The 9 Best Workout Power Towers
This wiki has been updated 35 times since it was first published in June of 2015. If you want a gym-quality workout without the costly membership fees or the hassle of having to drive down there, you can get ripped in the privacy of your own home by installing a multifunctional power tower. You'll quickly learn you don't need bulky weights to develop a six-pack, as these are ideal for building upper body strength and core definition by using just your own body for resistance. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Stamina Fortress
2. Relife Rebuild
3. DlandHome Multi-Function
Editor's Notes
April 07, 2021:
This list still looked to be in pretty good shape, and we saw no major need to make any new omissions, except for in the case of the Hi-Mat Adjustable, which we decided to phase out due to availability concerns. We also found a couple new options to include with these rankings.
The Soozier Home Gym caught our eye with its small, 44-pound punching bag, which we thought might be a nice touch for young martial artists or amateurs who might be interested in putting on a pair of bag gloves for fitness, but it should be noted that this is by no means a bona fide heavy bag, and it’s unlikely to present a worthy target for any serious boxers.
The listing for the Kicode Multi-Function bragged of its bench’s extended length, but at less than three feet – which seems to be significantly less than the average flat bench – it’s hard to imagine how short it could have been before. Still, considering that most options in this category include no bench component, we thought that the bench was a decent bonus that many users will find helpful — but tall users beware.
Power towers can be an excellent way to get an at-home gym started, but if you’re concerned that one might take up a bit more space than you’ve got to spare, then a simple chin up bar might be an affordable alternative that offers enough utility to get your new fitness regiment rolling.
February 23, 2020:
For this update, we replaced the Golds Gym XR with the Relife Rebuild, whose suction cups and square framing make for a much more stable option.
Stability was the primary factor in mind when choosing our other replacements as well, like the Hi-Mat Adjustable. This model features a thick steel frame and U-shaped bottom, allowing you to really crank up the intensity of your workout without worrying about its sturdiness.
The DlandHome Multi-Function is another new addition, capable of supporting up to 600 pounds of weight. In addition to its stable frame, we also brought in this model to add another option that excluded a backrest. If you know you won't be doing any exercises that require a backrest, like leg-lifts or knee-raises, eliminating it can free up a lot more legroom when performing pull-ups.
When considering which workout power tower to buy, you should first decide what you want to use it for. If you're just looking to focus on pull-ups and dips, a basic model like Stamina Outdoor would be just fine. But if you want to add some variety, like a platform for box jumps, the extra price of the Stamina Fortress could be worth it.
It’s also important to keep in mind the height of the person using the equipment. If it's intended for use by a variety of people, or if you’re not sure what the perfect size is for you, you’ll want to make sure to get an adjustable model.
Power towers are great for bodyweight exercises, but if your main goal is to pack on muscle, a weight-based workout would deliver better results. They tend to be more expensive, and usually require you to buy weights separately, but a smith machine, or weight bench setup might be worth checking out.
Special Honors
Fitness Superstore Assisted Chin Dip Machine There's no doubt, pull ups are one of the best multi-muscle exercises to work your upper body with, but that doesn't stop them from being very difficult, especially if you're out of practice or getting into shape for the first time, and you're carrying a bit of extra weight. A machine like this can offer you a bit – or, if necessary, quite a lot – of assistance, until you're ready to face that bar on your own. fitnesssuperstore.com
Atlas Strength Home Gyms A power tower is a great way to start strength training at home, but once you get used to the convenience of it, you may find that you never want to go back to the gym. Atlas Strength has a range of multifunctional solutions that can help you shred or bulk up without leaving the house. altasstrength.com
4. Soozier Home Gym
5. Stamina X
6. Body Champ
7. Kicode Multi-Function
8. Stamina Outdoor
9. K KingKang Adjustable
What Do I Need to Know Before Purchasing a Workout Tower?
Consider whether you want a tower that has one or more racks for stacking free weights, or dumbbells.
The first thing you need to know before choosing a workout tower - or any form of gym equipment - is where you plan on putting it. A workout tower is compact, relatively speaking, but it also requires its own area or corner. With that in mind, be sure to take note of the measurements of any tower that you might be interested in buying. Compare each tower's measurements (including height) against the dimensions of whatever area you have designated to store it.
The second thing you'll want to consider is which muscle groups you'd like to develop the most. Almost every tower provides options for toning up your abs, and arms, and shoulders, and legs. But there also towers that come with attachments for performing resistance exercises, the kind that will develop several ancillary muscle groups in addition to your core.
Consider whether you want a tower that comes with a detachable bench for doing incline exercises. Consider whether you want a tower that has one or more racks for stacking free weights, or dumbbells. Consider whether you want a tower that'll represent an all-in-one solution, or whether you just want a piece of equipment that'll promote your overall fitness and health.
Safety is a major concern when it comes to workout towers, particularly if you have kids. Assuming that's the case, you may want to avoid any towers that are centered upon sling straps, or, worse yet, suspended objects. In addition, be sure to confirm that the workout tower has a heavily-weighted - and perhaps even immovable - base.
Several Tips For Getting The Most Use Out of Your Fitness Equipment
When it comes to staying in shape, there are two basic ingredients. One is the means, and the other is the motivation. If you own a fitness tower then you've got the means right at your disposal. The motivation becomes a little easier if you follow the handful of tips that we've listed below.
The more playlists or podcasts you have access to, the more you'll look forward to getting in a brief workout every day.
First, you'll want to set up a decent workout environment. That means creating an isolated atmosphere that provides you with access to TV, water, a reasonable temperature, and, most importantly, music. If you can, set up several workout playlists that you can listen to on your iPod. The more playlists or podcasts you have access to, the more you'll look forward to getting in a brief workout every day.
You'll want to work out different muscle groups on different days. And you'll want to mix things up by integrating some different exercises, as well. Most workout towers come with a multi-page guide that'll walk you through some basic regimens. Beyond that, you can find some really decent and challenging exercises online.
Try not to overdo it during a workout, regardless of how good you feel. It's better to build incrementally and have a little bit left in the tank than it is to start feeling sore and beat down. In addition, chart your progress. Set minor goals, and in the event that you have achieved one of those goals, reward yourself.
Finally, you may want to consider how your fitness plan is being affected by your diet. A lot of muscle groups are made in the kitchen, so to speak, which means your body requires the right nutrients in order to stimulate muscle and minimize fat.
A Brief History of The Workout Tower
During the 1970s, any workout tower (aka a "knee raise station") was primarily used for toning up the abs. These early towers appeared bare and minimal, with most models consisting of little more than a pair of hand grips for doing knee raises, and a pull-up bar for building up the traps, the deltoids, and the arms.
Such accessories are used for increasing upper-body strength, the kind that's required for dangling inverted from the north side of a boulder.
As physical fitness evolved into a booming industry (around the mid-1980s), companies like Weider and Bowflex began to manufacture compact gym equipment that could be used in the home. Fitness towers became popular specifically due to the fact that they were inexpensive and they could fit into almost any room.
Throughout the 1990s, increased competition led to a number of innovations. As a result, the average fitness tower expanded to include dumbbell racks, an incline bench, sling straps, resistance equipment, leg bars, dip bars, a pull-up bar, and more. In addition, a lot of workout towers allow for adjusting both the incline bench and the dumbbell forks, thereby rendering the entire mechanism more versatile than before.
Since the turn of the century, workout towers have become more safety-conscious. Parents can detach any elastic bands, along with any resistance equipment, or suspended gear. The majority of towers are also heavily weighted, so there's little chance of them teetering over. Another improvement involves the addition of rock-climbing gear, including nylon grips and metal handholds. Such accessories are used for increasing upper-body strength, the kind that's required for dangling inverted from the north side of a boulder.
After deciding that the pen was mightier than the pliers, Canadian electrical contractor William Rhoda abandoned his career and headed back to college, where he majored in marketing and advertising and won a scholarship along the way to earning a diploma in creative communications. His past career landed him a depth of knowledge in tools and hardware, while his current career schooled him in audio, video and camera equipment. During his leisure time, he’s learned lots about outdoor gear, and years of tiresome backyard maintenance have taught him all about pools and hot tubs. His recreational pursuits include rest, relaxation and revolutionary action, and his roommate’s a hairless cat.