Power Tower - Why no squatting with it?

[workoutaholic]

I tried to search the threads but couldn't find an answer to this: Why won't we be able to use Cathe's upcoming Power Tower as a squat rack? Is it too short, or are there safety mechanisms that squat racks have that this doesn't? I don't know anything about squat racks, so humor me. : )

 

[Fitnessfreakk366]

Not sure about Cathe's power tower but the one I have works well for a squat rack. The arms are just at the right height for me to go under my bar and I can load it up very heavy and the PT never rocks. I love it.

 

[workoutaholic]

Thanks Debbie! And where might I find this lovely item that you have?

 

[banslug]

Like Debbie, I use my power tower (that I bought at Dick's) as a squat rack. I put my barbell on the dip handles and it's the PERFECT height!!!

Gayle

 

[Fitnessfreakk366]

Thanks Debbie! And where might I find this lovely item that you have?

Honestly, I can't even remember the name right now. Here is a picture of it:

I can't even make out the name that is on the back pad. But anyways, you see where my Dyno bands are hanging? Those are the arms I use to put my bar on. It works out nicely.

I got this power tower at Dunham's.

 

[SNM Videos]

I tried to search the threads but couldn't find an answer to this: Why won't we be able to use Cathe's upcoming Power Tower as a squat rack? Is it too short, or are there safety mechanisms that squat racks have that this doesn't? I don't know anything about squat racks, so humor me. : )

To make the Power Tower safe for Squats it would have to be made stronger, heavier and taller. Instead of being a piece of equipment that you could easily move around your house and store the Power Tower would have to be something you keep permanently in your workout room, basement and garage. This would also make the product very difficult to ship and unload. Products like this are already available from most fitness stores.

 

[workoutaholic]

Thanks Debbie, Gayle, and SNM!

 

[kathryn]

Several of us on here ordered a BD Squat Rack (two separate racks that are easier to store than 1 big one) earlier this year.

I don't have the site info off-hand, but a web search would find it quickly.

 

[NancyAZ]

I bought mine from Overstock and am very happy with them:



Valor BD-3 Squat Stands
The XS-Strength BD-3 Squat Stands are adjustable to fit each person's height. The H frame bases allow a stable stance while in use. Safety catch bars available for emergency needs. Rubber end caps provide protection and stability.

Features / Benefits

• Solid Base with each base covering 400 square inches of surface.
• 36" Upright Posts.
• 5" Chrome back plate to catch bar as lifter maneuvers back to stand.
• 2.5" mouth opening for bar support
• Safety spotters on each post can be adjusted accordingly.
• Range of 36" to 56"
• Max load should not exceed 250lbs.
• For added safety, do not practice squats alone. Always have a spotter.

 

[workoutaholic]

Oh, ok, that looks really great, and it's not nearly as expensive as some of the other ones I've seen online tonight.

 

[NancyAZ]

Something some of us found when we received these (there is some assembly required) is that the rinkydink wrenches they send with the stands are pretty worthless. You'll be trying to tighten bolts from now until next Christmas. Just a heads up that you may need at minimum two appropriate-sized wrenches or adjustable wrenches. We used a socket wrench and a box wrench, if I remember right. (I hope I have my tool terms right!)

 

[kathryn]

Something some of us found when we received these (there is some assembly required) is that the rinkydink wrenches they send with the stands are pretty worthless. You'll be trying to tighten bolts from now until next Christmas. Just a heads up that you may need at minimum two appropriate-sized wrenches or adjustable wrenches. We used a socket wrench and a box wrench, if I remember right. (I hope I have my tool terms right!)

I forgot about that.
Good thing I have tools at home, because those skinny, flimsy wrenches that come with the set would make a good piece of jewelry (think pendant!), but aren't good for much else!

(Is a box wrench the same as an adjustable wrench? I should know this, because my parents used tools all the time, but I forgot! I used a socket wrench and an adjustable/maybe box wrench to put mine together as well.)

Oh, and my first try, I got something out of place (the only "instructions" are a drawing showing what to put where, but I put something in the wrong order), but I immediately figured out what it was because it was pretty clear something was not quite right).

 

[NancyAZ]

(Is a box wrench the same as an adjustable wrench? I should know this, because my parents used tools all the time, but I forgot! I used a socket wrench and an adjustable/maybe box wrench to put mine together as well.)

No, the box wrench is the one that is the same specific size as the bolt head and is not adjustable. Clearly, as you found out, the adjustable wrench works, too.

 

[kathryn]

No, the box wrench is the one that is the same specific size as the bolt head and is not adjustable.

Is the box wrench the one with the open end? And a socket wrench the one with closed ends?