Powerline by Body-Solid (PVLP156X) Vertical Leg Press - Compact, Space-Saving Home Gym Equipment with Extra-Thick Pads for Lower Body Workouts

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.

This item was bought as an addition to another Body Solid home gym machine I already own. I needed an apparatus that worked my legs and would fit into the limited space of my home's downstairs. Since receiving the leg press, I have used the item for about a month, and I am completely satisfied with it. First of all, it was easy to put together. Like the my other Body Solid Home Gym, there were no written instruction on how to put the leg press together - only diagrams. But these were sufficient to get the job done. It's very easy to assume a prone squat position under the weight bar, as well as very comfortable. Placement of my feet on the foot plate above was easily accomplished and keeps my feet in a secure and comfortable position during my leg press. There are three adjustable "support pin" holes on each of the vertical weight support tubes, that allow a lifter to initially mount the machine in a quarter squat position, according to their height and leg length. These pins are easily removed during exercise, so that the lifter can go through any range of motion they want. I am a shorter lifter (5' 8") and have no trouble starting at a quarter squat position, extending my legs before I begin a set, removing the pins, and going to a 3/4 squat position. In my opinion, a taller lifter would have no problems, since I am using the lowest "support pin" hole position and there are two more positions above the ones I use. Replacing the pins after a set of leg presses is easy, although I could imagine it being slightly difficult if the lifter was performing maximum repetitions (making sure the pins are set horizontally through the hole when fatigued). Without weights on the bar, this leg press machine was a bit "squeaky". But the addition of weight, quieted the machine. To end this review, I am very satisfied and happy with my purchase.

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.