I love the lever squat. I have the machine from Titan Fitness. I started doing them when the gyms started closing down and I needed a leg machine for my pandemic gym. I fell in love with the movement right away and I've literally never missed a leg day since. This exercise needs to get more love.
I don’t have this anymore. If you’re okay with loading your spine, I certainly recommend it. I got to the point where I got so strong on the machine that I started to worry about my lower back (of course, I could have done high reps and less weight).
You sold me on this model! Very good step by step review, great review well explained. Ordered my Machine after looking at Titan, TDS, and others this is a great value. at 70 years old and 50+ years lifting weights, decided I needed a SAFER WAY to celebrated LEG DAY.
Bought one yesterday after watching your review ...... brilliant bit of kit, full range of movement, and feels very natural unlike the Levergym where squats feel awkward.
Great review. Thanks for being up front and open about powertec sending you the equipment to review. Appreciate the honesty and wish more reviewers were as transparent.
Thank you very much for your review. It is very useful and informative. I wonder if you can compare this unit to the super squat such as Precor Icarian Super Squat 624 for their usability, built, and safety when perform.
Thanks so much! I have never used the Super Squat. There is a multi-thousand dollar difference between the two and the Super Squat is made for commercial use, while the Powertec is geared more towards home use.
@@joelmcdaniel2343 there are some similarities between this and a barbell squat, but this doesn’t require as much balance as a barbell. It can strengthen the shoulders if it’s used for viking presses.
The older models had Olympic Posts for both. Powertec also sells standard weight horn adapters. My guess is so they can sell to people no matter which style plates they have.
Great review! Think I'm "sold" on adding the Powertec Levergym to my home gym, which has expanded quite a bit these past two years as Covid restrictions have really limited gym openings here in France. Your attention to ergonomics is important for all age groups, but especially us "older" guys. Approaching 74 but still kickin' and liftin'...
Thanks so much! Glad to hear you are still lifting at nearly 74!!! I hope I can too! All the best with the new equipment purchases! Check back in and let me know what you think of the machine when you get it.
Nice review. I picked up the Body Solid version of this piece used for a few hundred Canadian today (about two bucks American) and I'm quite happy with it. Also, the B.S. lever gym has two positions for the stop pin, which is nice (maybe you could look at drilling an extra set of holes above your existing stop pin holes) ...although I like the calf block on the P.T. gym better.
Thank you! You got an incredible deal! An extra stop pin setting, like the Body Solid, would be greatly appreciated…at some point, I may try to drill into the frame of the machine as I’ve had to do that with a few pieces. Interestingly, the Multi System Lever Squat has the additional safeties.
Hey man keep up the good work happy for you , keep them reviews coming . You’ve gotten me to trust powertec I have a lat pull down now from them and it’s amazing .
Thank you and I’m really glad to hear you like the lat pulldown. I’ve never had the stand-alone, but I’ve had 3 of their high/low pulley power rack attachments and those things took a beating and kept going!
Thanks , for this review. I bought this machine and I like it so far. I still have to get use to it but overall is very good. It caught my attention how wide is the base in comparison with other brand, but it make it more stable, and i like that. Yes, I do not like that they don’t offer the 2” plate holder in the base. The chrome weight horns was a great idea, make it easy to use with different type of plate and easy to clean. So far after three weeks the machine is performing good, and I am satisfied.
Glad to hear you like it. After having it a while, I changed the way I used it. Rather than pushing up, I started pushing back, making it more like a Pendulum Squat. If you haven’t tried that, it may be worth a try. I show what I’m talking about in my latest home gym tour.
Nice review! I've never had an opportunity use this machine but it reminds me a lot of the old Leaper machine we used a couple decades ago for basketball training.
I can’t be for certain. If you go through the comment section, someone around your height may have mentioned how it works for them or I hope someone who is your height and has used this machine will see your comment and reply.
Unfortunately almost all these machines have way too short arms , forcing you to hump your upper back at the bottom The pendulum squat is a much better choice imo
@@PaintDryLifting I like the Pendulum Squat better than this too, but this is about 1/2 the price and takes up half the space. This also gives you the option to do calf raises, shoulder presses, and single leg exercises…none of which work real on a Pendulum.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews GMWD has a very compact pendulum for $800 on Amazon , I just wish some of these home leverage squats used the same linkage the Magnum perfect squat machine has to remove the crushing upper back forward compression during the descent
Great review. I see many people recommending power racks to people, but there are a lot of people, for a variety of reasons, that would be better off with this machine or the leg sled.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews High end power racks and Olympic bars are the Rolex watches and Coach purses of the home gym video world. Status symbols people love to show, but are overkill for a lot of people. Working my way through all your videos. You got the best home gym channel by a wide margin.
“Rolex and Coach” lol! I am very happy with my inexpensive Powertec Rack. You are too kind. I don’t think I am anywhere close to that statement, but I do appreciate your comment.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews Detailed equipment evaluations and choices in context (training goals, individual considerations, etc) is what separates this channel.
Thank you. Unfortunately, I don’t think there is a good / safe solution. On another note, I eventually added a few 2.5 pound plates to each side of the safety bar and that gave me the perfect depth. I show what I’m talking about in my next to last gym tour.
I know a person I work with that is selling this very same power tech squat leverage machine. They are letting me have it for 475 cash. I think new it runs like 1000. It’s in great shape and it looks fairly new. I’m torn because not sure to pull the trigger but I think 475 for a power tech in great condition is a great deal.
I think that is a good price. If possible, try it before you buy it. Also, I switched from pushing up to pushing back (more like a pendulum squat); try both ways because once I started pushing back, I liked this machine even more.
I have a small gym. Mostly classes and combat sports. I have a few precor and nautilus comercial machines. Would you recommend this as an addition? Was thinking about this the leg press and belt squat.
I think this is a great machine, but as the weight gets heavier, I become more concerned about my back. Therefore, I prefer the belt squat, pendulum squat, leg press, and compact leg sled. However, this is Powertec’s most cost-effective stand-alone leg machine. I have 2 videos Ranking my Top 6 Pieces of Home Gym Equipment…you might find those 2 videos helpful.
Great review , I haven't yet used this machine. Have used the leg press hack squat which i find not much effectiveness compared to a barbel squat. Is this a better option than a leg press hack squat
Thanks! Many years ago, I hurt my back on a hack squat machine and I have stayed away from the hack squat ever since. I do like Powertec’s Compact Leg Sled as it is similar to a hack squat, but I think much more lower back and knee friendly.
Thanks so much! I can’t be certain; however, I think Powertec has shown one of their athletes who is your height using this machine. If you go through the comment section, someone at your height may have shared their experience.
If you can handle loading the shoulders, yes. If you look at my next to last tour, I switched the way I used the machine to pushing back, rather than up and I liked it more than ever (more like a Pendulum Squat). However, the stronger I got and the more weight I loaded on the machine, the more I worried about my back (keep in mind, I can’t barbell squat).
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews I can’t barbell squat either. That is one of the reasons I never bought it. But your review has me thinking that I can use this machine. Also it can be used to shoulder press.
@@drethebarber if your back is super sensitive, you might want to go with their Leg Press or, even more lower back friendly, their sled. I just posted a new review for that.
I bought their leg press machine at the same time that I purchased the Fettle chest press and iso row machines. The leg press came first. I was thinking that the squat machine would compliment the leg press and I can super set.@@HomeGymHacksandReviews
Do you think there is a trainable trick to learn to take the safe out and in, in a reverse position (back to machine), like maybe some tool, or some learning to turn/twist once in position. Thanks
@@simoneorecchioni7352 sure. I understand. I show that in this review. The exercise definitely feels more quad dominant by facing the other direction, but you will need someone to push in and pull out the safety bar.
It depends which way I use it. If I squat more up and down, I “feel” it more in my hamstrings and glutes. If I use it more like a pendulum squat and push back rather than up (how I mostly started using it), I feel it more in my quads.
Thank you. I’m sure it is, but I don’t recommend that. With the angled platform and spinal compression magnified by the jump, it just doesn’t seem worth the risk of injury.
It’s approx. 25 degrees. I include that measurement in this video (I had to go back and double check, because I couldn’t remember). I’m glad I did because it is important.
Leg press number 3 in your ranking? Like the video and I have question. Did you feel the load on your quads only when you first started using the machine?
Thank you! I like the Leg Press, especially after taking off the adjustment tube on the back of the seat, but I just like the other two better. Definitely not all quad. Glutes and hamstrings get greatly fatigued too.
Hi, I have a few questions if you don't mind answering. If I load 500lbs on it, is it less because its on a machine vs barbell? Just wondering because I just got it and already maxed it out at 500 lbs but I can't barbell squat 500lbs. Also the max compacity says 500lbs, would it be able to hold 550lbs or 600lbs? Thanks.
It is not a true 500 pounds (I am not sure of the exact weight being used / calculation to determine true resistance). For example, the Multipress is roughly a 20% reduction in weight. I have seen people go over 500 pounds on the machine but I don’t recommend exceeding a machine’s listed weight capacity.
Tough comparison. If I had 0 lower back concerns, I would take the SSB. With the way your feet are angled and with the body alignment of this machine, I predominantly feel this in hamstrings and glutes.
Love all your reviews, as stated before, as I have had a Powertec piece for nearly 15 yrs (though I bought it secondhand--hardly uses). My only complaint is I hope one day soon, you invest in a better Sound system for your reviews. Thanks again.
Since I got this, I’ve completely changed the way I use it. I now try to mirror a Pendulum Squat. I keep my upper body perpendicular to the floor and I push back rather than up. My feet are pretty high on the platform / top of my shoes line up with the top of the plate.
Hey I have a similar machine - the part where you added bands seems very cool as I am weaker at the bottom of the movement. However, I have never used these types of bands before - how much resistance do you think makes sense to add to use with weights to add resistance to the top portion of the movement? (I.e. how strong a band would you think makes sense?)
Nice review! I have the Levergym and simulate the angled foot base by laying a couple of 35 lb dumbells on the ground and laying a couple 45s on them at an angle. Works great!
I appreciate the request. I may at some point, but at this time, I don’t plan on buying one. That piece of equipment doesn’t really fit into my training style.
Can this still comfortably work for short people? I’m 5’1 and was thinking about getting it, but I’m unsure if I’ll be able to perform exercises with it.
I can’t be certain if you’re 5’1” I will say the safeties are pretty low, which would benefit you. Hopefully, someone will see this comment, who has / had this machine, and is around the same height.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews Wow didn’t expect a response that fast; especially after a year. Anyway thanks for responding, least it gives me a a bit of a better idea of whether I should get it or not.
After I changed the back pad setting and added the Angles 90 Grips, I really started to like the Leg Press and it bumped this to #3. I will say, I started using this more like a Pendulum Squat and pushed back rather than up (I show what I’m talking about in a couple of videos, including my most recent gym tour) and it made me like this machine even more. Also, I also added 2.5 pound plates on the stoppers which was my squat depth sweet spot.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews Thank you, I'll look for those videos. Two of these popped up on marketplace for $550.00 so I'm weighing options. Love your channel.
Wow, incredible review! This was so thorough. I’ve owned this piece for about five years now, though my shoulder pads look slightly different than yours (purchased in 2017). I moved house in 2021, and since then, I’ve found that the main rod (beam? pillar? bar?) supporting the entire unit moves back and forth quite a bit when I do squats. As in, when I descend into the squat, the pillar moves back with me, almost as if it’s under stress and strain. It never used to do this, however. It wobbles back and forth quite a bit while in use, even with as a little as a 25lb plate loaded on either side. I have been considering bolting the piece to the floor, but I would like to avoid doing that, if possible. The piece just feels less safe than it used to, but it’s always been well kept and maintained, as I’m extremely anal about doing so. Do you have any tips on how I may strengthen this piece of kit?
Thanks so much! I changed the way I use the machine and started pushing back rather than up and I added 2.5 pound plates on the safeties so the safety point wouldn’t be so low. My guess, is you have the machine on uneven ground or something is not bolted properly. You may need to put a shim under one of the feet or tighten the bolts because this machine shouldn’t have any wobble.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews Thanks for your response. I think the floor in my garage may be uneven. I will try your idea with regards to the shims. Thanks again!
Nice review. I am looking for a leg device for the garage gym as back squats are getting a bit stale. I am looking for something where I can get full range of motion with full knee flexion for quad stimulus. Any recommendations if you had to get one leg device?
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews thanks for the tips! I have had my eye on the bells of Steel belt squat and various hack squats. I’ll look into your recommendations
I don’t think it feels like a hack squat. More like a pendulum squat. This is an older video; at the time, I was pressing up (I felt more glute and hamstring). Eventually, I started pressing back (I felt more quad). I show what I’m talking about in some of my newer videos like my latest gym tour and my Fettle Fitness Pendulum Squat Review.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews thanks for the reply. Im trying to spend my money wisely and get a good piece of equipment to compliment my squats for my home gym
@@enginerd0001 I understand completely. There are a lot of good machines available some more expensive than others. This machine is Powertec’s least expensive leg machine, but it’s built very well.
Great review! Looking to add this unit or the Leg Press. I am a fit 70 year old and most of my experience is with leg press machines. That said, the Lever Squat machine seems like it helps keep your body in the ideal squat position. Although the Leg Press machine does seem to be a safer unit to operate. Can you offer any advice?
Thank you! My choice of the 3 Powertec Leg Machines is the Compact Leg Sled. I would take the Leg Press next. This is a great machine, but third in my ranking after having all 3 for a while. I have some more Powertec videos showing the others in action.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews There is a lot to like regarding the compact sled. My only issue is related to the perceived weight of 48% on the sled vs 75% on the press. The idea of having to load 25% more actual weight to get the same workout seems inefficient. The metal on metal noise would also be annoying to me I think.
@@RobertMiller-sh7gb the perceived weight could be an issue if you’re really strong. I got to the point I was loading it with 14 plus 45s which was a workout by itself. The scraping seems to be an issue on some sleds and not others. Of the 3, the Squat requires the least amount of weight, but there is the spinal loading factor. I’ve always said I think the Leg Press is the best choice for most, but I’ll always prefer the sled.
So its been a good 6 months since you got this and reviewed it, do you use it much and if so do you still find it lower back friendly ?, need to add a leg machine and this doesn't seem to take up too much space, Thanks
Hey, WA! I just used it yesterday. It was the second exercise in my routine and I remember thinking how much it hurt in a good way. I would love to see an adjustable safety post, but overall, this machine remains one of the best built pieces I have. You’re right, it doesn’t take up too much space. I still like the Compact Sled better but I really like this machine and as long as I am aware of my body position and don’t push too close to failure, I do find this lower back friendly.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews Thanks, I remember when I first had this (although the Body-Solid version) I slipped a couple of 1.5kg steel plates onto the safely bar to give it some hight, so in the event of a failure it would rest on those, do you rate belt squats more lower back friendly than the lever squat?
@@williamaustin6132 as usual, another great idea. I’ll give it a try. Yes, I think belt squats are more lower back friendly…especially when I use wedges.
Wow hacky! Also Powertec has now discover your talent for reviewing equipment in a honest way. Great! And for the european viewers: the pins length Hacky mention is 10 inch and that is 25,4 centimeters 😉Question: how thick are the pins excactly (for the use of 50 mm (Olympic) sleeves?
Thank you so much! I know how much you like our measurement system over here. The diameter is 1 7/8” and the circumference is 6” I thought about what you were saying about including the metric measurements I am worried I’ll start losing people with a lot of numbers.
@@captmorgan2063 thanks! It is. I have changed the way I use it; rather than pushing up, I know push back, which makes it more like a pendulum squat and I like it now more than ever. I show what I am talking about in one of my RU-vid Shorts.
Great review! After having it for awhile do you still like it? I had the Body Solid version for about a year, but ended up selling it and buying a belt squat. The Powertec looks like it has a much better release handle, but the body solid had an adjustable safety. I always had to lean forward while under load and use both hands to get the release in and out, which was obnoxious and not great for my back. The pads for mine seemed to wear out over time and would leave welts on my back every time I used it near the end. I did love doing push presses and hise shrugs on it though.
Thanks so much! Yes, I still love it. It hasn’t taken the place of the Compact Leg Sled as my favorite Powertec Leg Machine, but it is a beast. I like using it with lighter weights and higher reps and for calf raises.
I'm opposite of you. I hated my belt squat as it hurt my knees and sold it. And now looking at this type of machine. One other thing I didn't really like about the belt squat was how it digs in your hips and does not really engage your core or upper body. Not saying its not good for other people due to their body composition.
Wedges helped when I experienced knee pain from belt squats. Wedges could have changed the way the belt fell on your thighs too. When I am doing a leg exercise, for hypertrophy reasons, I want the majority of the stress to target the leg muscles…I don’t want to tax other structures.
It’s a little hard to compare because the weight travels in an arc unlike a leg press or barbell squat. Less core strength is required than for a barbell squat, it feels much more lower back friendly, and I push up and out to perform the exercise which makes it unique. Also it’s not as fixed of a movement as a leg press. So to answer your question, it feels different enough for me not to want to compare it to anything else.
I'm leaning towards getting this machine instead of the one by Body Solid. I checked out a local fitness equipment store that sells Powertec equipment and I was impressed by the quality, though they only had another Powertec lever product on display, not this squat/calf machine.
@@jslifts ok! That’s a great piece. I have 4 videos showing how versatile that piece is. It’s not as good for squatting as this Levergym Squat Machine, but the Levergym is my most used and most versatile piece of equipment.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews Good to know! Do you know how the pressing features compare to the workbench multi-press? That's another one I was looking at.
Well done on having PT send you this, I had the Body-Solid version some years ago but was looking at the new PT version, I've lower back issues also and don't back squat any more, I guess because the weight is placed upon your shoulders rather than across your shoulders and neck, there is less stress placed upon the spine.
Thank you so much! A couple of factors make it more lower back friendly for me. Being able to keep my spine perpendicular to the floor helps (similar to a Hatfield Squat with the safety squat bar). Having my feet in front of my body enables me to push away and up. The weight is distributed across a greater surface area. It’s also nice having my hands in front of my body.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews The position of your hands being in front helps to put your shoulders in a more natural position, as opposed to being pushed back and wide when holding a barbell for squats, I'm planning on selling my BS levergym and getting the PT Multipress (again), that should free up enough space to get a lever squat.
@@williamaustin6132 you’ve got some big things happening! 😎. I’ve had two multipresses and really liked them. With the newest model, Powertec has all the different settings for the arms which is awesome! I almost went with a Multipress most recently, but opted for the LG because of the option to detach the bench and I knew I could sell my high/low pulley attached to the power rack because of the high/low pulley on the LG.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews I was in two minds if to wait and see if there is a new version of the LG, I suspect that the next version will offer lever arms that move like the ISO pressing machines and possibly multi-grip handles, PT will have to do something to sell new units, they've sold a lost during the pandemic, this will translate to a lot of used LG's hitting the used market once people return to public gyms.
Awesome, looks very high quality! The reverse squat position looks interesting, I switched also to a plate loaded Squat machine last year in a commercial Gym and liked it a lot (Gym80). I knew that you would shoulder press on this machine, expected Viking presses but if there are handles like that, it is obvious much more wrist comfortable...
Powertec did it right with this machine! Too bad I didn’t have it years ago! I’m glad to hear you also like a machine somewhat similar in design. Agreed, the shoulder press feels extremely effective, largely because of the hand position. Even when squatting, having my hands in front of me instead of up near my ears makes a big difference with shoulder comfort.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews The one I used has a different angle and I shrugged mainly on a Smith machine if I visit a Gym so I thought if it's a good motion path to do Hise Shrugs on your Leversquat?
@@Torben118 yeah, I almost included two different shrug variations in this review. For me, shrugs wouldn’t be a go-to movement on this machine, but it can be done.
Hello. I’m a new big fan and subscriber. Great content and reviews! Keep them coming. I am interested in buying one of these Powertec levergym squat/calf machine. I recently came across another review. A person commented the following and I am hoping to get your thoughts on it. Thank you ahead of time. “It has one big problem, the foot plate is only bolted to the frame with one bolt in the middle of the plate. After time the foot plate starts to wobble from side to side. This can be rectified by putting two 5kg plates (with the 1-inch holes) underneath both ends of the plate. There’s a groove at both ends which is perfect for the 5kg weights to slide into. With a rubber mat under the machine, the 5kg weights aren’t going anywhere.”
Thanks so much! I just double checked mine. The footplate is bolted on with 3 bolts. I’ve had this for 7+ months and there is 0 wobble in the plate and I have not had to tighten or modify anything. I stand by this being one of the best made machines I have.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews Thank you for the quick reply. I appreciate your thoughts and expertise very much. I’m sold. Picking up mines soon. Thanks again!
@@mrdiet1 glad to help. I’ve mentioned before, I like the Compact Leg Sled and LP better than this (mainly because I can safely push myself closer to failure), but I still really like this machine…especially for lighter weight / higher rep sets.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews Once again, thank you for all of your help. Sorry for the million messages. I finally purchased a used Powertec Levergym Squat/Calf machine of off Ebay. I plan on picking it up on Saturday. I asked the seller if he could disassemble it a little for me for ease of transport. I own a Mid-size SUV which I can pull down the seats flat. Unfortunately, the seller is unable to disassemble as he recently injured his shoulder. He asks me to do it myself. I am kindly asking for your thoughts on what is the best (and easiest) parts to remove (considering weight and ease of loading & unloading in and out of my SUV). Thank you sir! I appreciate your help.
I have an idea for you!!...Do you think you could try the levergym squat with the footpegs for doing floor lat exercises?...wonder if that would feel the same?
I’m trying to conceptualize what you are saying. Are you talking about moving the leverarm to the other side of the machine and trying to do a standing row?
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews ok thought it might be worth a try..i was going to buy the footplate but because of gyms closing they raised the price 20 more dollars😝
We definitely try to maximize what we can do with what we got! There is a lot going into prices going up. Steel, fuel, etc. Luckily, Powertec does offer free shipping. I talked to one of these shipping companies and one guy told me his margins are getting tighter and tighter everyday, which accounted for a long delay in one of my deliveries.
great job. These things have been around for years and years. I was in the market a few weeks ago to buy a leg machine. SO I started looking at the powertec stuff and the Titan Fitness stuff and BodySolid..etc..etc..I wanted a normal legpress/hack machine and have for over 20 years.BUT $$$... I started looking into the leverage squat machine more. I was going to go with the Titan one because its less expensive and I already have their plate loaded high/low lat pull machine..,but they were on back order and i wasnt going to keep waiting. SO I opted for their compact hack sled. Im happy with it,but i sure would like to eventually add a leverage squat. maybe one day..Good job on the video
Thank you so much! Glad you got the compact leg sled. As I mentioned, I love my Powertec Compact Leg Sled. I hope you are able to get it sooner than later and when you get it, I hope you like it as much as I do!
I have the Titan Fitness lever squat. I can't say enough good things about it. I previously had the version from TDS/New York Barbells (my scathing Amazon review of it here: www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RLES7B3OCO56C/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0002U3RP8), and Titan's is so much better. And cheaper too!
@@arcadiosincero I remember these things from the last 90s early 2k..they were like 300$400$.. Kind of crazy how much things have went up over the years..but I guess that's normal..
Just found out PowerTec offers replacement weight horns ,for anything after 2010, to accommodate those with 1' inch standard weight plates. That has been my main deterrent from seeking out powertec options. Although, the more affordable and second options are off of the table for me, I can have hope for the future and upcoming releases
Awesome! I ordered those standard weight horns by accident once…thinking they were Olympic adapter sleeves for the standard storage posts on the bottom of the Levergym. They’re good quality!
