Justifying buying the tower

taterkc

taterkc

Cathlete
I buy everything Cathe comes out with and have never been disappointed. I'm trying to decide if the Power Tower is something I really need. I would like to have it to do modified pullups/chinups, but I'm just not sure if I would use it for anything else. Do you all think you will be using it for your barbells? I'm on the 6 month rotation and have just now finished my second round of Mesocycle 1. Are there weight selections in 2 and 3 that are too heavy to lift from the ground? I know there's a squat rack opinon in Meso 3 that would use the tower, but are you finding you would also need to it get your correct 1RM bench press weights, etc in a safe position before starting? I just want some feedback--don't want to miss the presale if I really need this too! Thank you!
 
100% my humble opinion, but I am very much looking forward to this piece of equipment. I believe that I will use this a great deal for not only the pull/chin ups (since I am afraid that the over the door holder will break my hollow core door one day) as the bands don't seem to give enough of a burn, but for PUSH UPS too like in the Blog pictures! I am most excited about this because I have wrist issues and doing them on the ground (knees or toes) is pretty much painfull even with handles, so the ability to hold onto the bar in a barbell grip will hopefully allow me to make gains in push ups!

Also, SNM does NOT recommend that you use the PT as a squat rack due to the instability using higher weights and the limitation of the height... Therefore other than the pull/chin/push up and bench press applications, you should NOT use them as a squat rack...

That being said, I don't have any stands, racks or anything, so this is perfect for the smaller bedroom I use for my weight room... If you have room, and can spend a little more money, there are full squat racks, with chin/pull, that you can purchase that will allow all uses... I know there were a few threads where Catherine (fit_fairy) posted a few pic's of hers, and a few others also...

good for you for doing the research and not buying on impulse! :) good luck in your decision!

ETA: Here's a link to one of the threads: http://www.thecathenation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=262029&highlight=squat+rack
 
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Personally, I have needed my racks for bench presses in meso 3 and it was nice to have for meso 2, the ones I have don't work with my incline bench, so I ordered the Power Tower anyway. So for inclines I still have to manage to get the weight up first, so I think I'm lifting a bit lower than I could on incline presses. The Power tower will be much better for pullups than my rigged contraption using a body bar and my racks.
 
I may have spoken too soon! I just did Meso 2/Week 1 Chest for the first time and saw how the tower was used. I kinda wish I had it now to get that barbell up for bench presses! It's a struggle to get in position.
 
taterkc said:
I may have spoken too soon! I just did Meso 2/Week 1 Chest for the first time and saw how the tower was used. I kinda wish I had it now to get that barbell up for bench presses! It's a struggle to get in position.
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Well I see I'm now a little late with this but...

I am in week 2 of Meso 3. I struggled to get my weights up for chest presses. I use my knee to help hoist it up and it has worked so far.... But.. Today I used my unpadded barbell instead of the padded one (big mistake), for the heavier weights and I really wished I had the power tower or some sort of way to hold up my weights.

The DH injured his bicep at work :(, so he's no help until it heals.
 
Besides for the obvious pull/chin ups, I am definitely looking forward to using PT for not only bench presses, but to just hold my barbell to change bb plates so I'm not stooping and bending up/down so much w/heavy weight - it holds up to 100lbs safely, which for me, so far, is plenty.
 
rose2boys said:
Besides for the obvious pull/chin ups, I am definitely looking forward to using PT for not only bench presses, but to just hold my barbell to change bb plates so I'm not stooping and bending up/down so much w/heavy weight - it holds up to 100lbs safely, which for me, so far, is plenty.
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Same for me! I ordered without hesitation because I havent been able to make any Pull / Chin progress with my door bar but the bands are too easy..Really hoping I can target the back more with the tower.
 
I really wish I'd had this during Meso 2 and 3. I was afraid I was going to hurt myself just trying to get into and out of position for the chest presses. I'm looking forward to having it.
 
I'm doing the same analyzing here too! My issue has more to do with physical space limitations though. I just read, however, that the tower is supposed to breakdown in a matter of minutes. I hope that is truly the case. I'm also wondering if we order early, if we will receive the same model that is going to be available to the public later. I'd hate to purchase it now & then learn that it's been tweaked or improved in some way.
 
Disregard my note please! I just found my answer after searching the boards. I usually do perform a search before a posting a question but I guess I was just feeling lazy. It's been a LONG day!
 
Okay...just one more post on this topic tonight....I promise: I realize the tower is heavy but WOW is the shipping charge steep!
 
ddj said:
I really wish I'd had this during Meso 2 and 3. I was afraid I was going to hurt myself just trying to get into and out of position for the chest presses. I'm looking forward to having it.
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I am on the fence about ordering this item too. I DEFINITELY agree for the chest benches and inclines that I was getting REAL :confused: creative hoisting that heavy of a barbell up. It wasn't a problem to press it, just to get it up there. I scraped up my knees during these creative moments- like rug burn!! Not good!

I just had my husband put up my iron gym so could do some pull-ups, now if I get this, that'll be pretty unneeded. It's funny, he told me to order it because it was something we could fit in the basement still! However, he doesn't know I already pre-ordered the STS Shock Cardio! :eek:
Guess I have one more day to decide.....
 
rose2boys said:
I paid $17.31 for UPS standard ground (I'm in MD) It was A LOT more to expedite & I figured NJ to MD usually only takes a few days anyway...
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Wow, that's it? For me the cheapest method (UPS ground) is $42.00. UGH. Do you guys still think it's worth taking the plunge and buying?
 
I guess it depends on your location - does your screen name mean you're in AZ?

If I were you, I'd really need to know if PT will eventually be offered on walmart.com (you can do site to store shipping for no charge) or another store that may be local for you. Also, if the cost will increase after pre-sale.

There's been no info posted, that I saw, on what will happen & how long you have to wait to order after pre-sale.

These are all considerations, but in the end, I definitely think it'll be worth the $. After you use it several times & have it as part of your equipment collection, you'll forget all about the $42 shipping fee!
 
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