| Unit | Dimensions | Possible exercises | Weight capacity | Workout stations | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Body-Solid GVKR82 Check Discounted Price | L:57" W:42" H:82" | 20+ | 285 lbs | Pull-ups, Dips, Push-ups | Frame: Lifetime |
The Body-Solid GVKR82 is a light-capacity, classic power tower designed for home use. In terms of features, range of exercises that can be performed on it, and workout stations, it can be compared to the Gold’s Gym XR 10.9. It does offer, though, a slightly greater weight capacity, and has a sturdier overall construction.
Technical Details & Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 57″L x 42″W x 82″H (147 x 107 x 208 cm)
- Assembled weight: 122 lbs (55.3 kg)
- Weight capacity: 285 lbs (129 kg)
- Possible exercises: 20+
- Warranty: Lifetime
Frame & parts
The Body-Solid GVKR82 power tower features a heavy-gauge 2″ x 2″ all-4-side welded frame made of steel tubing. Its weldings, joint
points, and overall construction deliver enough sturdiness to support users up to 285 lbs (129 kg).
All the bars within the frame structure are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The main bars (the uprights, the base bars, and the pad arms) have a gray finish, while the push-up handles and pull-up bar are painted black.
The fully assembled unit is fairly heavy. It weighs approx. 122 lbs (55.3 kg) and this weight delivers plenty of stability. Most of the weight is placed in its base, so the unit shouldn’t move or wobble during exercises, even if the user is close to the maximum weight capacity.
The base bars do not have pre-drilled holes for attaching the unit to the floor as this shouldn’t be necessary. However, you can improvise and drill holes in it to anchor it to the floor if you want, but this will void the warranty. Also, the bases don’t have adjustable stabilizers; they rest on large rubber pads which provide a good grip of the tower on the floor.
The unit isn’t extremely large. Its footprint is approx. 57″ (147 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide. However, the maximum width of the unit is given by the pull-up bar. The maximum distance between its grips is 42″ (107 cm). Also, the unit’s height is 82″ (208 cm). This being said, it can fit in a room or basement with a 7′ (213 cm) ceiling, but in this case, the remaining clearance above the unit will only be 2″ (5 cm), which isn’t enough for the correct execution of chin-up exercises, or pull-up exercises. Given this dimensions, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the unit, to be able to perform
An important aspect that we need to mention here regards the angle of the upright bars of the frame. They’re set at a 10 degree reverse pitch which increases the abdominal range of motion during leg raises or knee raises, resulting in a more consistent workout. Conversely, when performing pull-ups or chin-ups on the other side of the unit, there is more space between you and the upright frame.
The metallic T bar of the backrest connects to the two upright bars, a bit over the middle. This adds more structural sturdiness to this strength training tower. The backrest features DuraFirm cushioning, integrating approx. 2″ (5 cm) of foam in order to provide superior comfort and lumbar support during leg raises and knee raises. Its upholstery is highly durable, made of a sweat-proof vinyl material. The same DuraFirm cushioning is present on the arm support pads.
Workout stations
Since it’s a pretty standard power tower, the Body-Solid GVKR82 integrates the three most important workout stations. These are:
Pull-up station. This workout station consists of a standard bar with curved handles. They have rubberized grips in order to provide superior hand adherence and comfort. As we’ve mentioned above, the length of the pull-up bar (from grip to grip) is 42″ (107 cm). The bottom frame section under the pull-up bar features two curved bars with rubber pads on top, which can serve as step-up support for foot resting between pull-up sessions.
Mid station. This is actually a bi-functional workout station, for dip and leg raise action. It features two solid arms with thick DuraFirm pads and front upright grips which offer support for leg raises. However, the front sides of the arms have extra handles for the execution of dips. In case you’re wondering, the distance between the dip handles is 20.5″ (52 cm). The distance from the floor to the dip handles is 54″ (137 cm). The distance between the arm pads is 16″ (41 cm). And finally, the distance from the floor to the top of the arm pads is approx. 59″ (150 cm).
Push-up station. The unit’s push-up station consists of two handles attached to the base of the upright bars of the unit. They offer the possibility to perform parallel grip push-ups and regular grip push-ups. They are rubberized, offering a secure and comfortable grip. Also, the distance between them and the floor is approx. 12″ (30.5 cm).
Possible Exercises
It’s rather obvious that the Body-Solid GVKR82 power tower offers the possibility to execute four main exercises. These are pull-ups, dips, leg raises, and push-ups. But along with them, there are quite a few others, plus their variations. Therefore, on the list of 
exercises that can be executed on this machine, we can mention:
- Pull-ups
- Wide grip pull-ups
- Muscle pull-ups
- Behind head pull-ups
- Around the world pull-ups
- One arm pull-ups
- Cliffhangers
- Weighted pull-ups
- Chin-ups
- Close grip chin-ups
- Wide grip chin-ups
- One hand chin-ups
- Weighted chin-ups
- Dips
- Weighted dips
- Band-resisted dips
- Dip to leg raise
- Side-to-side dips
- Gironda dips
- Reverse Gironda dips
- Leg raises
- Knee raises
- Hanging knee raises
- Hanging leg raises
- Push-ups
- Parallel grip push-ups
- … and more
Of course, if performing weighted exercises, it’s important that the sum between your own weight and the weight load that you’re using should not exceed the specified 285 lbs (129 kg) weight capacity of the power tower.
Assembly & Maintenance
Body-Solid GVKR82 is a home gym with a rather simple structure. Therefore, its assembly isn’t too complicated. There are quite a few parts to put together, though, and it may take more than one hour. The manual does provide clear, step-by-step assembly instructions. Tools for assembly are not included; you will need a socket wrench and 5/16″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ sockets, an adjustable wrench, and a rubber mallet.
Once the unit is fully assembled, maintenance doesn’t require much. Basically, all you have to do is periodically check for loose or broken parts, in order to re-tighten or replace them before any accidents can happen.
The Pros
-
- Sturdy frame – can support loads up to 285 lbs;
- Not an extremely large unit;
- Rubberized pads for the base bars;
- 10° reverse pitch for the upright bars, which grants a wider range of motion for abdominal exercises;
- DuraFirm backrest and armrests;
- Three main workout stations;
- More than 20 exercises available;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- The height of the side arms is non-adjustable.
Summary
The Body-Solid GVKR82 is a power tower made for home use, offering three main workout stations, for the execution of pull-ups, dips & leg raises, and push-ups. It actually offers the possibility to perform more than 20 exercises and their variations. It’s a sturdy unit, with a decent user weight capacity. In all, it’s a decent strength training unit, offering an excellent value for the price.