Body-Solid Pro ClubLine (LVBP) Adjustable Leverage Gym Bench - Converging Chest & Bench Press Machine with Sealed Bearings and Gas-Assisted Start Positions

The headline *converging press arm movement for advanced bio-mechanics* caught my attention, and I was instantly enthused. That headline and a book, written by Erlington Durden, PhD, that I read many years ago, influenced my decision to buy this LVBP. In Dr. Durden's book I learned that the chest muscles are designed to move the arms down and across the body: In a movement that feels natural and smooth, this lever-arm bench press accomplishes the latter half of that equation with tactile precision.Another reviewer mentioned that they've had over three-hundred pounds on the Body-Solid LVBP.... Likewise here....I didn't lift that much though....Although intended for bench presses only, sit-ups can also be performed on this bench. Then too, this sturdy platform is suited for one-arm, bent-over rows. So, here, with a left-hand lead off, is my one-arm-row procedure: I stand on the bench and step into position facing the left lever arm. Next, I place my left foot on top of and in line with the (metal) cross-over bar and I position my right foot (wide) on the bench. I then bend at the waist and knees, and brace my lower back (right forearm to right knee). Finally, I hook my left hand, without use of the thumb, 'round the left (main) tubular arm and let 'er row...to and fro.

This is an amazing piece of equipment for the home. I can do one arm at a time or both. Really works the chest well and very safe. If I can put it together, anyone can!!!!!!!!!!

I wish this was around 35 years ago! they got the movement just right, a combination of flying movement and pressing movement. i looked at the cheaper models and chose this one because you get what you pay for. try to be cheap and you're gonna get thin tubing, poor welds, bad finish. at nearly a thousand dollars this machine is a bit pricey but the tubing is decent thickness, the welds looked good, the finish was good and the overall design is very stable weighing in just over 200lbs which helps with the stability and it has plate hanging bars which will add even more stability to it. i took it for a ride and was instantly impressed with the smoothness and arc of movement of the arms. the padding is very firm. assembly is straightforward. i'll be checking into the incline bench version of this machine.

There are some slight manufacturing defects with this machine. As the arms come down they do not rest squarely on the Support brackets. Even though the support brackets have an adjustable length it is not as long as is needed for me. I had to take the adjustable bars out and drill an additional hole to allow to keep the arms high enough for me to be able to raise the arms when I have heavy weight on there. The hydraulic lifts that are included with is the machine to apparently assist lift off of the arms during a lift are useless and unnecessary. The $1300+ price is extremely overpriced. For all the imperfections and machined discrepancies it’s not as good as it may look. I bought it because due to a combat injury I don’t have a supporting muscle in my right shoulder. The machine does function okay but not for the price they ask for it.

My husband provided this review:Beautiful piece of equipment with exceptional engineering that made it VERY easy to assemble. This is STURDY, STURDY, STURDY! I used this equipment in a gym and benched 360 lbs with no spotter. It's perfect for those of us who train alone and need to train heavy. One nice feature is since I'm 5'7" I will actually be able to use it to do overhead shoulder presses by adjusting the arm rests. I know this equipment is not cheap but if you like to bench heavy...get it! BTW, the shipping was fast too.

The only complaint is the arms do not rest on the center if the rubber pucks. It rests on the edge. The company needs to be aware of this and correct it to have a perfect bench press machine.

This machine is over the top awesome. And body solid is easy to work with.the pad was damaged during shipping and they replaced it no questions asked.i will continue to make future purchases from them.total quality.i have zero complaints. Thank you for this unit.

This is a convenient a way to do heavy bench presses without a spotter. As such, it is sturdy, safe, and well designed. It works fine. However, it takes some adjusting of your body to get into position for a comfortable bench press. . The handles are not in a great position for me( less than average height; broad shoulders; short arms). It has the advantage of converging arm arcs and each side working independently. It seems to affect my upper body muscles in somewhat differently from a chest press. Expensive, but worth it if you can afford it-and have the floor space.