For me it comes down to a space maximizing formula. For my style of lifting Squat Rack + Jammer Arms beat out a power tech and separate squat rack. Home gyms are all a game of most value per square foot available, no right answer! Thanks Mike!
They both seem great. One thing I think is in the favor of the lever, arms and power rack setup is the fact that you can get additional accessories for a power rack like a belt squat. I recently got a mammoth belt squat from fringe sport and it's my new favorite piece. I've never been able to squat comfortably before. Something that seems to be precluded in a lever gym.
I have lever arms and the Levergym, and I will take the Levergym over it anyday. The lever arms can be a nuisance because they don’t have starting resistance (in my case). I now only use them as an extension of my power rack to hold the monolift rack attachment for benching and rowing motions. The price point too of the lever arms also just doesn’t justify the value to me of having them. This is all personal preference though for me.
Thanks for the comment. I think I might have missed what you were saying as the lever arms can be set exactly how your powertec is unless you're talking about some different variation of them.
@@hybridresistance I was referring to the starting resistance and the eccentric phase not really having it. It was a common complaint amongst the home gym community about lever arms not having a resistance curve unless there were resistance bands used or heavier weights used to get the same feeling as the traditional methods of lifting.
@@sobutterysmooth I was just thrown off because any problem you'd have with rack lever arms would be less (because you can adjust the set point) compared to a lever gym since it's fixed. And I think you said you prefer the lever gym. I definitely understand the argument with the resistance curve being different, but there's numerous variables (not directed to you) that one could argue one is objective better over another. For me, if somethings hard and I'm feeling it where I want feel it (directed tension on muscle not joints) than it's a good exercise that I'll throw in the line up. Thanks for all the comments!
The powertec multipress is what interests me, as i am primarily interested in the system to safely perform pressing exercises. Ive heard that the angle feels more natural than the full lever gym. I know you didnt like the leg press, but i could see value in keeping that attached to a multipress and tuck that away in the corner as a full station to compliment my cable tower/half rack. A friend had lever arms for her rack and i was able to test them out, but the time and energy required to set them up was a non-starter for me.
@@markmurray5659 Yeah, but I have a cable system incorporated into my half rack, so the arms can't live there permanently. I need ones that you can set up and take off. It's just a lot of hassle and I know I wouldn't do it consistently.
@@RonMexico527 I've done two so far that I think are probably the best options here they are th-cam.com/video/DnutzpjqGAc/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/q1szuJxv0Do/w-d-xo.html
After watching this video Mike. The old Soloflex was the original lever arm gym, just with power bands. You could add free weights to some movements if I recall correctly. Too bad, they when out of business back in April 2023. That would have been a good video for you to do Mike. Wish someone would bring it back. It was way ahead of its time. A simple and elegant exercise machine.
I have a Soloflex in my family room primarily as a nostalgically iconic sculpture. It is beautiful imo, and I would never want to sell it, but it is not very useful since I can't find a good source for quality replacement bands, the bar is not fun to get under for bench presses, cannot do isolateral work, squatting is horrible and you must start at the bottom, among many other drawbacks. Bent over rowing is pretty good though.
Two questions. Why did you get rid of the GMWD lever gym before the Powertec? What's your opinion of the chest fly exercise? Specifically a machine chest fly. I'm leaning towards the GMWD leverage gym, but I like that the powertec only because of the leg and preacher curl capabilities. However, I can get GMWD leg, preacher curl, and chest fly machines for the same price as a Powertec machine
Great video, what are your thoughts on a Bowflex machine? I did a few exercises in a store one time and did not feel a burn or pump, I am definitely getting a sliding bench trainer, still trying to decide between a Total Gym Fit or a GR8Flex. Thank you Michael
I think everything you do so some damage with a Bowflex as it's more about the user than the machine, I personally feel there are better options out there that would give you more versatility for the footprint.
My experience with Bowflex machines is that they are limited and wear out over time (usually within 2 years with regular use), requiring you to buy more "power rods" which act exactly like resistance bands (which are significantly cheaper and last just as long). The number one complaint of Bowflex machine is that they are very limited in the ranges of motion for a lot of exercises and I agree with that, a lot of exercises need to be modified or the machine needs to be altered to get the most out of it. Keep in mind you can still get results off of a bowflex machine, but if range of motion or accurate weight for lifts is important to you; its likely you won't like it.
Fun video, think we'd all luv to hav both...my take, I luv Powertec style machines , so maybe I'm biased but (to me) it's the lever type gym, easy! Really, I would break it down to two types people...more hardcore lifters [may] do bettr w/ lever arms, cuz they already hav the rack/space....the "fit" lifter(or old, like me😂) prob navigate to lever gym. I think they're a happy combo of machine/free weight feel that I like. 🏋️♂️👍
In your home gym luck only the IM 2000 with all his option and the Force USA G3 V2 with all his option because it is important to have also smith machine and functionl trainer for doing all exercises in the world! This two with quantum trainer and Power tech levergym or Triplex Atx new are the best home gym equipement!
I still have my monster rack but just set up a Powertec multi station for my 13 and 15 yo strictly for the safety and simplicity. Love it.
I can see this being an excellent machine for that age.
For me it comes down to a space maximizing formula. For my style of lifting Squat Rack + Jammer Arms beat out a power tech and separate squat rack. Home gyms are all a game of most value per square foot available, no right answer! Thanks Mike!
100% Great comment as always
They both seem great. One thing I think is in the favor of the lever, arms and power rack setup is the fact that you can get additional accessories for a power rack like a belt squat. I recently got a mammoth belt squat from fringe sport and it's my new favorite piece. I've never been able to squat comfortably before. Something that seems to be precluded in a lever gym.
That says a lot for that mammoth belt! Thanks for watching Thomas.
I have lever arms and the Levergym, and I will take the Levergym over it anyday. The lever arms can be a nuisance because they don’t have starting resistance (in my case). I now only use them as an extension of my power rack to hold the monolift rack attachment for benching and rowing motions. The price point too of the lever arms also just doesn’t justify the value to me of having them. This is all personal preference though for me.
Thanks for the comment. I think I might have missed what you were saying as the lever arms can be set exactly how your powertec is unless you're talking about some different variation of them.
@@hybridresistance I was referring to the starting resistance and the eccentric phase not really having it. It was a common complaint amongst the home gym community about lever arms not having a resistance curve unless there were resistance bands used or heavier weights used to get the same feeling as the traditional methods of lifting.
@@sobutterysmooth I was just thrown off because any problem you'd have with rack lever arms would be less (because you can adjust the set point) compared to a lever gym since it's fixed. And I think you said you prefer the lever gym. I definitely understand the argument with the resistance curve being different, but there's numerous variables (not directed to you) that one could argue one is objective better over another. For me, if somethings hard and I'm feeling it where I want feel it (directed tension on muscle not joints) than it's a good exercise that I'll throw in the line up. Thanks for all the comments!
The powertec multipress is what interests me, as i am primarily interested in the system to safely perform pressing exercises. Ive heard that the angle feels more natural than the full lever gym. I know you didnt like the leg press, but i could see value in keeping that attached to a multipress and tuck that away in the corner as a full station to compliment my cable tower/half rack.
A friend had lever arms for her rack and i was able to test them out, but the time and energy required to set them up was a non-starter for me.
There's also jammer lever arms for power racks that swivel in other directions to assist in the arm movements for the pecs
@@markmurray5659
Yeah, but I have a cable system incorporated into my half rack, so the arms can't live there permanently. I need ones that you can set up and take off. It's just a lot of hassle and I know I wouldn't do it consistently.
That multipress does seem cool.
For lever gyms like Powertec, how can you train hip hinges?
You can, I just found them a little cumbersome and just a little off.
@@hybridresistance any plans to review budget friendly smith machines? Seems like happy medium to leverage gyms vs rack+barbells
@@RonMexico527 I've done two so far that I think are probably the best options here they are th-cam.com/video/DnutzpjqGAc/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/q1szuJxv0Do/w-d-xo.html
After watching this video Mike. The old Soloflex was the original lever arm gym, just with power bands. You could add free weights to some movements if I recall correctly. Too bad, they when out of business back in April 2023. That would have been a good video for you to do Mike. Wish someone would bring it back. It was way ahead of its time. A simple and elegant exercise machine.
If I ever can find one at a good price, I'll pick one up for sure.
i would also love to see a soloflex video
I have a Soloflex in my family room primarily as a nostalgically iconic sculpture. It is beautiful imo, and I would never want to sell it, but it is not very useful since I can't find a good source for quality replacement bands, the bar is not fun to get under for bench presses, cannot do isolateral work, squatting is horrible and you must start at the bottom, among many other drawbacks. Bent over rowing is pretty good though.
@@CurtFish Thanks for sharing this info.
To be fair I should add that shoulder presses (both seated and standing, bilateral as well as unilateral when facing sideways) are also strong points.
Two questions. Why did you get rid of the GMWD lever gym before the Powertec? What's your opinion of the chest fly exercise? Specifically a machine chest fly. I'm leaning towards the GMWD leverage gym, but I like that the powertec only because of the leg and preacher curl capabilities. However, I can get GMWD leg, preacher curl, and chest fly machines for the same price as a Powertec machine
Biggest reason was I liked the distance of the arms, being able to rack / unpack the arms. You also have more set points minus the high settings.
Great video, what are your thoughts on a Bowflex machine? I did a few exercises in a store one time and did not feel a burn or pump, I am definitely getting a sliding bench trainer, still trying to decide between a Total Gym Fit or a GR8Flex. Thank you
Michael
I think everything you do so some damage with a Bowflex as it's more about the user than the machine, I personally feel there are better options out there that would give you more versatility for the footprint.
My experience with Bowflex machines is that they are limited and wear out over time (usually within 2 years with regular use), requiring you to buy more "power rods" which act exactly like resistance bands (which are significantly cheaper and last just as long). The number one complaint of Bowflex machine is that they are very limited in the ranges of motion for a lot of exercises and I agree with that, a lot of exercises need to be modified or the machine needs to be altered to get the most out of it.
Keep in mind you can still get results off of a bowflex machine, but if range of motion or accurate weight for lifts is important to you; its likely you won't like it.
Fun video, think we'd all luv to hav both...my take, I luv Powertec style machines , so maybe I'm biased but (to me) it's the lever type gym, easy! Really, I would break it down to two types people...more hardcore lifters [may] do bettr w/ lever arms, cuz they already hav the rack/space....the "fit" lifter(or old, like me😂) prob navigate to lever gym. I think they're a happy combo of machine/free weight feel that I like. 🏋️♂️👍
Thanks for the insight there Joe!
Powertec wins out because of versatility and ease of combining both lever arms into a single unit.
Good point about the single unit. Completely slipped my mind and my preferred way of using the powertec.
For the jammer arms and QT 2 360, it's looks like it would be useful for knights back in the middle era 🤔
In your home gym luck only the IM 2000 with all his option and the Force USA G3 V2 with all his option because it is important to have also smith machine and functionl trainer for doing all exercises in the world! This two with quantum trainer and Power tech levergym or Triplex Atx new are the best home gym equipement!
All good stuff listed there and some stuff I'll be covering soon.