If you’re a fan of the classic push, pull, legs routine, you’re probably accustomed to using completely different machines on different days to complete your workouts. However, home gym owners who don’t want to fill their space with a bunch of equipment can knock out bench presses, squats, lat pulldowns, and more by making a single investment.
In a crowded field of all-in-one home gym machines, the Powertec Workbench Multisystem stands out with its revolutionary design that allows up to three users to train simultaneously. Compatible with a variety of modular attachments, this multi-station unit isn’t suited for those with limited space.
That said, if you have enough room in your garage (and your budget), this unique machine can be a useful tool to help you build strength and pack on muscle. In this Powertec Workbench Multisystem review, I’ll break down everything from the dimensions and build materials to its performance and price in an effort to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your training needs.
Leverage in Action: Putting Powertec Through the Paces
The GGR team includes certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, CrossFit enthusiasts, and competitive athletes. Whether we’re testing the best barbells, functional trainers, squat racks, or other pieces of fitness equipment, we take note of the good, the bad, and (in some cases), the ugly, so you know exactly what to expect prior to ordering new gear.
Always eager to try innovative designs, we were excited to get our hands on the Powertec Workbench Multisystem to see if it lived up to the hype. Our founder, Cooper “Coop” Mitchell, carefully evaluated this unique machine by testing each station’s functionality, assessing the build quality, and more. Ultimately, we used our fitness equipment testing methodology to grade key factors using a 1-to-5 scoring system.
Here are the categories we took into consideration while assessing the Powertec Workbench Multi System:
- Construction and Durability
- Footprint
- Versatility
- Stability
- Accessories
- Price and Value
- Customer Experience
- Customer Reviews
A Quick Look at the Powertec Workbench Multisystem
Headquartered in California, Powertec is known as a pioneer in the fitness industry for producing lever-based strength training equipment. For this review, we’ll be diving deep into the Workbench Multisystem—a total-body training tool that consists of three separate work stations for chest, core and back, and leg training. While some home gyms rely on pulley systems and weight stacks for resistance, you load weight plates directly on the lever arms with this particular Powertec silhouette.
In addition to the Workbench Multisystem, the company offers a deep lineup of strength training equipment, including:
- Powertec Workbench Levergym: A compact, single-station home gym with a detachable workbench that allows you to perform more than 40 exercises.
- Powertec P-SMG 26 Smith Multi Gym: This light, commercial-grade, all-in-one system features a counter-balanced Smith machine, dual pulley system with a 2:1 ratio, and an adjustable weight stack that can be plate-loaded for up to 400 pounds of resistance.
- Powertec Workbench Multipress: Featuring isolateral leverage arms, this machine has a full FID (flat, incline, decline) bench and built-in safety stops for training without a spotter.
- Powertec Levergym Chin-Up Assist: Designed for performing dips or chin-ups, this machine provides assisted resistance and has a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds.
- Powertec Levergym Squat/Calf Machine: This machine takes the pressure off your lower back and knees, allowing you to focus on developing your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves.
RELATED: Calf Exercises
Before You Buy
- The Workbench Multisystem has a listed MSRP of $2,499 but may be available for closer to $2,200, depending on available deals. Budget-conscious buyers should note that this product is HSA/FSA eligible, too, and Powertec offers financing options through Klarna.
- The Multisystem can be accessorized with a variety of modular attachments, including an accessory storage rack, dip machine attachment, leg lift attachment, and pec fly attachment.
- This is not a footprint-friendly or portable piece of home gym equipment. Not only is it more than 10 feet long, 6 feet wide, and nearly 7 feet tall, but it also weighs 445 pounds without any weight plates on it. So, make sure you have sufficient space—and don’t plan on moving it once you set it up.
- The Workbench Multisystem does not come with weights. You can purchase a 345-pound Olympic weight plate set from Powertec for $895, but we also recommend checking out our best weight plates roundup to see if you find a better deal.
Powertec Workbench Multisystem Video Review
Is the Powertec Workbench Multisystem Worth It?
At around $2,500, the Workbench Multisystem certainly isn’t cheap. Furthermore, its sizable footprint means you’ll need considerable room in your garage gym or home training space to make it fit. That said, this machine can offer a high degree of versatility and functionality.
With a fully adjustable bench featuring nine horizontal positions and nine vertical positions, you can target your triceps, pecs, and shoulders at multiple angles for more attentive training. Meanwhile, the pulling station allows you to perform lat pulldowns as well as movements like triceps extensions. Plus, the leg press station operates similarly to a hack squat/pendulum squat, even giving you the ability to perform calf raises. Throw in the leg extension/leg curl attachment and you have all the makings of a rock-solid, full-body workout routine.
Ultimately, this system does have some drawbacks—mainly its size and the poor bench padding (more on that later). But in Coop’s eyes, it’s actually priced well for all that you get.
“For those that have the space and want these movements, you’re really going to like this piece,” he notes.
Great for:
- Lifters who like machine-based training over free weights
- Home gym owners who would rather invest in a single piece of equipment over purchasing multiple machines
- Families or those who train with multiple workout partners—the Multisystem supports up to three users training simultaneously
- Bodybuilding and general strength training enthusiasts
Not recommended for:
- Powerlifters or those who prefer training with barbells and dumbbells
- Home gym owners with limited space
- Anyone expecting a quick assembly process
- People seeking cardio or HIIT integration—this is a purely strength training system
Powertec Workbench Multisystem Specs
| Price | $2,499 |
| Footprint | 122.5” L x 73.3” W x 80.5” H |
| Product weight | 445 lbs |
| Max weight capacity | Squat station: 500 lbs Press station: 500 lbs Lat station: 300 lbs |
| Starting weight | Squat station: 35 lbs Press station: 20 lbs Ab station: 15 lbs Lat station: 0 lbs |
| Bench positions | 9 horizontal, 9 vertical |
| Colorway options | Black, Yellow |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime frame; 5-year moving frame; 2-year components; 1-year pads, grip, and wear/tear parts |
Using the Powertec Workbench Multisystem
Now that you’re familiar with some of the basics of the Workbench Multisystem, let’s dive into how it performs. GGR founder and resident equipment guru Coop Mitchell put this multi-station unit through our extensive testing process, and while he did have a few notable callouts, he enjoyed his first training experience with a Powertec product.
Footprint
Let’s cut right to the chase: This is a monstrous machine. At roughly 10 feet long, 6 feet wide, and nearly 7 feet deep, the Workbench Multistation takes up a ton of room, making it a poor fit for anyone with space limitations.
“In most home gyms, this is just going to take up too much space,” Coop says. “I love using the machines, but I think there’s a way you can get 90% of the way there with most of these movements on smaller systems.”
Besides commanding quite a bit of real estate, this machine is also quite heavy. At 445 pounds without any weight plates, it’s not something you’ll be able to easily move on your own. Overall, we rate the footprint at 1.5 out of 5.
Versatility
This is where the Workbench Multisystem shines. While it’s not as versatile as something like the Force USA G3 (a true all-in-one home gym), we still rated this profile at 4.5 out of 5. To paint a complete picture of what you can do with this multifaceted machine, I’ll break down Coop’s experience with each station.
Press Station
The press station has an FID bench that, unfortunately, is fully attached.
“If you want to use the bench for things like dumbbells or other movements, it’s a little bit difficult because it’s just right here,” Coop explains. “So, you have to force the lever arms up, get them out of the way, and then maybe you can use it with dumbbells.”
Additionally, while we like that the bench has nine horizontal positions and nine vertical positions, the quality of the padding left Coop unimpressed. “It’s pretty bad,” he says. “You can kind of hear the plywood.”
One drawback to using lever arms is that it is not easy to make quick weight changes. If you want to change the angle of the arms, you’ll have to deload the entire weight, adjust the arms to your liking, and then load your desired weight.
However, after trying out jammer arm attachments from many other companies, Coop was pleased with the way Powertec designed this component of the Workbench Multisystem. “I’ve used virtually every jammer arm on the market and none of them feel as good as this on presses,” he explains. “The central connection point is really ideal for lever arms.”
Pull Station
Designed for lat pulldowns, this section earned the highest praise from Coop. “If I was to rank all three stations, the pulling area would probably be my favorite,” he notes.
You can use a wide or close grip, which can help activate your lats and other back muscles differently1. In addition, you can face either direction on this section, which gives you the option to lock in with the leg rollers or not use them at all.
Although Powertec didn’t use any knurling across the attachments, the handles have a rubberized grip that allow for comfortable control mid-training. “I would prefer knurling, but I don’t think it’s a big deal,” Coop explains. “I’d be wrapping Versa Grips around there every day to feel locked in and fully connected to the system.”
While our founder got a “fantastic stretch” on his lats using the pull station, keep in mind that he is 5 feet 9 inches. More vertically-gifted users may not be able to achieve that same eccentric effect.
“I think 6’2” is probably what you’re going to be maxing out on,” Coop says. “If you’re, like, 6 feet 4 inches, depending on your arm length, you may be too tall.”
Squat Station
The leg section is essentially a squat press, or, as Coop says, “kind of a pendulum squat, kind of a hack squat.”
Unfortunately, the lack of an offset weight on the other side makes this less effective than a traditional pendulum squat. Plus, the lever is shorter. Still, though, Coop was fairly pleased with how this station worked. The shoulder pads have good-quality foam, the diamond foot plate is rock-solid, and the angle of the foot plate even allows you to get a great stretch for calf raises.
“I would like to be able to get a little bit deeper, but generally you’re going to be able to hit parallel or deeper,” he notes about squatting.
Attachments/Accessories
Designed to work with a variety of attachments and accessories, Coop was impressed with the plate-loaded leg extension/leg curl attachment. “You can get a nice stretch with an open hip angle,” he explains. “You’re able to get max tension on the quadriceps, too, which you absolutely want.”
You can also perform prone leg curls on this machine, allowing you to specifically target your hamstrings for balanced leg training. “Prone leg curls are not as nice, in my opinion, as seated leg curls, but it’s better than nothing,” Coop says.
There’s also an ab curl attachment that essentially acts as a weighted ab curl. How useful is it? That remains up for debate.
“To me, this felt like, ‘Ah, we’ve got this seat here, might as well add another movement: let’s add an ab curl,’” Coop explains. “The ab piece is the one that I like the least, but it’s definitely not a dealbreaker.”
Powertec also sells optional attachments for the Workbench Multistation, including a dip machine attachment, leg lift attachment, and a pec fly attachment. While we haven’t tested these out, they could be worth looking into if you’d like to expand your options further. Overall, we rate the accessories at 4 out of 5.
Powertec Workbench Multisystem vs Force USA G3
The Force USA G3 is an all-in-one home gym machine. It functions as a functional trainer with two pulleys, a smith machine, and a squat rack. It’s worth noting that the design of the G3 will have you barbell training on the outside of the rack, not within the rack. However, it comes with J-cups and spotter arms so you can squat and bench safely at home.
What our tester says:
“The G3 is the most interesting piece of equipment made by Force USA because the value it brings is the highest. There’s a lot that you get with this rack that a lot of similar racks don’t even have.”
Because of its unique design, it’s impossible to find a direct comparison to the Powertec Workbench Multisystem. If you’re on the hunt for a multi-station strength training machine, the Force USA G3 is a close potential solution, especially since it’s roughly $500 cheaper.
Like the Workbench Multisystem, the G3 uses weight plates rather than weight stacks. However, this all-in-one home gym also has a built-in Smith machine, along with a cable pulley system featuring a 2:1 ratio. This gives you ample versatility to target just about every muscle group, especially if you upgrade with various attachments and accessories.
Keep in mind, though, that the Powertec Multi System is more expensive and takes up more space. However, its innovative design and overall build quality still make it an attractive choice. If you’re on the fence, check out our Force USA G3 review for all the details on this highly-rated machine.
| Powertec Workbench Multisystem | Force USA G3 | |
| Price | $2,499 | $1,999 |
| Footprint | 122.5” L x 73.3” W x 80.5” H | 78” W x 60.5” D x 87” H |
| Product Weight | 445 lbs | 476 lbs |
| Max Weight Capacity | Squat station: 500 lbs Press station: 500 lbs Pull station: 300 lbs | Unit: 992 lbs Smith machine and chin-up bar: 772 lbs Cables: 2,000 lbs |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime frame; 5-year moving frame; 2-year components; 1-year pads, grip, and wear/tear parts | Lifetime frame; 10-year moving parts; 1-year attachments |
Customer Experience
While Powertec has a slightly different warranty policy for commercial gym use, home gym owners should feel confident about their purchase based on the following coverage:
- Limited lifetime warranty on the frame (excludes surface finish)
- Five-year warranty on moving frame components (excludes surface finish)
- Two years on component parts (bearings, spring pins, and hardware)
- One year on pads, grips, and any other wear/tear parts
If you’re not satisfied with your product, you can contact Powertec’s customer service department via phone at 562-285-5499 or email at sales@powertec.com within 30 days of receipt for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Be aware that you are responsible for return shipping, and refunds do not include shipping, handling, or restocking fees. Powertec automatically charges a 20% restocking fee on any returns, and all products must be returned in new condition in their original packaging with all accessories and materials included.
Ordering the Powertec Workbench Multisystem
You can order the Powertec Workbench Multisystem on Amazon or directly through the company website. We recommend the latter, as Powertec usually runs promos that allow you to save a few hundred dollars.
If you order directly from the manufacturer, you also have more flexible payment options. In addition to using eligible HSA/FSA funds, you can apply for financing through Klarna. Powertec also offers free domestic shipping—a nice perk considering how heavy this product is.
You must select a finish option (black or yellow) before adding the Multisystem to your cart. You’ll also have the opportunity to add weight plate sets, a weight storage rack, and other Workbench attachments to your cart prior to checkout. When you go to the checkout page, you can enter your zip code to see if on-site assembly is available in your area. This will cost an extra $499.50, though.
According to Powertec, order processing takes two to four business days, and delivery can take up to two weeks.
Customer Reviews
The Workbench Multisystem has earned an average rating of 5.0 stars based on 169 reviews on the Powertec website. Customers consistently praise the build quality of this multi-gym, noting that you can use the leverage arms for everything from deadlifts and squats to good mornings and bent-over rows. There are a few callouts about the range of motion (or lack thereof) with the pulling station, though.
Here’s some direct feedback from users who purchased the Powertec Workbench Multisystem:
Final Verdict of Our Powertec Workbench Multisystem Review
The Powertec Workbench Multisystem isn’t for everyone. In fact, Coop says most home gym owners would do well with the more compact Workbench Levergym, which is roughly $700 cheaper and much easier to fit in a tighter space. But considering it’s mostly made from durable 11-gauge steel, offers quite a bit of versatility, and is covered by a generous warranty policy, the Workbench Multisystem gives you excellent bang for your buck—especially if you’re able to find it on sale for less than its $2,500 sticker price.
Full Rating
Powertec Workbench Multisystem
The Powertec Multi‑System delivers a commercial-grade leverage gym in a compact, plate-loaded format. Ideal for serious home setups or small facilities, it offers versatility, robustness, and expandability. Just be ready for its size, plate needs, and accessory expenses if customization is your goal.
Product Brand: Powertec
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 2499
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.9
Powertec Workbench Multisystem Review: FAQs
What are the pros and cons of the Powertec Workbench Multisystem?
Based on our testing experience, some of the pros of the Workbench Multisystem include the build quality of the components, the versatility to perform a wide variety of exercises, and its compatibility with a multitude of attachments. On the other hand, its large footprint and high price tag may preclude some home gym owners from adding it to their setup.
Which is better: Body-Solid or Powertec Leverage Home Gyms?
Because Powertec doesn’t use cables or weight stacks, it’s difficult to make a true apples-to-apples comparison. However, based on our experience testing the Body-Solid Functional Trainer Rack, we feel you get more bang for your buck with Powertec. That said, you get more versatility with Body-Solid since you’re essentially receiving a power rack and functional trainer in one silhouette.
How long does Powertec take to ship?
According to the company website, orders ship two to three business days after they’re placed.
References
- Andersen, V., Fimland, M. S., Wiik, E., Skoglund, A., & Saeterbakken, A. H. (2014). Effects of grip width on muscle strength and activation in the lat pull-down. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 28(4), 1135–1142. https://doi.org/10.1097/JSC.0000000000000232
