One stop covers the basics: dips, lifts, sit-ups

The vertical knee raise station, or VKR, is an oft-ignored piece of fitness equipment -- but it shouldn’t be. Relatively inexpensive, with no moving parts, this age-old gym staple can quickly build functional strength and a V-shaped torso through three basic exercises: hanging leg raises to work the abs; dips for shoulders, triceps and chest; and chin-ups for back, shoulders and arms. Some stations also include built-in attachments for push-ups and sit-ups. If you use the step-up bars to do one-legged calf raises, this piece of equipment becomes a very effective way to get a natural, body-weight strength workout from head to toe.

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Roy M. Wallack

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Bargain body blaster

Ironman Power Tower: The basics on a budget.

Likes: Includes all the standard features: dip handles, pull-up bar and leg-lift stations, plus built-in push-up bars.

Dislikes: Thinner-gauge steel frame than the more expensive models gives it a less-solid feel, although it’s still beefy enough for most. No ankle holds for sit-ups.

Price: $139. (800) 683-1236 or ironmanfitness.com.

Stiff competitor

Parabody: Simple, basic and rattle-free.

Likes: Very solid feel; the entire structure is welded, except for some small bolted-on crossbars. Includes push-up bars.

Dislikes: No ankle holds for sit-ups.

Price: $359. (866) PARABODY or parabody.com.

The transformer

Hoist Fitness Tree: Club machine quality with instant incline sit-up board.

Likes: A unique, dual-purpose pad that can be used as a back support in the conventional knee-raise position, then removed and used as slant board for incline sit-ups. Includes push-up bars. As stable as a club machine.

Dislikes: None.

Price: $499. (800) 548-5438 or hoistfitness.com.

A little help

PowerTec Quikfit base unit: Low-cost version of gym-style adjustable-assist equipment.

Likes: Unique leverage design lets you counterbalance your own body weight by adding weighted plates. As you get stronger, you can reduce or remove the weighted plates altogether.

Dislikes: You must buy your own plates. No ankle holds.

Price: $499. (800) 250-6665 or powertecfitness.com/quikfito.htm.