Looking for an all-in-one bodyweight training station that fits compactly into the corner of your home gym? Then you need a pull up station. In this article, we take a closer look at the 7 best power tower units available in the UK right now.
A power tower is a freestanding multi use exercise station that allows you to do a number of body weight exercises. These include:
- Pullups
- Chin-ups
- Dips
- Hanging leg raises
- Push-ups
- Reverse dips
Power towers make a great addition to a home gym. They are more versatile than a regular pull up bar, but still very compact, transportable and allow you to perform bodyweight exercises that require hanging from a fixed object without having to put holes in the wall or ceiling. The shape and design of most power towers allow them to conveniently sit in a corner of your workout space.
Power towers consist of a metal frame that culminates in a home pull-up station. They have back and arm padding to allow you to do hanging and vertical leg raises. They also feature different bars and push-up bars at the base and a dip station.
These towers also have a wide solid base to keep them stable. Some of them will also have weight placeholders on the base so that you can store your weights, therefore, providing it with extra strength and rigidity.
What to Look For in a Power Tower
Because your power tower will be supporting your entire body while it is suspended in midair, it is important that you buy a product that is fit for purpose. There are five things to look out for when shopping for a power tower:
- Maximum user weight – the strength of the pull up frame of a power tower will be indicated by its maximum user weight. If you jump up on a power tower that is not designed for a person of your weight, the whole apparatus will shake and you will feel unsteady and unsafe as you perform your workout. As a general rule, you should always buy a home pull up station weighted to at least 25 KG more than the maximum weight of the heaviest user. You will find that most power towers are rated at between 100 and 150 KG.
- Dimensions – a power tower is quite a high unit as it needs to accommodate for the home pull-up station. Be sure to measure your available area to check that the machine will not only fit in but that you have about a metre space in front of it to work comfortably. Remember, too, that you need enough head height above the pull-up bar to comfortably perform the pull-up exercise.
- Rigidity – it is impossible to assess how stable a power tower is simply by looking at it. That is why you need to either physically try a power tower before buying it or, if buying online, check the user reviews on how stable it is. Look for a power tower that has a wide, stable base, a thick frame and as few moving parts as possible.
- Pull-up bar – check the quality of the pull up bar at the top of the power tower. Take careful note of the thickness of the bar – it is either too thin or too thick you will not be able to get a firm grip on it. You should also expect the bar on the chin up station to have foam hand grips and at least two different positions. Bars that are angled at the ends also provide you with more training variety.
- Dip station – the functionality of dip stations on pull-up bars varies widely. If the bars are set either too wide or too narrow you will not be able to get a full, natural range of motion on the exercise. Again, check user reviews on this specific aspect of the machine.
Best Power Tower Reviews
RELIFE Power Tower with back cushion
The RELIFE Power Tower with Back Pad is the newest model, featuring a new armrest and back-pad design. It also features a higher max user weight than its previous model at 136 kg (330 lbs). That tells you that the frame of this power tower is exceptionally heavy duty, stable and well balanced.
This Power Tower is height adjustable between 149.9 and 225 cm. The frame has nine different adjustment positions. The base of the unit is fitted with four suction cups to keep the tower firmly grounded and immovable. The new arm rest and back cushion design of this tower are adjustable to allow you to customize for comfort. The back cushion can be adjusted through a range of 51.9-56.9 cm, with the arm rests adjustable between 17.8-24.4 cm.
Slip free handles on the pull up and dip bars ensure that you get a secure hold.
RELIFE provides you with a 12-month warranty on the main frame and a lifetime on the other parts. The total weight of this power tower is 27kg.
- Adjustable back and arm pads
- Max user weight: 136 kg
- Heavy duty frame
- 12-month frame warranty
- Adjustble from 149.9-225 cm
Ultrasport Power Tower
The Ultrasport Power Tower is a solid and secure unit that provides you with the versatility, functionality and adaptability to meet all of your upper body training needs. The solid frame of this unit is constructed from heavy duty steel and features a reinforced base.
Nonslip caps on the base ensure that your power tower won’t move when you are in mid air. Unlike some power towers, this one does not need to be bolted to the floor in order to ensure its rigidity; you’ll get all the stability you need from this freestanding unit.
The pull-up bar on this power tower is straight with angled ends and is generously padded. You also get thick padding on the backrest and the elbow supports. The height of the unit is adjustable between 190 CM and 230 CM. This allows you to position the power tower in rooms of different heights and to adjust it when shorter people, including children, are about to use it.
The Ultrasport Power Tower weighs just 24 KG And has a maximum user weight of 120 KG. Its dimensions are 83 x 65 x 190-230 CM and it is finished in a black matte colour. The unit is quick and easy to assemble.
- Very stable
- Heavy duty frame
- Secure base
- Height adjustable
- Max User weight: 120 kg
Sportstech 7in1 Power Tower PT300
The Sportstech 7in1 Power Tower PT300 is an impressive looking unit that provides the heavy duty and well-designed support base that you need when hanging from a tower. The pull-up bar on this unit is adjustable to 3 different heights and sides. It is rotatable to 180 degrees to increase the training options and suitability for different users. You also get height adjustable main feet to provide you with the ideal level surface to work on even if your training room floor is uneven. In addition, this power tower comes with four rubber suction feet to keep this unit virtually glued to the floor.
The base design of this unit features extra long feet for added stability and load ability. The reinforced design of the support frame adds to the rigidity of this machine. The result is that you will experience absolutely zero wobbling no matter how many reps you are performing on dips or pull ups. Another cool feature on this power tower is that it features four eyelets to allow you to add resistance bands in order to take your training to a new level.
The back and elbow supports of this unit are very generously padded to ensure your comfort as you a willre grinding out on vertical leg raises.
- 3 position adjustable pull up bar
- Heavy duty frame
- Height adjustable feet
- 4 x suction caps
- Max uer weight: 120 kg
YOLEO Adjustable Power Tower
The Yoleo Adjustable Power Tower is a compact unit that fits well into any corner. It provides you with 6 levels of height adjustment that range from 150 CM to 230 CM. That makes this power tower suitable for every member of the family. The feature of this unit is the quality of the armrests and back pad. The impressive thickness of these pads ensures ultimate comfort under the forearms and helps to relieve any spinal pressure throughout the back. The pads are covered in PU leather which is nonslip, water and sweat resistant and free of toxins.
The extra wide width and length of the base of this power tower add to its stability and rigidity. The base is also curved so as to prevent rollover. Four large suction caps sit in every corner of the base to keep the unit firmly affixed to the floor. This unit makes use of heavy duty steel pipe and plate, with the main frame consisting of 30 x 60mm reinforced steel pipe.
The push up handlebars on the Yoleo Adjustable Power Tower enhance your functionality on this classic bodyweight exercise. The max user weight on this machine is 100 KG, so it may not be suitable for larger individuals.
- Extra wide base
- 6 level height adjustment
- Curved base to prevent rollover
- Extra padding on elbow and back pads
- Max user weight: 100 kg
TecTake Dip Power Tower Station
The TecTake Dip power tower station is a very versatile and functional total gym system that comes with a training bench. This extends the usability of the power tower so that you can perform the bench press, complete with pins on the base to allow you to hold your weightlifting bar. The unit provides you with a straight pull up bar with angled ends, dip station, push up bars and pads to perform core hanging core exercises.
This power tower provides you with a very secure base from which to work, whether you are doing chin ups or the bench press. The bench folds up when not in use, allowing you to position the power tower in the corner when you are not using the bench. It is important to understand that this is a budget home gym so you will not want to be bench with huge weight on it. It has a maximum user weight on the chin up and dip side of 100 kg and it is recommended that the max bench press or dumbbell weight used on the bench be 60 kg.
- Bench included
- Secure base
- Bench press pins
- Well padded
- Max user weight: 100 KG
RELIFE REBUILD YOUR LIFE Power Tower
The RELIFE Original Power Tower is a rugged power tower that is constructed from heavy duty square steel framing. The solid frame is backed up with a very stable base that is longer than standard to provide maximum loading points. To make the unit even more stable and wobble free, you also get four suction caps which secure you to the floor while also levelling out the base.
The maximum user weight of this power tower is 150 KG, making it one of the most solid, heavy duty of any of the power towers in this review. This is also one of the most compact of the units on this page, making it an ideal choice for those with limiting training space available. The ergonomic design of this power tower allows you to perform your pull ups, dips and push ups with great form. The PU leather covered back and elbow pads are well padded, sweat, odor and water resistant.
- Rugged design
- Suction cups on base
- Long, stable base
- Compact design
- Max user weight: 150 KG
Power Tower FAQ
What exercises is a power tower good for?
The power tower is a great training tool to allow you to perform the best bodyweight exercises that exist. These include pull ups, chin ups, close grip chin ups, hanging leg raises, vertical leg raises, dips, push ups and reverse dips.
Can you get a great workout on just a power tower?
Yes, you can get a great workout on just a power tower. In fact, we have provided an effective 25 minute upper body workout below. However, if you want to work your legs you will need to get some extra equipment to allow you to perform exercises like squats, leg extensions, leg curls and calf raises.
What should the max user weight be on a power tower?
Look for a power tower that has a max user weight of at least 125 KG. Always try to get a minimum of 25KG differential between your own body weight (or that of the heaviest user of the power tower) and the mTheax weight of the power tower. So, if you are 125 KG, your power tower should have a max weight of at least 150 KG.
Why Invest in a Power Tower
A power tower makes a great addition to any home gym. This is especially the case if you do not want to put holes in the walls or ceiling by attaching a pull-up bar. The power tower is a compact, multi use bodyweight trainer. This one piece of equipment allows you to effectively work the muscles of your lats, mid back, biceps, forearms, triceps, chest, and core without any additional equipment.
Because you are able to do all of the exercises on the same piece of equipment, the power tower allows you to get an intense, fast-paced workout done without the downtime of switching between pieces of training gear. It is great for performing supersets.
Power towers are ergonomically designed for functional fitness. You will find that your body is moving through its natural range of motion when you perform exercises on this machine. In terms of the functionality and usability of a power tower, it also represents very good value for money.
Power Tower 25 Minute Workout
Here is a very effective introductory workout that you can put to use immediately after unboxing and assembling your new power tower. It is focused on working the muscles of your upper body.
The Workout
Pull Ups – 3 sets to failure
The goal of the pull up is to bring your chin up above the bar. Be sure to do this by pulling through the lats and the mid back, rather than momentum pulling through the biceps. Your arms should be slightly wider than shoulder width apart and your legs straight. Perform your reps in a smooth fluid manner until you can no longer reach the bar with your chin. This is the point of failure. Rest 60 seconds between sets.
Push Ups – 3 sets of 15
Use the push-up bars at the base of your power tower to allow you to get a full deep extension on every repetition. Keep your body tight and your core contracted, making sure to come all the way up to full extension and lowering yourself completely on each rep.
Chin Ups – 3 sets to failure
With the chin up exercise, your palms are facing toward you and your hands are only about 6 inches apart. The goal of this movement is to maximally stimulate the biceps. When you get to the top of the movement, forcefully contract your biceps and hold for a second before lowering under control. On this exercise, you will again keep going until you reach the point of failure.
Dips – 3 sets of 10
Dips is an exercise that targets your chest and tricep muscles. To put more emphasis on the chest, hunch your upper body and round your spine. To target the triceps, maintain more of an upright position.
Vertical Knee Raises – 3 sets of 10
Vertical knee raises work your core, with a focus on the lower abdominals. Support yourself on the elbow pads of the power tower with your back and braced against the back pad. Now bring your knees slowly up to your chest level, contracting your abdominals in the top position. Lower slowly and repeat.
Our Top Picks!
When it comes to Power Towers, we think it’s best to stick to the basics. We like the new version of the RELIFE Power Tower. The weight limit is sturdy at 136kg, and it has padding in all the right places to facilitate all types of workouts. It’s very affordable too.
Running a close second is the Ultrasport Power Tower, which features a heavy duty frame, 120 kg max weight and height adjustment.
Our bronze medal winning power tower is the Sportstech 7in1 Power Tower PT300, which provides a 3-position adjustable pull-up bar and 120 kg max user weight. More pricey than the others, but a solid offering overall.
References:
https://anabolicbodies.com/best-power-tower-workouts/
https://athleticmuscle.net/power-tower-workouts/
https://exercisewithstyle.com/power-tower-workout-routine/
https://ignorelimits.com/power-tower-workouts/
Last update on 2024-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
