One of the main problems with having a home gym is finding the space for all of the equipment, but this is where the Powertec WorkBench comes in.
This Multi System leverage machine is designed for building muscle without needing to buy multiple machines.
This all in one workout machine allows you to work out every muscle in your body without leaving your house.
In this guide, we discuss everything you need to know in our Powertec WorkBench Multi System review.
- Pros & Cons Of The Powertec Multi System
- Powertec WorkBench Multi System Reviewed
- Unique Features Of The Powertec WorkBench Multi System
- Comparing With Other Powertec Models
- Comparisons With Similar Home Gym Brands
- Common Questions About The Powertec WorkBench Multi System
- Conclusion - Who Should Buy It?
Pros & Cons Of The Powertec Multi System
What We Like
What We Didn’t Like
Powertec WorkBench Multi System Reviewed
Powertec WorkBench - Our Ratings
Workout Versatility
7.5
Value For Money
8.5
Ease Of Use
10.0
Ease Of Assembly
8.5
Materials & Durability
10.0
Overall Rating
8.9
Specifications
Dimension (L x W x H) | 120.1 x 73.3 x 80.5 inches |
Weight | 445 lbs |
Footprint | 120.1 x 73.3 inches |
Total Resistance | Press: 500 lbs Lat: 300 lbs Squat: 500 lbs |
Warranty | Frame: Lifetime Moving Frame: 5 years Components: 2 years Grips and other parts: 1 year |
With over 12 single stations and the ability to perform over 20+ exercises, our Powertec Multi-System home gym review has much ground to cover.
Overall, I’ve found that this machine is an excellent choice of equipment for any home gym, particularly if you’re looking to build muscle and increase overall body strength.
The machine is suitable for all fitness levels as you manually add the weight you want to lift. Advanced users can lift up to 500 lbs, giving any lifter more than enough options to get a great workout.
The flexibility in exercise options is fantastic, but this uniquely designed piece of equipment was made for people who prefer machines over barbell lifting.
I’ve broken down this review into several sections.
Assembly & Maintenance
The machine itself comes delivered in 3 boxes with all of the necessary parts you’ll need to assemble.
While the Powertec WorkBench Multi-System manual states, you’ll require additional tools such as an M6 Allen Wrench, 8” Adjustable Wrench, and a Wrench set, you may wish to use some power tools to speed up the building process.
Each part fits together perfectly, and Powertec’s high-quality manufacturing process can clearly be seen on the machine.
The building process will take anywhere between 5 to 10 hours, and while this might seem like a long time, it’s worth noting that this machine is complex but definitely worth the build time.
For maintenance, please refer to the Powertec WorkBench Multi-System manual (page 4). (1)
Build Quality
Even though the Powertec WorkBench is manufactured in China, its build quality is something to be marveled at.
Its sturdy thick steel construction will make you feel like you could lift the world.
One particular feature that I love about the build quality is how smooth the movements feel when you perform each exercise, it’s like the weight is gliding.
As the machine runs so smoothly, it’s also extremely quiet.
You’ll find that you can have the WorkBench set up in your home gym, and your neighbors wouldn't even know about it.
When it comes to comfort, the seats and foam pads are comfortable and hard-wearing; you won’t be needing to change them anytime soon.
Overall I’m impressed with the machines quality; if you want something that will last, then this is the multi-gym you need.
Workout Experience
In my opinion, having a multi-functional workout machine in your home gym is a necessity. Not only does it save you space, but it gives you the most bang for your buck too.
You’ll also have a vast amount of exercises available to you all on one machine. The Powertec Multi-System exercises are as follows:
Unique Features Of The Powertec WorkBench Multi System
The Powertec home gym is an excellent investment for any garage gym. It’s relatively cheap considering what you’re getting, and it enables you to train your entire body.
Not all home gym equipment is worth the cost, but in our opinion, this one is certainly a worthy investment.
Even though this multi-system may take up some space, you won’t need any other machines as this does it all.
Trains the Whole Body
If you’ve been looking for a piece of home gym equipment that will work your entire body, then the Powertec WorkBench is the machine you need.
When I say it works your whole body, I mean it.
Whether you want to work your chest, back, legs, shoulders, arms, and even abs, you can.
Unlike many other multi-gym equipment, the Powertec model is built to lift heavy.
So no muscle will be left behind unstimulated at the end of your workout.
Multiple Users at Once
Due to the multi-station machine having many exercise options (over 20 as standard, more if you upgrade with some add ons), you can have up to three users on the machine simultaneously.
Your workout buddies will be able to join you during a grueling workout with ease.
Not many multi-systems can have several users at once, making the Powertec WorkBench Multi-System an excellent investment.
The only problem you might have with this is sharing your Olympic plates; you’ll have to ensure you have enough weight for all three users to get a good enough workout.
Customizable Accessories
So far, in this detailed review, we’ve established that the machine is exceptionally versatile, with over 20 exercise options available to you.
However, if you have the budget, you can purchase additional accessories such as a leg curl attachment, bicep curl attachment, lat tower, leg press, and more.
If that wasn’t enough, you could also purchase Olympic weight plate packages such as a 345 lbs set for around $700 and a weight rack for about $230.
While these accessories are outstanding, they can add up pretty quickly and will set you back an approximately $2000 extra on top of the Powertec Multi-System home gym price.
Adjustable Bench
When it comes to your workout routine, you’ll be pleased to know that the bench is fully adjustable so that you can hit your chest at various angles working your upper and lower pectorals.
This added function is an excellent addition to any home gym multi-system and is ideal for those who want a well-developed all-around physique, leaving no muscle lagging.
The Powertec Multi-System bench is easily adjusted thanks to its ball-bearing driven carriage, allowing you to adjust the seat and backrest pad to your liking.
Plate Loaded System
If you’re looking to build muscle and develop the physique you’ve always wanted, then you’ll need to lift enough weight to do so.
Many home gym equipment brands can fall short on the weight they provide with their machinery.
However, this is not the case with the Powertec WorkBench.
It has a plate loaded system that allows you to lift 500 lbs, which should be more than enough weight for you to train at home.
The only downside to this is that you’ll have to purchase Olympic plates if you don’t already own them, and they can be expensive.
But from my personal experience, plate loaded systems offer a better overall experience when compared to selectorized weight stacks.
Excellent Warranties
As far as warranties go, the Powertec WorkBench Multi-System’s warranties are rather remarkable.
Unlike other multi-gyms, Powertec offers a lifetime warranty on the structural frame and a 5-year warranty on moving parts such as the press arms.
They also go as far as including a 2-year warranty on the bearings, locking pins, cables, pulleys, and slide rods.
Other parts such as the pads and grips have a 1-year warranty which should be more than enough.
Overall, this machine is designed to last; it’ll be unlikely you’ll ever encounter a problem. But if you do, the warranties will have you covered.
With over 10 years of experience, the Powertec manufacturers know what they’re doing.
You can rest assured that the Powertec WorkBench Multi System has been produced to the highest standard.
Comparing With Other Powertec Models
WorkBench Multi System Vs LeverGym
Powertec has developed several multi-gym systems that are suitable for use at home.
The Powertec WorkBench Multi-System is an outstanding piece of equipment, but if you’re looking for something a bit smaller, then the Powertec Levergym could be the answer.
The Powertec Levergym is roughly 150 lbs lighter than the WorkBench Multi-System and has a much smaller footprint, so if your home gym lacks space, this is a great option.
Both machines use Olympic weighted plates, which you’re required to buy separately.
While this may be an extra cost, both machines allow you to lift 500 lbs, which is a staggering amount for home gym equipment.
If you’re on a budget, the Powertec Levergym will cost around $1500, about $600 cheaper than the Powertec WorkBench Multi-System.
As with the WorkBench Multi-System, you can purchase additional accessories for the Levergym to expand the Levergym’s capability.
If you can afford the WorkBench and have the space, you should invest in that model, but if you want to save some money, then you should check out the Levergym model.
WorkBench Multi System Vs MultiPress
One of Powertec’s other offerings is the WorkBench Multipress machine.
Like the WorkBench Multi-System, it’s very well constructed and looks great. It certainly will make a few of your friends jealous when they see that in your garage.
The MultiPress is basically the bench press from the Powertec WorkBench Multi-System, so as you can imagine, it’s a lot smaller.
It is primarily focused on just the pressing movements such as bench press and shoulder press. It’s hard to compare the two machines as the Multi-System is on a whole other level.
However, this could be an excellent option for you if you are on a budget as the MultiPress is roughly $800, saving you $1200 on the WorkBench Multi-System.
Comparisons With Similar Home Gym Brands
Powertec Multi System Vs Body-Solid StrengthTech EXM2500S
Body-Solid has created a great looking compact machine that will look great in your home gym or garage, the StrengthTech EXM2500S.
It’s slightly smaller than the Powertec WorkBench, so this could be a great option if you need to save space.
When it comes to resistance, the Body-Solid StrengthTech comes with a built-in weight stack of 210 lbs, so you won’t need to spend additional dollars on buying weights.
However, this is considerably lighter than the PowerTec WorkBench’s capacity, so if you need to lift heavy, the PowerTec is superior.
While the StrengthTech EXM2500S does offer numerous exercise options but leans towards upper body exercises. I’ve found that Powertec’s WorkBench has more options overall.
I like the WorkBench’s adjustable bench, which the StrengthTech EXM2500S is missing. You can read more in our Body-Solid EXM2500S review.
Both machines are around the $2000 mark, and I feel that the Powertec WorkBench outshines the EXM2500S.
The only downside to the WorkBench is that you’ll need to buy the weights to go with it.
Powertec Multi System Vs Body-Solid G9S Two Stack
The Body-Solid G9S Two Stack is a commercial-grade multi-functional piece of equipment that looks fit for any home gym.
Even though it’s almost the same size as the Powertec WorkBench, it seems more compact and will take up slightly less room than Powertec’s offering.
The G9S comes with 2x 210 lbs weight stacks, one of which the leg press uses specially designed pulley systems to turn the 210 lbs into 420 lbs.
This should be more than enough for the average person but is still less than the WorkBench’s 500 lbs capacity.
One standout feature is the GS9’s lifetime warranty for home use of this machine, which is pretty unheard of in the industry.
However, as good as the G9S is, it will set you back around $5000, which is extremely expensive considering you can buy the Powertec WorkBench for around $2000.
Powertec Multi System Vs Body-Solid Bi-Angular (G10B)
The Powertec WorkBench offers you the ability to perform 20+ exercises on its multi-system. However, Body-Solid has trumped this with their Bi Angular (G10B) home gym.
Although the G10B only has 6 stations and won’t support three simultaneous users as the WorkBench does.
The G10B machine is compact and smaller than the Powertec Multi-System WorkBench, ideal for a smaller home gym.
If you’re looking to lift heavy, then the WorkBench is probably the machine you want as the Body-Solid Bi-Angular gym only has 2 x 210 lb weight stacks included, which is less than what you can lift using the WorkBench.
Overall the G10B is a nice piece of equipment, but I feel that after a while, you may wish you’d invested in something that can provide you with more resistance.
Common Questions About The Powertec WorkBench Multi System
Is Powertec Multi System made in the USA?
Powertec is a US business based in Southern California. However, they have a large production plant in China that specializes in making these robust machines.
Does the Powertec Multi Gym come with weights?
No, the Powertec WorkBench Multi System requires you to purchase Olympic sized weighted plates. This is a good thing, as it allows you to use these plates to build up to 500 lbs, which would be hard to achieve on a weight stack.
Do the levers in chest and shoulder presses move independently?
The chest and shoulder press levers do move independently and can also move in unison. Powertec has a clever system of pins that allow you to lock and unlock the positioning of the levers, allowing you to adjust the height of the handles and how the levers move.
It’s nice having the option to work the chest and shoulder isometrically as generally, we all have one weaker side, so isometric work is always an excellent way to counter any muscular imbalances.
Does this home gym come with an exercise chart?
The Powertec Multi System exercise chart is available on the Powertec website. It contains video demonstrations of around 20 exercises performed by the world-famous bodybuilder Kai Greene who is a massive advocate of this machine. (2)
How much floor space do I need for this home gym?
Somewhere in the range of 12 to 13 feet should be plenty of room. The machines measurements are 80.5”(H) x 73.3”(W) x 120.1”(L). I would advise going roughly a few feet wider than the machine itself so that you can move around safely and freely. Even though Powertec describes this machine as compact, its design is quite large and robust to handle the huge loads it can lift.
How many people can work out on this machine at the same time?
You can have up to three people working out simultaneously. Even though you can perform up to 20 different exercises on this machine (as standard), it does utilize the same lever systems for various movements. If you require more than three people to use the machine, they can always work between your sets, giving you time to recover for your next one.
Conclusion - Who Should Buy It?
Powertec WorkBench - Our Ratings
Workout Versatility
7.5
Value For Money
8.5
Ease Of Use
10.0
Ease Of Assembly
8.5
Materials & Durability
10.0
Overall Rating
8.9
If you’re looking for an all in one multi-functional piece of equipment that’s robust and will allow you to lift a hell of a lot of weight, then the Powertec WorkBench Multi System is a great place to start.
It will set you back around $2000 but requires you to purchase Olympic plates (around $500-700), but once you have this in your home gym, I can’t see you needing much else. So really, it will save you money in the long run.
The WorkBench Multi-System is fantastic and is the perfect home or garage gym solution for people who prefer machines over free weights. If you want an all-in-one machine for the lower, core and upper body then this is an excellent choice.
References:
- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1264104/Powertec-Wb-Ms14.html?page=4#manual
- https://www.powertec.com/wpblog/workbench-multisystem-2/
Last Updated on September 11, 2024