Sam’s Blog

Thanks to Leonel for sending through some pictures and his ATX-PRX-750 Power Rack Review. It is set up in Leonel’s studio where he trains clients. These racks look so good it is not just the clients who are impressed. When the garage door is up it sounds like there is a bit of rubber necking […]

The Powertec Workbench Ab Plus was a quirky machine. I only ever got a handful. It is a real walk down memory lane in terms of training styles. This was a time when people thought the only way they could train abs was with a machine. Nowadays there are so many other simpler ways. In […]

The Powertec Workbench Leg Press Attachment was one attachment that had a mixed response. Some people liked it while others were not impressed. I reluctantly sold it, only after a few people said they liked it. After a while it become too much trouble. Personally I feel the actual concept of a leg press attachment […]

The Powertec Vertical Gym was a real quirky gym. Definitely not my cup of tea, but it was popular with some. When you look at the footprint, it was not far off the Powertec Leverage Gym. The extra space and money was well worth stepping up to the bigger gym. This recommendation was based on […]

The Powertec Complact LeverGym was a great concept and showcased excellent design skills. It just was not that great to use. Before I outline my criticisms I should declare bias. My preference is always simplicity over complexity. My job as a fitness equipment retailer is to get people the best possible gym equipment for their […]

The Powertec Leverage Chest Press was a great little machine. It was very basic, but yet delivered a timeless chest exercise. In true Powertec style it featured some extra functionality. The simple angle adjustment allowed you to do incline and decline leverage bench press. Sadly this machine was discontinued not long after I started distributing […]

Writing about the Powertec Leverage Leg Extension/Curl brings a tear to my eyes. It is a real story about what could have been. After personally witnessing how popular a plate loaded leg extension leg curl machine could be, I feel Powertec made a mistake by removing this machine from their range. The Leverage Leg Extension/Curl […]

The Powertec Leverage Low Row was another machine that had loads of potential. We had one set up in the showroom many moons ago. It was not the best row. But it certainly wasn’t the worse. In a gym environment it was a handy addition. We used it many times in back workouts. Powertec Leverage […]

It was machines like the Powertec Leverage QuikFit System that made me really proud to be a Powertec dealer. You have to remember. It was before 2010 and the options for affordable gym equipment was really limited. There was simply nothing on the market even remotely comparable to this system. Having had one set up […]

The Powertec Leverage Shoulder Press was a great little machine. The fact that it was little was one of the reasons that made it great! In just over one square meter you could load it up and hit the shoulders hard. This machine could handle as much weight as you could fit on it. Or […]

I am not going to lie to you. The L-PL Powertec Power Lever was a gimmick. Practically all the exercises that are demonstrated can be performed with a 4ft Olympic barbell. It can be argued that the Olympic barbell option is superior too. Most importantly for the budget conscious, it was a lot cheaper. Now […]

The Powertec Bench Rack System was just a half rack and bench combination. What made it out stand out from the pack was the famous yellow Powertec colour. You could also get it in red and grey. I mean there were design elements that made it stand out from the competition. Most notably the Powertec […]

The Powertec Leverage T Bar Row is another one that got away. If you read my old Powertec reviews, this is a recurring theme. Normally I am glowing about my reviews on the discontinued machines that I thought had a promising future. The T Bar Row was one that could have been improved. In it’s […]

The Powertec Shape System was one of my favorite machines. At the time of me writing this – 30th April 2024 – I am still in possession of one. Granted it is nearly out the door after moving it out of my gym. Given these were last made in 2008 that speaks volumes of what […]

It was a sad day when the Powertec Leverage Pec Fly/Delt was removed from their range. To prepare I purchased extras of this machine. In Australia we were able to still send these out many years after their 2008 production date. The reason I stocked up was because I knew these unique machines would always […]

The Powertec Leverage Lat Pulldown was phased out in 2008. So I only sold a handful over the years. It was a quirky machine. For starters why opt for leverage over the traditional lat pulldown cable machine? Leverage machines are nearly always cheaper than their cable counterparts. They are much simpler to manufacture. For the […]

The Powertec Leverage Arm Curl has combined simple and heavy-duty design with several handy features to make the best value bicep machine on the market. The angle of the preacher curl bench has 3 adjustment levels. The steep setting targets the lower bicep. Increase the weight and drop the reps and set the preacher pad […]

The Powertec Flat Bench could easily be dismissed as just another run of the mill bench. That was never the Powertec style. There was always a twist. An extra feature or function. That was what made them market leaders in the domestic gym equipment market. When Crossfit first started, the demand for flat benches increased. […]

The Powertec Half Rack is very popular in Sydney as it is a great free weight alternative for people who have limited space. As house prices soar, home gym sizes shrink, so people are always looking for gym equipment that is more compact. But don’t think because this half rack is compact, it won’t be up for some serious training. It is rated for 700lbs.

The Workbench Functional Trainer is the latest addition to the Powertec range. They have taken many elements of the old Shape System and built on them to produce a Functional Trainer that is different to the competition.

The Powertec Basic Trainer helps you do all of your bodyweight training – chin ups, dips, vertical knee raises, push ups & squats – with just one machine!

Finally, a Leg Press that doesn’t cost a bomb, can take plenty of weight and doesn’t take up half your gym. Utilising tried and tested technology from Powertec, get a leg machine that looks and performs just like a high end commercial leg press, but at a fraction of the price.

The Powertec Compact Leg Sled is an all around leg machine with an equally excellent performance as that of a 45degree Leg Press but at a lower price tag. Transfer more weight onto your quads by using this leg sled, it doesn’t take much space and can be a great tool to build leg strength without putting the extra stress on your lover back or shoulders unlike squats.

The Assisted Dip and Chin Up helps you perfect your form while training for upper body strength. Recommended for beginners & advanced trainers on rehab.

Use this powerful Powertec Olympic Bench Press for your flat, incline and decline bench press, and even shoulder press. The Powertec Olympic Bench Press is packed full of features including incline/decline functionality plus it’s designed to shift back in the upright position, so you can get under the bar for shoulder pressing.

Increase your chest and shoulder strength with the Powertec Workbench Multi Bench Press Machine! Its self-spotting feature offers you maximum protection.

The Powertec Lat Machine offers industrial-grade cables & pulleys combined with commercial upholstery. The Powertec Lat Machine combines a silk-smooth movement with a serious weight load capacity. Perfect for your home gym or studio.

If barbell squats don’t agree with your knees and back then the Powertec Leverage Squat will enable you to get the benefits from this exercise without the pain.?Do your squats and standing calf raise safely with the Powertec Leverage Squat & Calf Machine. Plus the standing calf raise is as good as any that you will find in a gym. A spotter bar supports the load if you can’t finish your set.

Designed for use with Powertec machines such as Bench Press, Multi System & LeverGym. Powertec Leg Lift Attachment will transform your leg workout with some much needed variety. Can be used for leg extensions, leg curls or can be locked for ab or decline bench press.?Add variety to your leg training with the Powertec Leg Lift Attachment!

Blast your biceps without the additional expense! Simply attach this extremely versatile Powertec Curl Machine Accessory to your other Powertec machines.

Experience greater comfort during your shoulder or incline press with the Powertec Utility Bench 2016 model. The Powertec Workbench Utility Bench was always popular due to it’s versatility. The re-designed 2016 version makes it a stand out as a gym bench alone, without factoring in the handy optional extras. Features a roller system for bench adjustments!

Its aircraft quality cables, industrial pulleys and 300lbs load capacity make this Workbench Lat Tower Accessory an ideal high and low pulley for your workbench.

Target your inner pecs with the Workbench Pec Fly Accessory! Simply attach to your Powertec Workbench or Multi Press for a more compact pec deck machine. Add leverage pec flys to your workout with this great attachment for your Powertec Workbench Gym.

The Workbench Dip Machine Accessory helps you perform dips on your Powertec Workbench Gym Equipment. For beginners & trainers who need to build strength.

If you own a Powertec Power Rack you can add an Optional Lat Tower, it simply bolts to the back of the power rack. Do your seated rows, lat pulldown & tricep pressdowns with this Powertec Workbench Lat Tower Option. Just connect to your Powertec Half Rack or Power Rack.

A proven performer in it’s class, the Powertec power rack is world renowned for being heavy duty and great value. It’s a 1,000lb (450kg) load capacity power cage with a home gym price tag! The quality construction and highly adjustable spotter bars let you train safely and save a few dollars without compromising on features.?With its sturdy construction & compact footprint, the Powertec Power Rack offers great value for serious weight trainers. With 1000lbs (450kgs) capacity.

The Powertec LeverGym – with Iso Lateral Arms proves even the best gym equipment for over 20 years can still get better. The Powertec Workbench LeverGym has proven to be the most heavy duty and functional compact home gym system for over 20 years. The list of exercises is limited only to your imagination, plus they handle heavy weight with ease.?For beginners & advanced trainers.

This ultra compact Workbench Multi System – Iso Lateral Arms from Powertec offers excellent safety and perfomance to beginners and serious bodybuilders alike. The Powertec Workbench Multi System has been the market leader in multi station gyms for nearly 20 years now. The revolutionary design brought the feel and quality of commercial leverage machines into a more compact footprint.

Jammer Arms for power cages and squat racks have been a relatively recent phenomenon to hit the gym equipment market. Not only do they look impressive, they actually add loads of functionality to your workout. A set of Jammer Arms will turn your humble power rack into any number of your favorite lever arm machine. […]

The covid pandemic managed to convert more people to home training virtually overnight than anyone thought possible. Imagine a large portion of gym-goers all trying to buy gym equipment all at once. This sent demand through the roof – and sadly, prices too. When the prices went up people thought they could make a killing. […]

A Power Rack is one of the best investments that you can make in any gym environment. They allow you to do loads of exercises safely. Most importantly, some of those exercises like bench press and squats, are considered the most effective in terms of building strength and muscle mass. In a home gym, or […]

German engineers seem to sacrifice their precious sleep and weekends to offer the best power racks in the world for the price. Just recently they have released 10 new Power Cages. Add an ever-growing list of various accessories to the mix and you have got yourself into something called choice overload. Knowing this information will […]

This diet is designed for people who are looking to get the correct nutrition while weight training. Muscle growth is the body’s response to the overloading of muscles through weight training. The muscle growth process requires certain essential nutrients – the Basic Weight Training Diet ensures that your body has all these bases covered. The […]

It is great to hear that while the gyms were closed for months, people did not give up on training entirely. A fair few of them picked up home gym training! The only downside is a lot of the athletes did not know how to target a specific muscle group without the specialty machines from […]

“hi mate, Thanks for your speedy delivery of this gym. I would like to say i am very impressed with the quality and craftsmanship and have no hessitations in reccomending you to anybody i know. I purchased another simular setup like yours about 4 months off ebay and the guy ripped me off and its […]

The Australian IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Show is less than 6 weeks away. Here is a list of the competitors.

Do not be fooled, the simple chin-up bar can outperform some very expensive and complicated back machines. If done in the correct form, pull-ups can be the best exercise you could do to have a well-developed back. It activates a ton of different muscle groups and even allows you to target a specific area based on the grips […]

Here is a barbell buying guide for the new range of ATX bars. The range is so comprehensive that it can get a bit confusing. But after reading this barbell guide you will see that we have Australia’s best range of barbells! First up, a bit of background on the barbells. Given the growth in […]

I have been busted by the Form Police! Just recently I’ve posted a video update of my training progress. While the weight might seem impressive for some of you (190kgs), the form wasn’t. I completely understand why I received the critique. My glutes lost contact with the bench, so the lift would have been given […]

Gym equipment can be confusing. We see it all the time. A customer comes into the shop looking for something they believe is a relatively simple choice, like a bench press. Then they are confronted with several choices. Each option will have it’s pros and cons relative to each other. Their heads start spinning trying […]

What does Smith Cable Rack and MMA have in common? You can’t be lacking strength, agility or versatility if you want to be the best. The Barbarian Line Smith Cable Rack is like a super heavyweight in the current multi gym market. It has a commercial quality smith machine, half rack, functional trainer and multi-grip […]

The new ATX Blackline Cable Attachments have been a real eye opener for not just our customers but also myself. Being a simple man with simple tastes, I go for the basic things in life. As long it functions right and is durable it gets a green light. To put it in perspective one of […]

Just thought I would post my highly biased review of the Ironmaster IM1500 after reading a review of the half rack on bb.com. It copped a bit of a hammering, which I thought was a bit harsh considering that the people making the comments don’t actually own one. But everyone has a right to their opinion, […]

A good way to set up a strength program is to use your own body weight (BW) as a reference point. For example, if you weigh 80kg set up your program as such. Bench press 30% of BW x 15 reps – 50% of BW for 10 reps – 75% of BW for 5 reps. Now […]

This bench may look a lot like other benches on the market. It has the saw tooth adjustment system for flat, incline, decline and upright positions. But there are a few features that make this bench stand apart from the competition. The best part for you the customer is that the ATX-MBX-660 does it a […]

Matt started with a key detail: the locking screw. “We use a special alloy steel for the shaft – high carbon content, heat-treated with an extra-cost process,” he explained. “It’s threaded into the handle, and that treatment boosts thread life and overall durability.” It’s a choice you might not notice when you buy, but it […]

We shifted focus from the Quick-Lock Dumbbell weight plates to the unsung heroes: the handles, locking screws, and chrome parts. Matt revealed why these are crafted in Taiwan rather than China, shedding light on a deliberate choice that underscores Ironmaster’s commitment to quality over cost-cutting.  Matt started with the basics. “The weight plates get a […]

Matt’s decades of experience traveling across China, visiting factories, and refining proprietary designs have shaped Ironmaster into something special. It’s a story of passion, hands-on expertise, and a refusal to settle for off-the-shelf solutions.  Matt began by contrasting Ironmaster’s approach with a common industry practice. “I’ve seen it time and again,” he said. “A lot […]

Beyond the standout Quick-Lock Dumbbells, this innovative platform extends to a range of accessories that maximize functionality and adaptability. Matt shared how this system has evolved into a comprehensive solution for strength training enthusiasts, and it’s clear Ironmaster has thought of everything.  One exciting addition Matt highlighted is the mace handle. “It’s designed for heavy […]

From the pioneering Quick-Change design to the game-changing Quick-Lock system, Matt shared how a family legacy evolved into a modern fitness staple – and even outshone a competitor along the way.  Matt kicked off with the original Quick-Change Dumbbells. “The weight plates had a horseshoe-like slot,” he explained. “They’d drop onto a handle backing plate, […]

Matt shared a story from a blog post on their website, and it’s one worth hearing. Add in some personal insights, and it’s clear these adjustable weights are built for the long haul.  Matt kicked things off with a customer’s experience that’s hard to believe. “Their house burned down – the whole neighborhood did,” he […]

In my latest chat with Matt Dawson, CEO of Ironmaster, we stumbled into a bittersweet truth about their Quick-Lock Dumbbells: they last so long it’s almost bad for business. Matt and I swapped gripes about modern appliances and explored how Ironmaster’s philosophy bucks the trend of disposable consumer goods, delivering gear that’s built to endure.  […]

Hello, everyone! Sam from Sam’s Fitness here, bringing you an insightful look into the Ironmaster Quick-Lock Dumbbells. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Matt Dawson, CEO of Ironmaster, for an in-depth discussion about the engineering and craftsmanship behind this standout piece of equipment. If you’ve ever been curious about what sets these […]

Matt broke down the challenges of early designs and the meticulous approach that sets Ironmaster apart. It’s a story of precision, durability, and sticking to principles.  Matt started with a nod to the original Quick-Lock Dumbbells, which featured dimples in the four corners of the weight plates. “It was a good idea in theory,” he […]

Hello again from Sam’s Fitness! In my ongoing conversation with Matt Dawson, CEO of Ironmaster, we turned our attention to another gem in their Quick-Lock lineup: the Adjustable Kettlebell Handle. This clever piece of kit leverages the same weight plates and locking screws as the Quick-Lock Dumbbells, offering a seamless way to expand your training […]

Greetings from Sam’s Fitness! In my latest chat with Matt Dawson, CEO of Ironmaster, we tackled a thorny issue: the rise of copycats, especially in Australia. As demand for innovative fitness gear like the Quick-Lock Dumbbells grows, so do the knockoffs. Matt and I dug into why these imitations pop up, why they fall short, […]