Best Power Towers
If you’re looking to expand your at-home workout capability, a power tower is a perfect way to do it. There are many different styles, features, and price ranges to choose from, but at a fundamental level their capabilities are the same. At the minimal level a power tower gives you a rig to perform pull ups and dips. Spend a bit more, and you’ll be adding vertical knee raises and other elements to your routine. Aside from budget, the other thing we kept in mind in reviewing these units is their footprint. Not everyone has a ton of space to work out in, and thus we’ve made sure to note how much space you’ll need to add any of these power towers to your home gym.
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What is a Power Tower?
For anyone not familiar with these machines, a power tower, or body weight station, is a piece of equipment that lets you use your own weight to work your upper torso, abdominal muscles and more. They are tall and slim, with an upper pull-up bar for chin-ups that connects the 2 sides and resemble a long table that has been stood upright with the legs sticking out.
There are 2 hand grips and arm rests, 1 on each side, for the dip station and vertical knee raises and some have grips on either side of the base for lower body exercises and extended routines. You can perform a full range of exercises safely, for a custom workout that maximizes your potential.
The Benefits of a Power Tower
Power Towers are beneficial in many ways, in terms of function and convenience. Here is what they can do for you:
- Versatility: What really makes this equipment stand out is that the design is guy and girl friendly. Most home gym benches and similar equipment are geared towards men, but power towers are equally for both. Girls can use the hand grips for squats while guys use them for
- Condition and Tone: Using this equipment daily will condition your core muscles and upper body, improving muscle tone and overall strength. Using your own body weight, you can go as hard or as easy as you want to get your body in prime shape.
- Spot Train: For those who have suffered an injury, like a torn rotator cuff, or need to spot train, a power tower is ideal. You can use it to work out select muscle groups, like your shoulders or biceps, making it perfect for therapy or customized workouts. Ladies, say goodbye to arm sag forever!
- Core Stability: These machines are great at isolating and toning your mid-section, which not only helps how you look, but how you move. A strong core improves stability and balance, making you more agile and helping reduce your risk of injury.
- Convenience: Power Towers are tall, but thin, so they fit in almost any space. You can put it in your basement, room or office, so there is no excuse not to work out.
Power Tower Maintenance and Safety
Before purchasing one of these machines, it is important to know how to maintain them and use safely. Here is an overview of maintenance and safety tips:
- Always put your equipment on a level floor. You don’t want it to slip or slide when using it, so make sure it is on an even surface and will remain stationary.
- Check the weight requirements. Every machine has a different maximum weight allowance, so check before starting to avoid injury or causing damage to the unit.
- Know how to use it properly. Make sure you understand how to perform exercises correctly and go slow when starting out or you may pull a muscle or become frustrated by a lack of results.
- Have it professionally assembled. To make sure it is put together right and is secure, have a professional put it together. Most stores offer to have it installed in your home to ensure your safety.
Power Tower Exercises
To get you started, or fine tune your existing routine, here are a few exercises you can perform on your power tower:
- Hanging Leg Raises: Great for your abdominals, these can be done using either the pull-up bar or the dip bar. Start on either by keeping your arms straight and raise your legs straight up to 90° angle so you are in the shape of an “L.”Keep your feet together and hold the move 15, 30 or 60 seconds, doing 3 sets of at least 5-10 reps. If you have a difficulty with your legs straight or are just starting out, bend your legs at the knee and raise your knees instead.
- Dips: Perfect for your triceps (back of the arm) and pectorals (upper chest) these are done using the dip bar. Grab the bars with your thumbs on the inside and keep your arms fully extended, with your feet off of the ground. Slowly bend your arms and lower your body, keeping your elbows at your side the entire time. When you reach the bottom, push against the handles and straighten your arms as you return to the top. Complete 3- 5 sets of at least 10 reps each. (If you can’t do a full dip, place your feet or knees on a stool or chair.)
These machines are easy to use and maintain, making exercise, safe and convenient, as you use your own body weight and can do your routine day or night from the comforts of home. Equally effective for men and women, they eliminate excuses and leave you with a desire to work out.
1. Bowflex BodyTower
While also the most expensive on our list, the Bowflex BodyTower is the most comprehensive piece of equipment in the power tower category. It is made of commercial grade steel, has adjustable height settings to its dip handles, and it even comes with a set of sling straps, adding further versatility and range to the machine. The one negative here is that it may be too expensive for some shoppers, but this is one piece of equipment worth saving up for.
2. Weider Power Tower
The multiple grip design of this power tower means you’re getting a dip station, pull-up station, and vertical knee raise station in a single package. Made from high-grade yet lightweight steel tubing, the unit will not move or rock no matter what surface it is on. The upper arm rests and hand grips have foam and vinyl padding, so you can exercise in comfort and focus on your form.
3. Body Champ Power Tower
The Body Champ power tower is another model that hits all its marks, giving users a multi-station apparatus to perform classic and advanced exercises that target your upper torso. Constructed with premium steel tubing, this unit has a D-shaped base for added stability. The hand grips have non-slip coatings applied, and the padded back section is hand sewn. There are also base coverings so the unit won’t scratch your floor.
4. Stamina Power Tower
A key selling feature here is simple and compact design, allowing this Stamina power tower to fit in any space. It works in offices, apartments, and just about any workout room in the house. This unit is perfect for toning and definition of your full body, with 2 upper grips and 2 waist high grips that can be used for push-ups, sit-ups, tricep dips and more. The grips feature ergonomically designed foam cushioning, so they feel natural and can hold a maximum weight of 250 pounds. If you’re looking for something basic, start here.
