Bodyweight stations fall into two groups: back extension machines for the lower back, glutes and hamstrings, and chin-up and dip towers for the upper body and abs. Within each group, the choice comes down to how the machine will be used and how much room you have.
A 45° hyperextension sets you at an angle, so it is easier to learn and gentler on the lower back; you can also turn side-on to work the obliques. The Powerline PHYP200X is the home and light-commercial option, and the Body-Solid GHYP345B is the commercial build on 2″×3″ steel with a lifetime frame warranty. A roman chair sets you close to horizontal, face-down across the hip pad, so each rep works through a bigger range: choose the Powerline PCH24X for home or the Body-Solid GRCH322B for a commercial gym. The Body-Solid SGH500 glute-ham developer does back and hip extensions plus glute-ham raises and GHD sit-ups, the most complete posterior-chain machine we sell.
A tower (also called a power tower or VKR) gives you pull-ups, dips and vertical knee raises in one frame. Check your ceiling height first. The Best Fitness BFVK10R is the compact home option, rated to 102 kg. The Powerline PVKC83X steps up to 112 kg and a 10-year frame warranty. The Body-Solid GVKR82B takes 130 kg and tilts the back pad 10° to ease strain on the lower back during knee raises. For commercial gyms, the Body-Solid Pro ClubLine SVKR1000B is a 150 kg full-commercial tower rated to 160 kg users.
| Machine | Type | Size (L × W × H) | Rated for | Frame warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powerline PHYP200X | 45° hyperextension | 107 × 69 × 79 cm | Light commercial | 10 years |
| Body-Solid GHYP345B | 45° hyperextension | 127 × 66 × 91 cm | Heavy commercial | Lifetime |
| Powerline PCH24X | Roman chair | 117 × 64 × 102 cm | Light commercial | 10 years |
| Body-Solid GRCH322B | Roman chair | 130 × 69 × 109 cm | Heavy commercial | Lifetime |
| Body-Solid SGH500 | Glute-ham developer | 196 × 83 × 126 cm | Heavy commercial | Lifetime |
| Tower | Stations | User capacity | Height | Rated for | Frame warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Fitness BFVK10R | Knee raise, chin-up, dip, push-up | 102 kg | 211 cm | Home | 3 years |
| Powerline PVKC83X | Knee raise, chin-up, dip, push-up | 112 kg | 211 cm | Light commercial | 10 years |
| Body-Solid GVKR82B | Knee raise, pull-up, dip, push-up | 130 kg | 208 cm | Light commercial | Lifetime |
| Body-Solid SVKR1000B | Knee raise, pull-up, chin-up, dip | 160 kg | 262 cm | Heavy commercial | Lifetime |
Both train the same muscles. A 45° hyperextension is easier to learn and to get on and off, which suits most home gyms and beginners. A roman chair sets you close to horizontal, so each rep covers a bigger range and is harder, which suits stronger lifters. Add a weight plate or dumbbell to either as you get stronger.
The lower-back muscles along the spine, plus the glutes and hamstrings. Rounding your back works the lower back more; keeping it flat and hinging at the hips shifts the work to the glutes and hamstrings.
Mostly it trains the back of the body: lower back, glutes and hamstrings. Turning side-on for side bends works the obliques, but for the front abs an ab bench or the knee-raise station on a chin-up tower does more.
Pull-ups and chin-ups train the back and biceps, dips the chest, shoulders and triceps, and vertical knee raises the abs and hip flexors. Most towers also have push-up handles near the floor. Together that covers the whole upper body and core with no weights.
Allow the tower's height plus room for your head at the top of a pull-up. The BFVK10R and PVKC83X stand 211 cm tall and the GVKR82B 208 cm, so they fit most rooms. The SVKR1000B stands 262 cm and needs a ceiling of at least 270 cm.
Yes. Every bodyweight station ships free Australia-wide from our Adelaide warehouse.