Leverage Squat Calf Machine - Body Solid (GSCL360B)

I have been lifting weights for over 20yrs and I thought I would never be able to squat anymore. I have a bad shoulder and knee. This machine is great,it`s safe,very little strain on your knees and shoulders and lower back.Plus it holds alot of weight.DAMN it`s good to be able to squat again!!! Be aware, it takes time to put together. If I can do it anyone can. Make sure you have a socket and wrench set.I put it together by myself,if you have help that would be good.

I haven't had this long, enough for just a couple leg workouts and about 6 calf workouts, but I think I have enough experience with it to share my thoughts.
The first thing I noticed is that it takes a little getting used to. With plates on it there is a little work just to get under the pads and the feet into the proper spot on the angled foot plate. I'm not that tall (5'11") but I still have to squat way down to get into position but its not that terrible. I suppose if your very tall you might find that somewhat uncomfortable. Ive read reviews of the Powertec leverage squat and a taller reviewer said he had issues with it so maybe its just something you go through with these types of machines.
Now to the important part...the workout. First off the angled foot plate allows for multiple foot positions which is great because you can work your legs slightly differently depending on foot position. One thing that took some getting used to is leaning back into the pads that go behind your back. With your feet on the angled plate you almost have to lean back into those pads, which felt odd to me, but it makes for a comfortable lifting position. While lifting your back feels totally removed from the move which in a traditional squat the back is highly involved. There is an adjustable pin to determine how low you can go into the movement, I personally put it lower because I like to go deeper into the move. Its very comfortable though, Id almost compare it to more of a leg press or hack squat feeling than a squat because its that much easier on the back than a regular squat.
Calves are good to work with this. The calf block isnt quite high enough to get a really deep stretch at the bottom but its curved and doesnt dig into your foot like a square block would.
Okay there are a few quirks to this item that I should go into. The directions suck! Fortunately I bought this item from a local distributor and they did the assembly but go to the bodysolid site and look at the manual. Yep, no step by step instructions just an exploded view diagram. No usage instructions in the manual either although use isn't so complicated you cant figure it out. My main issue is with the locking pin. There's a lever that you move and I don't know if its just me but it seems that to get into the exercise I lift the weight then have to deal with that start-stop lever, rep out then deal with it yet again. Maybe I'm just not used to it but it seems sort of awkward to use with a few hundred pounds on your back.
Overall though its probably the best product for what it is for. Just be sure you have enough weights to use because I'm sure that you can build some big legs and calves with the help of this machine!

The placement of the feet and how you lean into the pads that curve around your upper back/shoulders is important. I have had this model over four years and it has served me very well. The degree of the squat is great as the steel foot panel is set about 20 degrees and that takes the stress off the knees so you can add a bit more weight. The only problem I have had is with the spring loaded lockout handle. I position my body under the machine and stand up to the position where my upper back is "locked in" with the back & shoulder pads. Once I square myself up to secure my back in, this allows me to release the safety to be free from its holder. That be a bit of a problem until you get used to the unit. I love the safety that's built in to keep me from not being able to stand back up. Keep the spring free of dirt/dust and it'll be great. I have compared this unit (quality/price) to a similar one elsewhere and found this product to less expensive and superior in quality/construction.

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 weight

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..