| Unit | Dimensions | Possible exercises | Max. user weight | Weight resistance | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weider Ultimate Check Discounted Price | L:79" W:28" H:48" | 70+ | 250 lbs | Bungee cords, +50 lbs | Parts: 90 days Labor: 90 days |
Weider fitness offers quite a range of fitness equipment, including home gyms, weight benches, and free weights. But some of their highest rated products are the body-weight based benches. One of them is the Weider Ultimate Body Works.
This particular model is actually quite similar to the older one, the Weider Total Body Works 5000. Actually, there aren’t many differences between these two besides the color and model of the upholstery.
In this review we’ll cover the Weider Ultimate Body Works, in other words, the model with the code number WEBE15911.0. This particular fitness machine offers the possibility to perform more than 70 exercises. It’s also currently priced under $200, and it’s actually a machine that can replace free weights and other fitness machines up to a certain extent.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 79L x 28W x 48H inches (201 x 71 x 122 cm)
- Assembled weight: 79 lbs (35 kg)
- Max. user weight: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Possible exercises: 70+
- Weight resistance system: Bungee cords
- Warranty: 90 days parts / 90 days labor
Frame construction and parts
Most of the machine’s frame is made of steel tubing, featuring quite a sturdy construction. This particular model is rated for 250 lbs (113.3 kg) of user weight, however it is sturdy enough to support users at least 20-30 lbs heavier.
The frame consists of two main pieces: top frame and bottom frame. The bottom frame inserts into the top frame and is secured by a knob. Evidently, since it’s made of two pieces, you can adjust its length. In fact, the machine is actually foldable. You can slide the bottom frame into the top frame all the way, remove the handlebars and footplate, and lock the incline leg in horizontal position, to basically remain with the bench and a very shortened frame. This way you can store it vertically against a wall, or under the bed.
When fully extended, the Weider Ultimate Body Works has a length of approx. 79″ (201 cm). Differently put, it should accommodate users up to 6’3″ with no problem for all the exercises. Even taller users should be able to use the machine, but with a little adjustment on some exercises. When fully folded, the frame is 59″ (150 cm) long. Also, the width of the machine is approx. 28″ (71 cm). So, differently put, it will take some space. It’s not exactly a small machine. However, on the other hand it’s not extremely heavy. When fully assembled its weight is 79 lbs (35 kg), and almost anyone should be able to fold it or move it for storage.
The machine features simple, cylindrical bases, with plastic caps. Its width offers enough stability for all exercises, you don’t have to place it on a mat.
The bench (or gliding board) features a consistent 2″ padding, offering excellent comfort, while the upholstery is made of thick, durable vinyl material. In case you’re wondering, the gliding board is 13″ (33 cm) wide, and approx. 45″ (114 cm) long. It features a set of 4 rollers and glides over the surface of the frame, offering the possibility to perform a variety of exercises that involve your own body weight. The rollers integrate heavy-duty, sealed ball bearings, which render them highly durable and long lasting.
This Weider bench only features two pulleys, attached to the top end of the machine. They’re made of a combination of heavy-duty plastic and steel, also integrating industrial quality ball bearings. They can rotate 360° on their eyebolts, which means they will adjust position according to your exercise.
The cables are military strength steel ropes, covered in PVC sheets. They’re highly durable and can support much more weight than the maximum specified user weight. They’re finished with single grip handles, covered in rubber foam material for a comfortable grip.
Resistance System
The Weider Ultimate Body Works features a weight resistance system based on the user’s body weight. Actually, the machine can supply a maximum resistance equal to approx. 55% of the user’s weight, plus an additional of 50 lbs of resistance which can be added via the 4 
bungee cords attached to the lower part of the bench. You can add resistance to your exercises by connecting one or more bungee cords to the lower part of the frame. This way it will be more difficult to pull up your body weight, resulting in a more consistent workout.
Also, the bench features an incline bar with 7 adjustment positions. By increasing or decreasing the incline for various exercises, you can also increase or decrease the weight resistance. Evidently, the highest resistance level is achieved when the bar is set to the highest incline position.
When it comes to the resistance cords, it’s important to know that the farthest you stretch them, the more resistance you’ll get. The resistance cords can be replaced if you find any with the same specs and hooks, but with higher resistance. However, this isn’t exactly recommended.
One last aspect to be mentioned here is actually an answer to a question that many people ask regarding this machine: “Can you build muscle with the Weider Ultimate Body Words?” The answer is “Yes”. However, if you’re interested in a huge increase in muscular mass, you’ll definitely need to use classic free weights and/or a gym machine. The Weider multifunctional benches will help you build muscles up to a certain extent. But since they cannot offer too much more weight resistance than your own weight, the results that can be achieved are also limited. So, as a little conclusion here, this machine is made for muscle toning and aerobic training.
Possible Exercises
There’s quite a variety of exercises offered by this machine. In fact, you can perform more than 70 exercises. Some of the most common are:
Abdominal Exercises
Crunches
Trunk rotations
Resisted crunches
Inclined crunches
Crunches with leg curls
Sit-ups with feet attached
High leg pull-ins
Low leg pull-ins
Side planks
Back Exercises
Pull-ups
Back flies
Prone back flies
Back flies with leg curls
Hyperextensions
Aerobic rowing
Crossover rowing
Kneeling rowing
Lateral pulldowns
Lateral pulldowns with squats
Chest Exercises
Chest presses
Wide grip chest presses
Close grip chest presses
Incline push-ups
Chest flies
Incline chest flies
Lateral chest flies
Decline chest flies
Pullovers
Pullovers with crunches
Pullovers with twisting crunch
Pullovers with squats
Leg Exercises
Leg curls
Calf raises
Reverse leg curls
Squats
Single-leg squats
Kneeling single-leg squats
Wide squats
Twisting squats
Jumping squats
Front lunges
Hip extensions
Hip adductions
Hip abductions
Shoulder Exercises
Shoulder presses
Upright rows
Upright rows with leg curls
Upright rows with hyperextension
Lateral deltoid raises
Front deltoid raises
Lying front deltoid raises
Front deltoid raises with leg curls
Wide grip front deltoid raises
Front deltoid raise with supination grips
Shoulder extensions
Shoulder extension with hyperextension
Shoulder extension with leg curls
Lateral arm pulls
Arm Exercises
Biceps curls
Lateral single-arm biceps curls
Lying biceps curls
Biceps curls with hyperextensions
Biceps curls with leg curls
Biceps curls with crunches
Chin-ups
Triceps extensions
Kneeling triceps extensions
Lateral single-arm triceps extensions
Prone triceps extensions
This machine is not made for performing leg extensions. However, you can use it as a classic bench for incline dumbbell chest presses. Of course, in this case you’ll have to make sure that your own weight plus the weight of the dumbbells you will be using won’t exceed 300 lbs, in order to prevent any damage to the machine.
Assembly and Maintenance
Most of this machine comes already assembled. The main two pieces of the frame come already connected, with the gliding board also attached. You basically have to add the base of the incline leg, the footplate and the handlebar. The whole assembly shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes. The box contains a manual which provides clear assembly instructions. However, for assembly you’ll need your own adjustable wrench and a Phillips screwdriver.
Even though there’s no maintenance specified for this machine, there are several aspects that you may want to consider. First of all, since the bench glides on rollers, onto the frame, it’s best to check their condition from time to time, and remove any dirt that may be on the bars, to prevent any damage to these rollers. Also, in case the pulleys begin to squeak, a little greasing should solve the problem.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame, being able to actually support 20-30 lbs heavier users than the specified (250 lbs) capacity;
- Sturdy, thick vinyl finish on the bench, and 2″ cushioning;
- Folding design;
- Versatile machine, offering the possibility to perform more than 70 exercises;
- Excellent for both strength and cardio training;
- Can be used for inclined dumbbell press as well;
- Little maintenance required;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- Limited weight resistance – not for hardcore weight lifters;
- No complete workout guide – just a few exercises specified on the box;
- Takes quite a bit of space, length wise.
Bottom Line
The Weider Ultimate Body Works is an excellent home fitness machine, for muscle toning, muscular strength and stamina building, weight loss and cardio training. It offers the possibility to perform more than 70 exercises. It features a sturdy frame with a folding design, integrating a squats plate and a handlebar for crunches. Its bench features a gliding design, supporting body weight resistance exercises, with the possibility to add 50 lbs of bungee cord resistance. All in all, since it’s an extremely versatile machine, and costs less than $200, it offers excellent value and quality for the price, and definitely stands up to the top ratings that it has been given so far.