Powerline by Body-Solid Vertical Leg Press

This was purchased because I can no longer safely do back squats after a neck injury but consider maintaining leg and hip strength crucial. The question always comes up of whether is this as good as back squats. The answer in my opinion is no but it is infinitely better than nothing. Great adjunct to front squats and deadlifts. Assembly is easy and very straight forward. Nuts and bolts were well marked and are quality. Seems very well engineered for a relatively inexpensive product. Years ago my first gym experience (a fireman's garage gym) had a vertical leg press and I still consider the vertical far superior to the angled presses or those silly leverage presses. The foot placement area is relatively small which I like. It forces you to press with the balls of your feet which is what you do in virtually every real life movement outside the gym. Just be aware of it. The only minor downsides to consider are; 1) the head rest is fixed so it becomes one size fits all (fortunately it works for me), 2) it is a little wobbly at the top which makes doing alternate leg presses a bit difficult. Neither are a big deal for me. And by the way- you don't need to buy a sleeve to make Olympic plates work. Just stick a small 1 inch plate on the bottom as a washer, make your own sleeves with pvc and pipe insulation(visit your local construction trash pile) or just use them as is. They aren't going anywhere.

This leg press is really good. I wanted something for home use that would not take up a lot of space. It was not hard to put together, just take your time and follow the directions. I am 5 foot 8 inches tall and I did not even have to use the pins it comes with to raise the bar. For bigger people though it does adjust to 3 different settings. I put 150 pounds on it and I could feel the burn doing 10 reps. Before I bought it, I was looking at the picture wondering if it was going to be well made, strong, and sturdy. It is! It can hold up to 400 pounds max weight which is pretty good for a vertical press. Remember, pushing the weight straight up is harder than those slant leg presses. You do have to buy the Olympic weight adapters separately though. That is my only complaint, who uses standard weights for a leg press? And yes, of course, if you are looking to leg press like 800 pounds or something you will need a more expensive press.

Ok, when I got this and opened the box, I thought "Oh boy, this isn't going to be worth a d*mn". First of all, the contents are just a jumbled mess inside the box - there's some styrofoam thrown in to protect the pieces from getting scratched and damaged, but it's pretty much styrofoam dust by the time it gets to you (which leaves a nice mess to be cleaned up). Secondly, the instructions are, well, pretty terrible. Not instructions so much as diagrams. Nonetheless, it isn't too hard to put together, and assembly should only take an hour or less. Once I got it together (without weights on it) and I heard how the tubes scrape and screech when raised up and down, I again thought I had just wasted my money. Another reviewer suggested greasing the tubes with bearing grease - don't do it - it will just make a mess. Besides, the "bushings" that the tubes slide up and down in, aren't tight enough for bearing grease to make any difference - there is too much "play". I removed the grease and applied a spray type "dry lube" with a rag - it goes on clear and makes the surface slick without leaving any type of mess. Needless to say, at this point and time I was still very worried about this purchase - that is until I actually used it in a workout. With the top loaded up with weights, I was SHOCKED at how smoothly the unit moves up and down when doing leg presses. I'm guessing it is because when you are pressing with your legs, the tubes apparently travel almost perfectly straight up and down, eliminating any side to side play and in turn any scraping. Not only is this unit GREAT for doing leg presses, it is equally as good for doing calf raises! Sure, there are some things that could be improved - it could use better bushings (real bushings, not just plastic sleeves) for the tubes to travel in, better instructions, better packaging, and another notch (or two) for the pin adjusters - but all in all, this is a GREAT option for home use that doesn't require much space!

I use this leg press every day and, for the money, it suits me just fine. I do not intend to lift extremely heavy loads and will stick mainly to higher repetion loads. For instance, 300 pounds seems to be a reasonable limit for me because beyond that the thing may become a bit wobbly, so I try to keep it in the 200 pound range and go for twenty or thirty repetitions instead of loading it up and grunting out heavier loads. Like I said, 300 pounds seems like a fair amount of weight. If you need to go heavier then you will want to consider heavier equipment. First, the thing squeaks loudly, but that can be easily remedied by applying some axle grease to the sliding bars. Second, I bolted a wooden 2x6 board the width of the unit to the existing foot plate so I could do wider stance presses. The footplate that it comes with is rather short and I simply wanted more variety in my foot placement options. Third, be aware that you will need to keep the stopper pins in your hands throughout the exercise repetions since you will need them to stop the descent once you are finished. If you don't have them handy and you tire out, be prepared to get squeezed into a tight little ball if you get stuck. It won't come all the way down on you, but it might make for an interesting exit if you have any size to you. Just be sure to keep the pins handy and practice a bit with them before starting out with heavy weights. Fourth, I took off the head rest it comes with as it was useless unless you fit perfectly, about 6'3" should do, but not so well for me at about 5'10". Otherwise, it tends to press and push the neck forward at a potentially painful angle. Don't even bother attaching it and just use a couple pillows instead. Finally, I bought some "olympic plate adapter sleeves" so I could use my olympic style plates. It just looks cooler with those big honking plates.

I just recently received this leg press and I will share the pros and cons: Pros: The price is the biggest pro since it is at least $100 or more less than other leg press machines. The workout it gives on the leg muscles is very good and it has the added benefit of doing calf workouts as well as upper thighs. Construction is solid and assembly is fairly easy. A set of socket wrenches and open end wrenches makes quick work of assembly. Cons: Even with lubing the lifting mechanism it still squeaks when doing lifts. The head rest is in a fixed position and at 5'10" it is too far from the back rest. I had to put padding in the space between the head rest and backrest to accommodate my head. Keeping the head up is an option and easy enough to do. Taller people or giraffes will likely not have an issue with this. One of assembled pieces did not line up with another piece so a bolt would not fit. I had to substitute a thinner bolt to secure the pieces. The pin system that locks the leg lift in place is not the best design. I find it awkward when I have to set the pins after doing lifts. A lever system would have been a much better and safer design. Overall it is worth the money. Some people said it hurt their back but so far I find it comfortable and supports the back. In time I may feel differently.

I LOVE THIS! I've used it 4 times now and I'm just sorry I did not get it long ago. It works your quads, hams, and glutts without putting a heavy weight on your back. It's also easy on my knees. Granted, if you're into very heavy weights this won't be for you. The squat rack and bar bell is the way to go there, but for a good and safe leg workout with decent weight, the leg press is the way to go! The construction is solid and it's pretty easy to put together. It is a little daunting seeing all the weight above your head when you're lying on your back, but I just take my time and keep the weight under control. One other thing is that I wish there was a setting just a little lower than the last setting for the peg stops and higher than just taking out the pegs. I did get some adapters to accomodate olympic weights. Watch your fingers when you put the weight on! I still love it.

I'm a long time weight trainer. Had this for several months now and it's a great leg machine. Not only can you work your quads but you can also work your calves via calf raises on this machine as well. I've noticed improved strength and size to my lower legs using this. I have multiple herniated discs, a recently healed torn ACL/ PCL (knee) and have sworn off squats and deadlifts. This machine offers complete lower back support, so there is no danger of injuring yourself. The more weight you add, the smoother it seems to become. Also, at first there was a squeaking noise as I pushed up and down, that was quickly resolved by spraying on some WD40. A tip to those who like variety: trying doing presses using one leg at a time...it's a great work out! Great investment.

Simple to assemble. Sturdy enough for mindful home use. At first the guide rods squeaked as I pressed the weight as others commented so I lubed them slightly with white lithium grease. No change, so I wiped it off. I later discovered that you have to position the hips exactly directly under the relatively small foot plate and press with the heels, which puts the toes way over the edge- no problem. Form and control should be used with any leg press but this one simply requires it for smooth operation and zero unwanted noise. In addition, on another subject; I clamped three thick planks to the existing foot plate so as to create the perfect starting position for me, resting on the pins in the bottom hole. After testing it out for a week I then drilled a fourth hole on both sides to correspond with the distance of those temporary planks to set my perfect starting point from the bottom. So far I have not used more than 200 pounds yet since I am getting used to the unit with sets of 20 or so reps. I also removed the short head brace and attached pad, since I am tall and the existing pad and brace restricted my neck. I put a large flat pad there instead (a thick folded towel would work too). I notice some stabilizer muscles along my internal abdominal region and ileopsoas getting a little extra work with this. It is mandatory that you keep your hips planted solidly so that your lower spine doesn't rotate upwards while you press. Vertical leg press stresses more leg biceps and glutes than quads. The actual range of motion is not as far as squats The knees are fine if you place your hips correctly. This unit seems to perform the vertical leg press function satisfactorily when used properly and with solid controlled form. Update March 2014: Started using it more. I got it to supplement my barbell squats when they got too heavy to do twice per week, or eight or nine days which is now. So I 've used this particular one seriously now several times: There is no squeaking or wobbling, but I have not used it with more than 300 pounds yet since I use it for sets of 20-30 and have just started working with it as part of my routine. You have to place your hips directly below where your heels rest on the narrowish foot plate. Give or take an inch; based on how you feel with your back rigidly against the opposite pad. I press the weight up with strict control as I grasp the round uprights/ guide rods (the outside tubes) as high up as I can and is comfortable. This helps provide a very firm support for the entire pressing motion. I don't know how this machine would hold up with 350-400 lb. But all the professional bodybuilders who I ever trained with always preferred a vertical leg press since it is more direct. By it's nature of pressing straight up you obviously can use half or less than half the poundage that you can use in a 45-degree or similar set up. But I like vertical leg presses because they keep you "in your seat" directly. The angled leg presses are hard to "stay put in", even if you use perfect form. Why waste force on staying grounded with your lower back against a pad when you can use that energy to do more reps etc.? Sure, I have heard of people dangerously rounding their lower backs by curling their hips inwards, but that is caused by using too much weight in the press. That is a result of pure ego and can be easily remedied by using the correct weight. Always be safe, effective and productive. Always progress with complete control with every set and rep you do.

De lo único de lo que me arrepiento es de no haberla comprado desde hace 15 años. De esas inversiones en la vida como ir a la universidad, aprender idiomas, etc que desde el minuto 1 solo redituan ganancias. El aflojatodo es obligatorio para engrasar las barras y eliminar el ruido, comprenlo al mismo tiempo. También las mangas para discos de 2 pulgadas. Las venden en el sitio del fabricante al precio más bajo que pude encontrar. Si eres de baja estatura y tus piernas no alcanzan a flexionarse al máximo, puedes añadir una tabla de 1 o 2 pulgadas de madera a la plancha de apoyo y sujetarla con un par de abrazaderas en C. El peso maximo que soportan es ideal para mantenerse en forma, no para romper récords olímpicos de halterofilia.

If you are looking for a good leg workout that doesn't take up a lot of room or cost a lot I would recommend this.

Lieferung: Die Lieferung ging sehr schnell habe Sonntag bestellt Montag wurde es Versandt und Dienstag kam schon die Spedition die mich auch vorher noch angerufen hat ob ich jetzt auch Zuhause sei und sie es Liefern können. Aufbau: nach dem auspacken aller Teile und dem vorsortieren ging der "Spaß" los. Die Anleitung ist eigentlich recht einfach zu verstehen man kann es auch ohne Probleme alleine aufbauen, ich habe ca 2 - 2 1/2 Stunden gebraucht hab aber auch manchmal 2 linke Hände bei sowas also es würde locker schneller gehen. Kleiner Tipp am rande, zieht alle Schrauben erst ganz zum Schluss wenn dass komplette Gerät fertig da steht richtig fest, denn wenn ihr vorher schon wenn ein Part fertig gebaut ist dort alle Schrauben festschraubt bekommt ihr andere Parts nicht mehr ran geschraubt weil dann die löcher durch das verziehen nicht mehr aufeinander passen und ihr dann denkt die löcher wären falsch gebohrt und ihr auch die ganzen Schrauben von vorher wieder lockern dürft was wie bei mir alles sehr viel Zeit gekostet hat. Beinpresse: Die Beinpresse an sich macht einen sehr soliden und stabilen eindruck, ist auch schön kompakt und klein gut für Homegyms. Man kann die Beinpresse entweder mit Gewichtsscheiben oder so wie bei mir auch auf den Bildern zu sehen mit Gummibändern "beschweren", es werden auch extra kleine grip aufkleber für die Gummibänder mitgeliefert die man oben auf die Stange kleben kann. Die Stangen die in der führung laufen, würde ich etwas einfetten denn ohne quitscht es ein wenig. Fazit: Ich bin sehr zufrieden mit der Beinpresse für mein Homegym, ja der Preis hat es in sich aber man bekommt ein solides Gerät wo man keine Angst haben muss dass gleich alles zusammenbricht. Und wegen der RoM ich bin 1,76 und ich komme ganz tief runter auf der niedrigsten Stufe, allerdings Leuten unter 1,70 würde ich es evtl nicht mehr empfehlen wegen der RoM.

Non sono un amante delle macchine per le gambe perchè nulla può sostituire lo squat. A causa di problemi a spalla e frequenti dolori ad un ginocchio, ho trovato questo prodotto. Devo dire che pure essendoci in commercio presse sicuramente migliori, il rapporto qualità/prezzo di questo attrezzo è imbattibile. Inoltre, è tra i pochissimi attrezzi che si possono caricare anche con dischi da diametro di 25mm. Chi ha quintali di pesi così capisce il vantaggio di non dovere ricomprare qualche quintale di pesi da diametro superiore. I 180kg di carico massimo indicato corrispondono grosso modo a 150-160kg di squat. Se pertanto non siete in grado di fare 20-30 reps con 150kg di squat, questo attrezzo fa al caso vostro. Se siete molto più forti, allora cercate altro.

Bought this machine as I've got chicken legs and wanted to try and build them up a bit. I've been squatting for about a year but only once a week and although my legs have got bigger I think I've hit the plateau with the squat exercise. I also find that before you can push your legs to the limit with a squat you are gasping for breath and cant give your legs the workout you want to. This machine fitted the bill perfectly. I thought it might feel a bit awkward doing the exercise but it feels natural and comfortable. The machine is well built and I felt completely safe with all that weight above my body (thought I wouldn't) Was easy enough to put together (1hr 30 min) It doesn't take up much space either which was another concern of mine and you can really isolate your leg muscles to give them a good workout. I wouldn't give up the squat exercise as it works the whole body but after a few sets of squats this machine enables you to isolate the legs and give them the workout they need. 5 stars for this machine!