Equipment Recommendation: Powertec? (Brief Bio) - JP Fitness Forums

Willie T · 08-23-2004, 02:55 PM

Background:
Age: 40
Hieght: 6’
Weight: 176-180lbs.
Body Fat: ? I have a 31” waist and a slight 4 pack.
Body type: small wristed, wide back but shallow rib cage (sorta shaped like my wrist).
Goals: to become ripped without loosing any more muscle. I would like to increase the mass in my pecs and get that allusive 6 pack (I know the last is more about diet and is for another topic). Also, I want to increase the mass of my calves.

Father of 2 boys, coach soccer, work 40 hours a week and go to school.

I workout at home, don’t have a spotter and this will not change.

I reached my original fitness goals using dumb bells exclusively for 19 months. One exception is that I use a Soloflex for squats. I have not been able to afford more equipment and I just got this stuff (Soloflex and dumbbells) out of storage when I began the BFL program.

I’m ready to move on to another level and have been looking at the Powertec equipment. I’m interested in the complete machine, Workbench Multi System, but am thinking of getting only the Leverage Squat Calf system.

I would like to hear thoughts on this system (free weights but with only linear motion) and/or recommendations for a more economical system that would be good for a solo lifter with my goals in mind.

All comments and suggestions will be most appreciated.

Thank you,

William

beLean · 08-23-2004, 04:53 PM

I am neither expert on fitness nor am I familiar with powertec, but based on your desciption of it "free weights but with only linear motion", I'd say save the money and buy set of barbell and a powercage/bench, they are better investment in the long run.

Willie T · 08-23-2004, 05:07 PM

beLean,

Thanks for the suggestion. However, should I be concerned with bench pressing and squating without a spotter using free weights?

BTW, I think that I limited the systems motion to much by decribing it as only linear. Here's a link to the Powertec "workbench" system http://www.powertecfitness.com/galle...ness_wb_ms.htm if your interested.

Willie T · 08-23-2004, 05:11 PM

And here's the "Leverage Squat/Calf" link http://www.powertecfitness.com/galle...tness_l_sq.htm

This is the one I'm most intereted in at this point. Whould like to know what the experts think about it's pros and cons.

Kevin T. · 08-23-2004, 05:22 PM

i would definitely go for the free weights and the bench. you won't lift as much as you would with a machine, but you will see better results.

with a machine, you might be able to bench 200 for example. however, when you try to bench with free weights, you might only be able to do 100. Same goes for squatting. this is because when you lift free weights, you are using the stabilizing muscles in your chest, arms,legs, etc. when you use a machine, you're not using these muscles.

To make a long story short...the bench is definitely better.

BTW...how old are your sons? they might enjoy working out with you and could be your spotter. I'm just wondering because my dad's 40 and i'm 14 and i lift.

TA Baracus · 08-23-2004, 05:30 PM

Look at getting a Power Rack...then you can do squats, bench press and other moves without risk of injury. By the looks of it, the equipment you are looking at costs more than what I just recommended.

Kevin T. · 08-23-2004, 05:32 PM

that's a good idea too.

Willie T · 08-23-2004, 05:34 PM

Thanks for the info. I'm aware of the stability issues but safety is my main concern.

My oldest boy is 11 but even at 14, I don't think I'll be able to him up at 4:30am and be a reliable spotter. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Would you be willing to get up at that time with our dad Kevin?

Willie T · 08-23-2004, 05:36 PM

TA Baracus

I'll check out the Power Rack.

Thanks,

Willie T

Kevin T. · 08-23-2004, 05:37 PM

i have to wake up at 5 anyway to go to school.

i didn't know that you lifted in the morning.

Kevin T. · 08-23-2004, 05:38 PM

the power rack would definitely be a good option for your situation.

Trian1 · 08-23-2004, 07:50 PM

Willie, I'm 49 and have been lifting by myself for a few years. Get the Power Rack. It has been (for me) a very good substitute for a spotter, and I don't have to talk to it early in the morning.

You will be, by far, much happier with free weights. Machines are good for beginners, or those who have an injury and are trying to limit a specific motion.

And the realities are, if you have the space, a home gym is a reasonably priced option, that can be added to as you need. A Power Rack can also give you a dip station, and a pullup station. And as you work out at home, by yourself, you can curl in the squat rack if you wish.