any good bench needs to cover all ranges of motion from complete decline to a 90-degree upright position; luckily, the WorkBench LeverGym does this brilliantly.
The bench can also be adjusted to move forward and backward along the horizontal plane, so no matter how long or short your limbs are, the bench is easily adjusted to fit your body.
Not many benches offer this much adjustability, and it’s great to see Powertec have nailed this.
The adjustable bench allows you to do incline bench press, incline chest fly, decline bench press, and other flat bench press alternatives.
Expandable Accessories
Even though you can perform over 40+ exercises on the system alone, after a while, you might wish to freshen things up a little by introducing one of the Powertec LeverGym accessories, such as the WorkBench Leg Curl Attachment.
These come at an additional cost, but I strongly recommend the upgrades if you have the budget.
A personal favorite of mine is the Powertec LeverGym Pec/Fly attachment.
Its smooth movement helps you isolate the pectoral muscles, helping you develop a well-rounded chest. It also fits seamlessly onto the bottom of the Powertec WorkBench.
LeverGym Advantage
Powertec claims that the lever arms create "the smoothest motion in any weight training machine," and they aren't lying.
The machine's movement feels fluid with no jolting or shaking; it’s the closest you’ll get to lifting free weights.
The Powertec lever arms have a built-in safety stop; this allows you to train to failure without needing a spotter.
This is the ideal situation for a home or garage gym as you don’t have to worry about being crushed by the weight you’re lifting.
Working your muscles to failure (or close to) is vital for maximizing muscle growth in your home garage gym.
Iso-Lateral Pressing Function
This home gym system has a brilliant function that allows you to use the bench press bilaterally (together) and isolaterally (singly) with each leverage arm.
But why does this matter for you? - Switching the pressing function to an iso-lateral movement allows you to train the pectoral muscles individually.
This will help iron out any imbalances in the muscles as each side of your chest has to work independently to each other.
You’ll undoubtedly notice a difference when you switch to this mode; all you need to do is remove the support pin, and you’re good to go.
Squat Bar Attachment
Most home gym multi-gyms neglect the leg muscles; however, the LeverGym has a squat bar with built-in neck support for when you want to squat 500lbs.
As we all know, squats are one of the best ways to build strength in the lower body.
Being able to squat on the LeverGym is thanks to the cleverly designed WorkBench that can be removed easily, as mentioned earlier in this Powertec WorkBench LeverGym review.
Onboard Plate Storage
Storing your Olympic weight plates between use can be problematic, nothing worse than tripping over a 10kg plate that’s been left on the floor.
Luckily, Powertec has addressed this problem, and the LeverGym comes with onboard plate storage.
You can now store your spare weighted plates on either side of your LeverGym machine.
If you decide to upgrade to the WorkBench weight rack (around $230), then you’ll have more than enough place to keep your Olympic weight plates, helping you keep your garage gym tidy.
Excellent Warranties
The gym comes with an excellent warranty that will cover your machine if anything happens to break (which is unlikely).
A lifetime warranty is provided on the LeverGym’s structural frame (excluding the paintwork), and there is a 5-year warranty on all moving components.
Other parts such as the bearings, locking pins, cables, pulleys, and slide rods come with a 2-year warranty. At the same time, Powertec provides a 1-year warranty on the pads and grips.
Either way, the machine is extremely well built, and I doubt you’ll need to use the warranties.
Comparing LeverGym With Other Powertec Models
Powertec LeverGym Vs Multi System
The Powertec LeverGym is the younger brother of the Powertec Multi-System in every way, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
The Multi-System will set you back around $2100, while the LeverGym will come in around $600 less.
Factor in the need to buy Olympic plates to accompany both machines, the price can quickly rise. So if you’re on a budget, then the LeverGym will be more appealing.
The LeverGym has a smaller footprint and will take up less space when it comes to size, so if you’re looking for something more compact, then the Powertec LeverGym will be the machine for you.
However, the Multi-System has a great feature that the LeverGym doesn’t; it supports up to three people training simultaneously on the machine.
This is a HUGE bonus if you ask me, especially if you enjoy training with family or friends.
Powertec LeverGym Vs Multi Press
When it comes to comparing the Powertec Levergym to the Multi-Press, the LeverGym comes out on top.
The Powertec Multi-Press is purely a pressing station that will allow you to work just your upper body.
While the LeverGym will support full-body workouts, which are far superior to just working your upper body.
While the Multi-Press will save you around $400 compared to the LeverGym, I can’t help but think it’s worth paying the extra money and getting the LeverGym (which is a home gym in one machine).
However, if you’re looking for solely a pressing machine, then you won’t go wrong with the Multi-Press; like all Powertec equipment, it’s excellently designed and very well built.
If you're interested in learning more about this press machine, check out our review of the Powertec Multi Press here!
Comparisons With Similar Home Gym Brands
Powertec Workbench vs Body-Solid GLGS100P4 Leverage Gym
The Body-Solid GLGS100P4 is a close competitor of the Powetec LeverGym for a good reason.
Body-Solid has created an excellent all-around multi-gym that not only has a space-saving design but will provide you with a full-body workout ranging from squats to bicep and hammer curls, much like the LeverGym.
Both products have great features such as resistance band pegs and a removable bench.
Still, I’ve found that the LeverGym’s iso-lateral lever arms are far superior to the bilateral movement of the GLGS1004.
When it comes to price, the GLGS1004 will cost roughly $2000, while the LeverGym averages around $1500.
These prices are just for the base machine; Olympic plates need to be bought on top of these, so the LeverGym is more attractive and will save you money.
While both the LeverGym and GLGS1004 are some of the best home gym machines I’ve seen, I can’t help but feel the LeverGym would be the best option.
Not only does it save you money, but it offers a better workout using their iso-lateral lever arms.
Powertec is one of the best brands in the home garage gym business, and the LeverGym will be a perfect addition to any home garage gym space.
Frequently Asked Powertec LeverGym Questions
Do you need weights for the LeverGym?
Yes, the gym requires Olympic weighted plates to be bought separately. These can be added to your purchase of the LeverGym machine, or you’ll be able to provide your own weights.
How much does the Powertec WorkBench bar weigh?
When unloaded, it will provide around 30lbs of resistance. This will be enough maybe for a beginner, but you'll quickly find you'll need to add additional weight to the bar.
Where is Powertec manufactured?
While Powertec is based in Southern California, they produce all of their machinery in a dedicated factory in China. Now don’t let this put you off buying the machine, Powertec has been making products for over 10 years now from their manufacturing plant in China, and the quality is getting better each year.
What colors does the LeverGym come in?
Powertec produces the LeverGym in two colors, black or yellow. The color you have probably seen is the yellow variation, the most popular color out of the two. Personally, I love the black color; it's more discreet and would look much better in my garage.
Is it easy to assemble this home gym?
Assembly is straightforward. The only downside is that it will take a few hours to build, depending on how experienced you are at putting machinery together. According to the Powertec LeverGym manual, you’ll only require a few basic tools such as an M6 Allen Wrench, a wrench set, and an 8” Adjustable Wrench. However, if you want to speed things up, you may wish to use some power tools.
Powertec WorkBench LeverGym - Our Ratings
Workout Versatility
7.0
Value For Money
8.5
Ease Of Use
10.0
Ease Of Assembly
9.0
Materials & Durability
10.0
Overall Rating
8.9
Conclusion
In summary, the Powertec LeverGym is a great machine that will be an excellent addition to your home gym.
Its extensive range of exercises will enable you to work every muscle in your body just using this system alone.
If you’ve been looking for a compact, robust, and versatile multi-gym, then the LeverGym is an excellent option for you; it’s worth its weight in gold.
References:
- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1141981/Powertec-Wb-Ls14.html?page=1#manual
- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1141981/Powertec-Wb-Ls14.html?page=4#manual
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6383082/
Last Updated on September 11, 2024
