Powertec?

[cypherslock]

Just curious if anyone had any experience with this:

http://www.powertecfitness.com/product.php?id=workbench-levergym

I've been looking for a home gym and did a series of articles on various companies (I'm a writer). Tried bowflex and didn't like the price or the fact that I could put all the weight on and GO. No challenge. I've had the chance to go and try the above gym and liked both the fact that it is plate based AND is quiet. The price is right too. But I thought I'd ask here as well. I'm new BTW. :)

I'm currently in a two bedroom apartment, another reason for this instead of a power rack or mass amounts of dumbells. I don't want HUGE but definition and flexibility for Ninjutsu. That's my goal. Might as well look good right?

[JacktheThriller]

looks like decent stuff

[BMac]

Looks decent, but imo a power rack will give you the best bang for you buck...and just because you lift free weights doesn't mean your going to get huge

[cypherslock]

Yup I know. My other reason for this gym in particular is that while I work from home my wife works outside. As such when I would do my workouts, I would have no spotter. With this gym, I don't need one.

[RagingRandy]

This is what I have..... http://www.bodysolid.com/Home/item.cfm?id=249

The issue I have with it is that because it works off pivot points you are always lifting with an arc. At the time it seemed to be the safest choise as I workout alone. I am now in the market for a power cage.

[Baconbits]

Yup I know. My other reason for this gym in particular is that while I work from home my wife works outside. As such when I would do my workouts, I would have no spotter. With this gym, I don't need one.

You wouldn't need a spotter with a power rack either. Here's the one I have
http://www.treadmillfactory.ca/p-65-c-8-powertec-power-rack-set.html

The problem with the equipment that you are looking at and other ones that are similar is that is restricts certain movements based on your height. For example, if you are 5'10 or taller you will not get a full stretch on top portion of the lat pulldown. This is what I have found trying it out in the store. Best thing to do is to try it out first and see if it suits your needs.

[cypherslock]

Hey Bacon. That's the EXACT store we went to. Talked to a nice, knowledgeable chap named Mark. The thing with that is that the rack itself doesn't come with the bench (an extra $249). So that price is the rack on its own, whereas with the gym it comes with it. Weights in either case are extra, which is fine.

Curious as to how I wouldn't need someone to spot me with the rack? Are ALL home gyms to be avoided?

[O-Train]

For your living space and your needs I think the powertec setup would work well. A cage is too big and way too loud to use in an apartment. Which is why I'm waiting to invest in a home gym until after I buy a house.

[cypherslock]

Thanks! That's what I was thinking. I was in fact wondering at loudness but isn't the rack just a free standing structure? Loudness or lack thereof would come from me? I'm pleased that finally someone sees where I'm coming from and doesn't automatically say RACK. True I will be expanding my gym once a house is in the picture, but I tend to think this is a good start and one that is NOT a Bowflex at 3X the price. :)

[Baconbits]

For your living space and your needs I think the powertec setup would work well. A cage is too big and way too loud to use in an apartment. Which is why I'm waiting to invest in a home gym until after I buy a house.

Actually they are very similar in size:

Rack 60L x 48W x 82H

all in 1 94.5L x 56W x 82H

To O.P. The adjustable safety bars are your spotter in the cage and you are correct about the cage not coming with a bench, this allowed me to choose a different bench. I preferred a body solid bench over the powertec one. But like it's been said it really depends on your needs. I'm sure you'll have a great workout with either model. Just make sure to try out the all in 1 model in the store, especially the squat I found it very awkward. You have to start the exercise from the bottom of the movement, not the top.

[cypherslock]

Bacon, I did find that a bit weird, but I guess it makes sense in some way. I did like the way the gym fit me and how smooth it was. Also appreciated the fact that the salesman wasn't pushy. I mean we were there on that thing for at least an hour. Kudos. Any particular reason re: bodysolid bench?

[O-Train]

Yes, the noise would come from the way the equipment is used. I was thinking along the lines of if I was using a power rack vs. the powertec home gym which would be louder. Did you notice the squat bar on the powertec is rated at 300lbs?

Now that I look more I've noticed a couple things:
Powertec dimensions: L 94.5'' W 56'' H 82''
Power Rack (baconbits'): L 60" W 48" H 82"

Although you do have to consider using an olympic barbell which is 7 feet long. So a rack would basically take up a 10x10 room. Also the cost of the bar, collars and an adjustable bench plus any other necessary attachments. It's a tough call. The rack would be way more versatile and functional. The powertec home gym is smaller but you would still need to devote a lot of space to it.

I bet if you looked for a little while you could find a used rack setup for about the same as the powertec home gym. My honest opinion is that the powertec home gym would be good for someone looking to stay in shape or maintain their fitness. If you plan on getting serious about weight lifting then the rack is the right choice hands down.

[Baconbits]

Bacon, I did find that a bit weird, but I guess it makes sense in some way. I did like the way the gym fit me and how smooth it was. Also appreciated the fact that the salesman wasn't pushy. I mean we were there on that thing for at least an hour. Kudos. Any particular reason re: bodysolid bench?

The powertec bench is only rated for 600lbs (bodyweight + resistance)

The bodysolid bench I chose is rated for 1000lbs+ (bodyweight + resistance)
not that I would ever reach those numbers but a 200lb+ guy benching 350lbs+ is getting close to the powertec max rating

this is the bench that I chose:
http://www.treadmillfactory.ca/p-78-c-27-body-solid-flat-incline-decline-bench.html

only 10$ more than the powertec bench

[Big D]

I think O-Train and Baconbits summed it up real well.

Personally I would buy a rack.

[Baconbits]

My honest opinion is that the powertec home gym would be good for someone looking to stay in shape or maintain their fitness. If you plan on getting serious about weight lifting then the rack is the right choice hands down.

This ^^^

[cypherslock]

Not interested in hardcore BB more lean and defined muscle, not to mention flexibility. This would be for martial arts. Who knows though, maybe down the line I'd go more fully into BB. I'm happy in any case that I've actually received both sides of the debate here, as at other places I was chuckled at (to be polite). Glad I found this place. Of course I'll have other questions on supplements, but for now, this is GOOD.

[O-Train]

Couldn't you just get a couple adjustable dumbbells and an adjustable bench? Lets think about this for a minute. You need some functional strength for martial arts and everything else you mentioned isn't strength related (ie conditioning and flexibility). With some weight plates, 2 dumbbell handles, 4 collars and an adjustable bench you could do an awesome workout. Plus a lot of the exercises would engage your core muscles better than using the powertec home gym. If I were you this is what I would do. It takes up very little room, is a very cheap option and it's expandable in the future. You'll just need a couple rubber mats to cut down on noise and abuse to the floor.

[Baconbits]

Not interested in hardcore BB more lean and defined muscle, not to mention flexibility. This would be for martial arts. Who knows though, maybe down the line I'd go more fully into BB. I'm happy in any case that I've actually received both sides of the debate here, as at other places I was chuckled at (to be polite). Glad I found this place. Of course I'll have other questions on supplements, but for now, this is GOOD.

have you looked at this Tower 200

http://www.treadmillfactory.ca/p-1006-c-73-tower-200-get-bigger-stronger-and-faster.html

maybe it is suited more for your needs

[cypherslock]

Heard too many stories of that thing snapping/breaking. Thanks Big O (wait....) That is something to consider. I did look at Powerblocks as well but again they get expensive quick. I've found myself looking at weight sets of approx 300LBS or so.

[O-Train]

Heard too many stories of that thing snapping/breaking. Thanks Big O (wait....) That is something to consider. I did look at Powerblocks as well but again they get expensive quick. I've found myself looking at weight sets of approx 300LBS or so.

No need to get the expensive adjustable dumbbells. I know you can get spin lock dumbbells that would work okay. What I want to get are dumbbell handles with long olympic sleeves. So they would work with the olympic style plates with the larger diameter holes. Then get heavy duty locking collars to keep the plates from moving.

[O-Train]

2 of these
http://www.treadmillfactory.ca/p-246-c-21-cap-2-solid-20-dumbbell-handle.html

2 sets of these (spring collars should work well as long as they don't get stretched)
http://www.treadmillfactory.ca/p-799-c-21-olympic-spring-collar-pair.html

So that's about $104+tax.

Adjustable bench
http://www.treadmillfactory.ca/p-349-c-27-powerline-folding-multi-bench.html
$169

255lb weight set (plus one set of collars included which saves $10)
http://www.treadmillfactory.ca/p-865-c-18-255-lbs-olympic-weight-set.html
$200.00

This is all new too. You could get most of this stuff a lot cheaper shopping around on kijiji and/or used equipment stores. You would need more 5/10lb plates because the big ones aren't practical with the dumbbells. There may be a better set of plates out there, I didn't look around a lot.

Total cost: $463+tax (assuming 13%hst) just under $525

I bet used you could find everything for $3-400. Then you just add from there aka...barbell, floor mats, power rack etc...

[Baconbits]

To O.P. if you are still looking at the powertec leverage machine here's one for sale on craigslist

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/spo/2137681431.html

[cypherslock]

I am nice find!

[cypherslock]

Hey guys. Here's an update: I've since done some soul searching and talked to a very knowledgable guy at Fitness Depot (the owner actually), who also had a powertec, just about pros/cons etc. While I don't quite have the room for a full cage, he did recommend a squat rack: http://www.nlfit.com/product.asp?category_name=smith_machines&product_id=497. So I'll be getting that, bench: http://www.nlfit.com/product.asp?category_name=benches&product_id=132, free weights (olympic, 300lbs with barbell to start) and a set of U-90 stage one Powerblock dumbells. :) What he mostly talked about is the mechanics of the powertec machine, and since he owned one I listened. He also did me a solid back discounting the price of everthing (minus the powerblocks as that will be a bday gift) to under a grand. Bear in mind this is all brand new Northern Lights stuff, and while I could search more on kijiji and (not likely) Play it again Sports (unhelpful lot and prices not that great), I figured paralysis by analysis is no good. AND I'm getting a homeopathic food allergy test done on Monday so my diet will be changing as well.

I'm 34 years old, and a killer writer/marketer. Time to get the body in the same shape as my mind and get serious, because I see the alternative in some of my friends and ii ain't pretty. Ah the other reason I'm going with Fitness Depot is convenience. We're a two minute walk away from the store!

[O-Train]

Homeopathic food allergy test? You should try to track down the episode of Marketplace that focused on Homeopathy. I don't expect people to listen to me but I can't in good conscience allow someone to waste their money on a scam when I know better. Go to a real doctor.

[cypherslock]

Ok, thanks for the warning. Any opinion on the equipment? I may just opt for a straight power rack too, have to measure.

[O-Train]

Equipment looks good. Assuming the hooks and uprights on the squat rack are adjustable it should work well. Personally I would buy olympic dumbbell handles and some more light olympic plates over powerblock dumbbells. It would be cheaper and more versatile but would also take longer to switch between weights. Assuming the powerblock dumbbells are built well it's more an issue of personal preference.

[cypherslock]

I've actually took a loot at our space and versatility and am going with the power rack from the same company after all. Its actually narrower than the squat rack and I can do chin up from it as well. Got the first part which is the bench yesterday. Next comes the weight stand and olympic barbell. Then weights then power rack. Its staged to fit in the budget, but I'm pleased.

[O-Train]

I'm still a long way out from buying a home gym but I've got my eye on this little beauty: http://www.fitnessavenue.ca/item.php?id=263

[cypherslock]

Nice. I'm getting this : http://shop.fitnessdepot.ca/Zoom2/Zoom2.asp?style=NLPOWR. Part of the reason is that the fitness depot is literally right around the corner from my apartment and I've heard Northern Lights is an excellent company. And if the quality is good and a fair price (this one is 538$) I don't mind buying Canadian (as with Teksavvy internet) but so much of what we get here is priced so high... The weight stand is also northern lights.

Sounds like you've got more experience than me (judging by your avatar) I'm assuming the rack is good? The weight plates are olympic and the CAP brand. I just like the handholds, makes moving them around easier.

[O-Train]

Nice. I'm getting this : http://shop.fitnessdepot.ca/Zoom2/Zoom2.asp?style=NLPOWR. Part of the reason is that the fitness depot is literally right around the corner from my apartment and I've heard Northern Lights is an excellent company. And if the quality is good and a fair price (this one is 538$) I don't mind buying Canadian (as with Teksavvy internet) but so much of what we get here is priced so high... The weight stand is also northern lights.

Sounds like you've got more experience than me (judging by your avatar) I'm assuming the rack is good? The weight plates are olympic and the CAP brand. I just like the handholds, makes moving them around easier.

It looks like a good rack. The spring-loaded pins will make it easier to adjust the hooks and safety bars. Looks like there are a lot of adjustment heights too. That can be a big advantage if you get more serious about lifting. Especially with bench press because you can set the safety bars so that with a good arch the bar can touch your chest without hitting. Then if you get stuck you can go flat against the bench and dump the bar without crushing yourself. It allows you to lift heavy and go to failure w/o a spotter.

The guy in my avatar is 3x Mr. Olympia Sergio Oliva. One of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. I look nothing like him :).

[cypherslock]

What does it mean when on the sales page they say "11-14 gauge steel construction"? Is that good? bad? And what would you say the weight limit on it is? I'll phone the company tomorrow but it is odd they're so....sparse with things compared to the one you're getting. Although I did have a chance to check out the half and squat racks in the flesh and the bench is very solid so I'm pretty sure I'm going with the right company.

[O-Train]

What does it mean when on the sales page they say "11-14 gauge steel construction"? Is that good? bad? And what would you say the weight limit on it is? I'll phone the company tomorrow but it is odd they're so....sparse with things compared to the one you're getting. Although I did have a chance to check out the half and squat racks in the flesh and the bench is very solid so I'm pretty sure I'm going with the right company.

Gauge refers to the thickness of the steel. Lower number = thicker steel and in this case 14 gauge is about 2.1mm thick and 11 gauge is about 3mm thick. The rack will be more than strong enough. If I were you I would be more concerned in knowing what the bar is rated at. What are your 1 rep max numbers for squat and deadlift?

[cypherslock]

Uh...none? I'm just getting started. The most I used to do with weights was with a small set of dumbells and an old York bench. As far as the rating on the bar goes I'll have to find out. Its an olympic 7 foot 45 lbs bar so from what I've read very high quality.

[Talo]

If I was you I would get a cage that has the pins ( safety and placement) that you can pull out instead of the spring loaded ones. We have a spring loaded one at work ( like the one you posted ) and I have one at home where you can pull the safety pins out and it is much more convient if you can take them out.

Just my .02

[cog]

I have the Powertec with the pins you can pull,I was able to add that reverse hyper platform to it with very little cost.

[cypherslock]

Hey O-train: the bar is rated to 300 pounds maybe a bit more. The full-on lifetime pro bar is 300$ and that's more then I'm looking for right now as I'm just starting up. So that bar should keep me for a while. And once I'm done, there's always Kijiji...