You want a core station that stays planted, feels good on the joints, and turns “ab work” into repeatable, trackable training—not a momentum swing. The BodyKore Elite Series CF2107 Vertical Knee Raise delivers that with a sleek commercial-grade frame, supportive contact points, and grip options that let advanced users push strict knee raises and dips with confidence.
This Vertical Knee Raise is engineered to stay stable under heavy, repeated sessions while supporting strict form. The CF2107 is commercial grade and rated to hold over 1000 lbs, which is exactly the kind of “overbuilt” margin serious home gyms, studios, and athletic programs look for.
It’s a strong fit if you want one station that can:
A strict vertical knee raise trains the rectus abdominis and obliques while demanding full-torso bracing, with hip flexors contributing to the lift. In an ACE EMG ranking of 13 common ab exercises, the captain’s chair pattern placed among the top performers—showing markedly higher mean activity versus a traditional crunch for both rectus abdominis and obliques.
That aligns with broader EMG findings: exercise choice changes which “core” tissues take the load, and method differences are why coaches favor controllable setups and consistent technique across weeks.
Support reduces swing and grip fatigue, so the stimulus stays where you intend. Knee-up variations can strongly activate abdominal musculature, but fatigue and setup can increase “extra” muscle involvement (including hip flexors) in ways that matter for low-back tolerance and long-term consistency.
A strict-rep checklist (what “good” feels like):
Ergonomics decide whether you train consistently or avoid the station after week two. The CF2107 pairs a slanted back support with armrests so you can lock in posture while the legs move. Its inward-angled contoured arm pads are designed to maximize comfort and reduce irritation on upper-body joints during higher-volume work.
Entry and exit are handled like a commercial piece should be: rubber-molded footplates give stable footing so different users can step in, set their shoulders, and get to work without awkward hopping.
Two sets of angled hand grips let you find a strong, natural line for both dips and knee raises. For dips, start tall at the top and avoid a shrugged position; one practical cue used by clinicians is “push the bars away” to achieve scapular depression, then let the shoulder blades move naturally as you descend. Depth is personal—only go as low as you can consistently and comfortably control.
Treat this vertical knee raise like a lift: pick a rep target, keep form strict, and progress one variable at a time. ACSM’s resistance-training progression guidance emphasizes matching loading/volume to training status and using planned progression; advanced trainees often tolerate higher weekly frequency when recovery supports it.
Three clean templates you can run year-round:
Pairing idea (tight, effective, time-smart):
✅ Commercial-grade construction
✅ 1000+ lb load rating
✅ Slanted back support
✅ Inward-angled arm pads
✅ Dual-angled dip grips
✅ Dual knee raise grip set
✅ Rubber molded foot plates
✅ Easy entry/exit access
✅ Comfortable forearm support
✅ Premium, facility-ready look
Documentation: CF2107 manual and data sheet available.
What muscles does a vertical knee raise work? It primarily targets the rectus abdominis and obliques, with hip flexors assisting—your goal is to keep the torso braced so the abs, not momentum, drive the rep.
Is a vertical knee raise better than crunches? If you can control it, the captain’s chair pattern can produce a higher-tension stimulus and has ranked among the most effective common ab exercises in EMG comparisons.
Are dips safe on this vertical knee raise? They can be—prioritize comfort, control, and consistent depth, and adjust range or volume if your shoulders protest.
How do I stop knee raises from hitting hip flexors only? Slow the rep, keep ribs down, and limit range to where your pelvis stays stable—quality beats height.
From our Tennessee headquarters, we ship nationwide across the USA—so you can build a serious, space-efficient training corner without compromise. For a curated purchase experience and premium support, shop the CF2107 through Hamilton Home Fitness.