I looked around and read many reviews before I made the plunge & bought this machine.- Body Solid GSCL360 Leverage Squat Calf Machine
I'll start with the assembly,after all,this is the most daunting thing about this machine once it shows up at your door!
Fortunately, I read a reviewer's suggestion that all hardware be sorted and rebagged prior to construction of this machine. This I did before anything else. Considering how murky the enclosed instructions are, any and all good advice is welcome.
The machine is definitely (stout) quality built & the hardware is of a good quality.
Considering how cold it was outside, I drug the smaller of the 2 boxes inside. The support members are well packed so the use of small wire cutters to cut the cable ties is necessary.I reviewed the install instructions & separated the hardware.
I next opened the larger box and carried in some pieces of the main frame. I will mention here that you can actually download a clearer construction diagram from the internet than what is enclosed with the box. The diagram is actually no different except that it is more readable.
When I got enough of the main frame built,(didn't add the footplate yet;too heavy) I took it out to the garage to finish 'er up. It is a heavy and awkward load at this point (without the arm assembly);you;ll need help to move it.
It did take me about 4 hours to put this thing together but ,truthfully, I wasn't in a hurry. The average person can build this thing!
This machine works the way I'd hoped. I can't complain about the workout.I realized just how creaky my knees were during the test process. I know I'll get better with each workout. Want a lower body workout? This is the ticket! Most important, this machine is relatively SAFE to use. You will not get stranded with weights you can't offload.
Also,there is an ability to relocate a steel pin that allows for a deeper knee bend.
Except for the poor assembly instructions, I would have given this machine 5 stars.--also, don't expect any advice on lifting techniques or any other "how to"; none was included.
You will need a crescent wrench and some metric sockets to complete this project. 2 hex keys are included.You will also need Olympic weights.NOTE: Olympic weights can be had on the used market for less than 1/2 the price of new weights
Average Rating:
Brand: Body Solid
Model: GSCL360
Release Date: 2008-01-01
Product Description:
Body Solid Leverage Squat & Calf Raise. Ask any fitness professional what exercise is the best for developing explosive lower body power and the answer is always the same, the Squat. The Squat is the ultimate exercise for building mass and strength in the thighs, glutes, calves, and lower back. This Leverage Squat Calf Raise Machine is engineered to eliminate the risks of this essential exercise while enhancing the benefits and increasing the effectiveness. Go heavy. Perform squats with 300, 500, 800 pounds and more. The Leverage Squat Machine is the strongest machine in its class and can handle the heaviest loads with ease. This machine is built for those who want it all, power, mass, and performance.
Features:
- Heavy gauge foot platform is set to a 20 degree pitch
- 3" x 3" 12 gauge steel mainframe
- Thick contoured DuraFirm shoulder and back pads
- Spring loaded lockouts handle
- Body Solid In Home Lifetime Warranty that covers everything. Forever. Period.
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 725.00
Lowest New Price: USD 496.00
Lowest Refurbished Price: USD 450.00
Customer Reviews
Great to do squats again!
After free weight squatting for many years my knees had finally had it. There was too much pain to squat anymore. So I began a search to find something that would allow me to work my legs. I bought the most expensive Bowflex (because of the squat attachment) and later the Soloflex Rockitt. The Bowflex was ok, easy on the knees (wearing level II support) but after a short while there wasn't enough resistance. 410 pounds of Bowflex power rods just didn't cut it. So I tried and then bought the Soloflex Rockitt. The Rockitt is not bad and I can honestly say it's a good leg workout. But it's not quite free weight squats.
Luckily I saw a good deal on a used Body Solid leverage squat and after a year of the Rockitt I felt was ready to squat again. Best purchase of a fitness machine I've ever made. The machine is sturdy and can handle what ever I throw its way. It can easily handle more weight than I'll ever need (I go up to 410 pounds of weights which must be 1000 pounds of Bowflex power rods and there is no feeling of the machine being unsteady). The workouts closely mimic free weight squats without ever needing a spotter or racks. The calf raise is well designed but you better wear shoes to do them. If your not squatting you might as well be doing P90X.
awesome
Years ago back in the late 80's early 90's competed in bodybuilding and now at age 38 working on getting back in that shape or better. One of my strongest parts was legs and did many squats to get my legs where they used to be. But over the years I kind of slacked off due to lower back pain due to straight bar squats not to mention it took 8 sets to feel much of anything. With being 6' tall it is hard to really isolate and get that perfect burn in the legs. I can honestly say that since I got this machine I absolutely love it. It only took 1 set to give me the burn I have been after all these years and absolutely no back pain. It helps put you in the exact perfect position.. Not only is this great for squat but also for calves and shrugs.. Extremely durable... It is commercial rated and I sure wish I would have had access to this when I was in my late teens and early 20's.. With Body Solid you get commercial quality at affordable prices..
Great squat machine
I don't have room for a squat rack, so this leverage squat machine is ideal for me. Very well constructed. Takes pressure off the knees and lower back when using the angled plate. I would definitely recommend this product!
