Powertec Workbench Levergym Ultimate Guide – 2024
Last updated on April 5th, 2024 at 09:39 am
I’ve owned and used the Powertec Workbench Levergym in my garage gym since 2017. In the 5+ years I’ve owned it, I have done damn near everything you could think of with this bad boy. All the basics, RDLs, stupid stuff like leg presses, building a belt squat, modifying it to do machine pulldowns and triceps dips, seated leg curls and much… much… MUCH more.
Here, after literal thousands of reps, sets, and workouts… hours of contemplating, experimenting, researching, and building… is my comprehensive guide for the Powertec Workbench Levergym.
Key Notes
The Powertec Levergym was used more often than any other piece of equipment in my gym, outside of my plates. It is one of the best investments you can make for your garage gym.
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I think the Powertec Workbench Levergym might honestly be the most feature rich piece of equipment for the space and budget. You can get crazy creative, but even with the basics, it opens up a TON of options. It isn’t perfect, but adding one of these to your gym is very likely going to revolutionize your space and not destroy your savings or eat up a ton of real estate.
Powertec Workbench Levergym Reviews
Watching/reading these will cover the VAST majority of my thoughts on the unit and the attachments I’ve owned. Pros and Cons, the good and bad, things I thought Powertec should change, etc.
You can check out the written version of the 1+ Year Review as well.
I also owned the Powertec Workbench Leg Press Attachment. It was bad, like, really bad. VERY unstable, very hard to set up, terrible strength curves, bad range of motions… I have almost nothing good to say about that piece. It has potential, and their newer model MIGHT be better, but the one I owned was a waste of space. I bought it used, sold it after a month or so, and never looked back.
I have heard VERY mixed feedback on the fly attachment. Some like it, some hate it. YMMV.
You can also check out a few reviews from my friends here:
Thoughts Since Publishing Reviews
Since publishing those reviews, I’ve changed out my Powertec bench for a Hoist 7 Position FID Bench. I snagged this used, with an accessory storage piece (I don’t use) and the Leg Curl/Ext Attachment. The bench itself is MUCH better than the Powertec bench I had. More stable, more firm, better attachment, better adjustments, all around better.
The downsides are that my Powertec model doesn’t play well with this bench. It works perfectly fine for flat bench, pulldowns, low rows, and other basic items like that. It DOES NOT work well for incline, decline, or overhead press with the lever arms. Right now, this is a trade-off I’m willing to make simply because the old Powertec Bench sucked, but it does sting a little to lose a chunk of exercise options.
The key to the bench working is the ability to SHIFT forward and back. The only benches I have found that do this, are the benches designed for similar levergym units, as they are created specifically for their needs. You can mimic this by adding and removing mats under your bench to get it into correct angles, but honestly, that is just stupid. This is a big con of the Powertec Workbench Levergym, not being able to leverage a high quality adjustable bench from anyone else.
Older Models of Powertec Workbench Levergym
If you are looking to snag a used Levergym, there is a MAJOR design differences in older units.
The oldest model had the bench permanently attached to the Levergym. It swiveled out of the way to the side, but it was permanently attached. In the picture below you can see it. See how the bench has no feet, no front support, etc? It is because it is locked into the unit, so no need for additional support throughout. This isn’t a breaking point personally, as my bench rarely leaves the Levergym. But it does mean you now have a permanent attachment. So if you planned to use your bench for DB work, move it around, whatever… that isn’t going to happen.
These have come in black, yellow, red, and I believe a grey color over the years. Each likely has some small differences in function, and then you have to figure out if the older model bench will accept any of the new model attachments.
Bench
On the newer models the bench detaches. It is its own entirely independent FID bench. This includes my 2014 model, as well as the current model. They have made some changes since first introducing the independent models which I will note below. So if you are looking for a used model, just know that they aren’t all the same, that there was a point in time where they had a BIG change in design, and that the newer the model is, the more likely it is you have all of the best little odds and ends. But a solid deal on an old model, can still be a solid solution.
Current Model Levergym
My unit is the 2014 Powertec Levergym. This matters, because their newer units have some improved features, directly influenced by my reviews (and others).
So if you are looking at the newest model, as of September 2022, the biggest changes are:
- They made the weight horns slightly angled. This means plates have a lower chance of sliding around.
- They added additional adjustment options for the lever arms. This is BIG if it works well, because that was a big issue I had with mine, you tend to find yourself somewhere in between the right setting.
- Their weight storage hooks on the unit itself appear to be redesigned, hopefully allowing more ROM for the arms in the lowest positions.
- They added band pegs!
- The bench has seen a pretty drastic redesign. Hopefully for the better.
There are some other changes, like they chromed out the weight horns (not sure why), but from what I can see, those are the notable ones. Number 2, 3, 4 and 5 are DIRECTLY from my review, and I hope they’ve addressed them correctly, because if they have, the Levergym starts to creep into the a near perfect design (taking into consideration what it is, of course).
If you want to watch their official video, check it out here:
Extra Purchases
The cool thing about the Levergym, is that it is pretty welcoming of just about anything you can toss at it. The unit comes with an extension chain, which is great to use for various cable exercises (if you buy used and it doesn’t, hit up your local home improvement store for about a foot of chain). Grab some extra carabiners (I get mine typically from McMaster Carr), your favorite cable attachments, and you are ready to party.
Most of the “hacks” require minimal hacking, maybe an extra horse stall mat or two, a cable cuff, and some chain… It is typically connecting one piece of the gym, to another, to the squat bar, to the bench, whatever it might be. You only have to get crazy if you start getting into some of the hacks I mention below.
I do like the addition of Fat Gripz to my pressing workouts, as I find it takes the strain off the wrists. But this is likely only for bigger athletes. With the newer model, you’ll want to grab some bands. I currently use Rogue Monster bands, but they are pretty much the same from every company.
The one attachment I really liked, if you are keeping the bench, is the Leg Lift-Curl Attachment.
Really, your additional purchases are largely going to be focused on plates, attachments for the bench, and then cable attachments.
Hacks
The Belt Squat is probably the most requested attachment option from Powertec, that they do not make. So, myself, and others, have created their own. I have multiple videos on my YouTube detailing the process and progress of working through this hack, but ultimately landed on the below. I believe Carter’s Belt Squat is better, assuming you have the parts.
A 4 part series from Home Gyms Hacks and Reviews covers a LOT of potential options.
The two biggest legitimate hacks I’ve done personally, and continue to use, are the machine pulldowns and triceps dips. These are super easy to set up and execute. For the Machine Pulldowns, it is adding the Squat Bar, and connecting it to the top cable via an ankle cuff, then load up the cable like normal.
You can use chain, a strap, or a number of options here. The triceps dip machine I had to be able to stand where the squat bar would be, so I rigged up to chains to my 2 Proloc 2 Collars, and attached one each to the weight horns on the lever arms. There is a bunch of options here as well, so get creative.
Other Options On The Market
If I’m looking today for a unit that does what the Levergym does, I have a few potential options.
Body Solid
I can snag the Body Solid Corner Leverage Gym.
This thing is pretty dang close, a bit cheaper, and from remarks around the internet, Body Solid addressed a few of my concerns that Powertec hadn’t originally. It does NOT have iso-lateral arms, and some of the finer items are different. I’m not the biggest fan of the round tubing, mostly because it doesn’t match ANYTHING ELSE in the gym, and the red color is far from my favorite either. Only one color option I think is insane, but here we are. This unit overall, is obviously, the same exact concept, just with a few different tweaks.
Hoist
You could snag an all-in-one like a Hoist V Series.
These are about double the pirce, but have built in stacks and other options that certainly take it up a notch. You can get leg press attachments that work through the stacks, and adjustments and switching between exercises takes seconds. There is the pro/con of these units having the seat built in. It means you can have whatever bench you want, but it means you can’t “hide” your adjustable bench with the unit. Body Solid has a number of similar offerings, as does Inspire Fitness. Keep an eye here on the weight of the stacks and the pulleys. Some will be INSANELY weak and not suitable for bigger lifters.
Inspire
Speaking of Inspire Fitness, the FT2 should be included in this discussion.
It is close to 3x the cost of the Levergym, but damn if it isn’t an awesome piece. Dual adjustable cable columns for triceps, biceps, crossovers and other good stuff. A DUAL cable low row and DUAL cable high pulley that will allow you to do iso-lateral rows and pulldowns, and with a quick addition of a clip, you can use BOTH stacks for some heavy unilateral work.
It also has a Smith Machine, which when we are talking about accessory work, is an awesome option for legs, chest, back, etc. You can get a bench with a couple of attachments as well. And all of that, including the Smith and the bench attachments, run off the stacks. This means quick adjustments, easy options for multiple athletes, and a ton of functionality in a small space.
Prime
If you want a more commercial level application, you can take the Prime Fitness Single Stack.
You trade the lever arms for an adjustable cable column, but still get a small high and low cable footprint with a ton of options. They make a plate loaded, but I’d personally opt for the stack. Stack means quick adjustments. They also have a handful of attachments for the unit, and because it is 3×3 tubing with 1inch holes, you can purchase items like a Dip Attachment, Chest Pad, and other options to add some versatility to the unit.
Prime is always working on something, so expect to see some new features out of this option too. This will run you pretty high on the budget, so certainly not a cheap option.
Jammer Arms
Jammer Arms are something that came out and people THOUGHT they’d be a solid replacement for something like the Powertec Levergym. The problem was that they were expensive, weren’t very adjustable, and felt pretty forced. Basically, you took a power rack and added arms, but that wasn’t even close to a levergym. Since they dropped, they gained traction in their adjustability with the various articulating handle options as well as the trolley systems available. The price is still pretty outrageous, but it is at least still somewhat cheaper than the Levergym.
Solutions
There are two options that I would say are addressing the final piece to the puzzle. You can buy an aftermarket piece from Vendetta Strength that allows you to adjust the starting position without having to use some of the crazy configurations that DKJ Fit does.
And StrayDog Strength has their GOAT attachment. These are essentially short lever arms with the Vendetta Strength piece built in. They can be used for a number of things. Leg curls, leg extensions, and MUCH more.
Buy two and you have yourself a party!
Variations
Both of these options let you do decline, flat, incline, various row options, and more. There is actually a TON of opportunities for this because you can attach a Bulldog Pad, dip attachment, do GHDs, etc off of it. Legit, a ridiculous amount of options could come from this. You are still not getting the cable set-up that the Levergym offers, but we are starting to get into the realm of possible options to compete with the Levergym.
Personally, I’m not a fan of having everything on my rack, in my face, 24/7… But this is a suitable option for those with big racks or very tight spaces that can’t own a dedicated piece but CAN add a little something to their rack. I’ll add that a LOT of people buy Jammer Arms hoping they’ll be awesome, and then are let down. Adam at Garage Gym Lab said on a recent live chat I did with him, that his Jammers are mostly used as a flying pull-up rig. They stay in the upright position.
Powertec Workbench Multisystem
Powertec makes another model of the Levergym, called the Multisystem, that is MUCH bigger. It has multiple stations, built in squat and pulldown options, and more. It is nearly double the price, and the footprint is tough to swallow, but this unit is BANGING in terms of function.
Powertec Workbench MultiPress
Say you ONLY wanted to leverage arm features, without the cable function. Powertec makes this too in their MultiPress unit. Personally, the Levergym is only a little more expensive, so I don’t see many people opting for this route. BUT if you had a cable option already that you preferred, this is a viable option to get that added functionality.
The bench is BUILT IN to the unit permanently, but the bench still accepts attachments. The unit is a solid 10inches shorter in length (and since you need about a foot of space behind the Levergym to operate it the cable, this is a more “true” measurement of length, which means you are actually using close to 2 feet less space). This unit could potentially be placed flat against a wall, though the design doesn’t appear to be corner friendly.
Non-US Options
As always, I am a US based lifter, so the majority of my knowledge is based on US equipment. That said, there are a number of options if you are outside of the US. I would check the above mentioned, as well as the following:
Brute Force RAPT Leverage Gym
This bad boy looks pretty beefy. Their site claims it ships worldwide, which is interesting. Certainly one to check out.
ATX Triplex Multi-Gym
ATX is well known around the other side of the world for making some fantastic equipment. They also seem to have no issues grabbing what works from others, and making it their own. The ATX model looks to be a slightly different design in a few areas.
I do not have any experience with either of these units, nor have I seen anyone comment or provide any feedback on them. So make sure to do your research.
Overview
There are a TON of all in ones, and various options that mirror what I’ve listed above. REP Fitness now makes the ARES. HOIST makes a similar offering to the FT2. ForceUSA makes their All In One Trainers, which Prime does as well. Just about every major rack manufacturer and a few custom options are available for Jammer Arms and accessories. The key is to always explore your space, budget, and programming to see what would get used the most and fit well. I loved my Ironmaster Bench and Accessories when I didn’t have a dedicated space. But the Levergym wins hands down for a dedicated spot.
You can check out some other options in my Cable Machines write up.
Other Powertec Levergym Resources
I am not the only one putting out details on the Powertec Levergym. You’ve seen some referenced above, but let me formally introduce them (and some others) below.
Home Gym Hacks and Reviews is consistently putting out… you guessed it… home gym hacks and review videos. On Instagram and on YouTube, he covers everything from Ironmaster, to Powertec, to dipping into specialized machines. He is a bodybuilder doing a lot of DC Style work, but his gym is pretty expansive and continues to grow and develop. If you are looking for some details on Powertec, he has a LOT of great insights, workout routines, and more.
The Carter Home Gym does a lot of workout videos, but one of his favorite pieces of equipment is his Powertec Levergym. From painting it, to setting up a belt squat, to digging into exercise options.
Radio 1399 has a couple good videos on the Levergym as well, including details on why he sold his unit.
And Lulu & DoDo has this solid playlist of hacks. Some aren’t exactly my favorite, but they are creative and potential solutions for YOUR needs.
Final Thoughts
When I first started planning my home gym, the Powertec Workbench Levergym was on that list. This was back in ~2009. It was one of the best options for the price at that point. I don’t think much has changed today with that statement. There are more options, there are different options, and the Powertec model has been upgraded multiple times over.
But the unit is still one of the most power packed items on the market. I’ve seen it receive praises from beginners to equipment snobs. It does get the occasional black mark, but I believe that is often from people who are well over 6ft tall or have the ability to stack their gym full of dedicated commercial pieces. For everyone else, the unit offers a tremendous amount of opportunities, whether you are doing the basics or creating mods, hacks, and new exercises.
I will always hold that this is one of the single best investments you can make for your gym. Anything that would potentially take it’s spot in my gym is going to have to pack a serious punch.
The biggest question at the end of the day is…
should you buy this? While I can’t answer that question for you, as you need to evaluate your space, your budget, and your goals/programming… I do highly recommend the Powertec Workbench Levergym. I would love to take the newest model for a ride and compare it to my older model. But the older models do a pretty damn good job. If you have the budget, the space, and the appetite for the Levergym, do it. Pull the trigger. The ability to add SO much in such a small space, with near limitless load potential, customization options, and at a VERY reasonable price, is just something I haven’t seen done any better by any other company.
If you have any questions, thoughts, videos, hacks, or ideas to add to this guide, let me know below in the comments.
Where To Buy
If you’d like to purchase the Powertec Workbench Levergym, the links provided will give me a small percentage of the sale. I appreciate your support.
You can grab the Powertec Workbench Levergym from this link.
I would definitely consider the Leg Curl/Extensions Attachment.
Depending on your space and needs, take a look at the Preacher Curl and Pec Fly attachments as well.
Joe Gray
My name is Joe Gray - aka Gray Matter Lifting - and I've been lifting at home since 2013. In that time I've built a badass gym, deadlifted over 600lbs, helped grow r/Homegym to over 1 Million subscribers, created the Garage Gym Competition and written a ton of posts here on this site. I love the Garage Gym Community... If you do too, I hope you stick around.
One Comment
Carter
This is everything you need to know to make an informed decision on purchasing the Powertec Levergym! It really helps a lot of people who’d otherwise spend hours scouring the internet researching the Levergym. Joe has done the leg work and put it all in one place. Excellent work!