The ProForm Assisted Power Tower, model number PFBE1716, is also known as an assisted vertical knee raise machine. It resembles a piece of gym equipment known variously as the Roman chair or captain's chair, a padded seat back and arms suspended on a metal frame. But unlike the Roman chair, the ProForm Power Tower actual comes with an actual seat you can use to help you power through dips or pull-ups if you can't manage them on your own.
Assisted Exercises
This ProForm VKR station is designed to assist you with pull-ups and dips, even if you're not strong enough to do the exercises on your own. Pull-ups work every major muscle group in your back, plus the pulling muscles in your arms and shoulders. Just grasp the pull-up handles and pull your body up, as if you were being lifted by a string attached to your chest.
To perform dips, which work your triceps, shoulders and chest, face the machine. Grasp the horizontal handles and straighten your arms to lift your body up. If you can't manage the pull-ups or dips on your own, attach the optional seat with the 15 lb. or 25 lb. resistance bands. Kneel on the seat and perform dips and pull-ups as usual. The heavier the resistance bands you use, the more help you'll get from the machine.
Unassisted Exercises
You can also perform knee raises, an effective ab and hip flexor exercise, on the VKR station. But the seat and resistance bands won't help you with this exercise; you're on your own. Step into the machine facing out, and support your weight with your forearms on the padded armrests. Squeeze your abs to keep your body stable as you lift your knees up to hip level, then extend your legs down and slightly forward. Lift your knees again and repeat.
You can also use the push-up handles on the bottom of the VKR machine to work your chest, triceps and shoulders together. Assume the push-up position, grasping the handles and balancing your weight on the balls of your toes. Your body should be straight from head to heels. Lower your chest toward the handles, then extend your arms to push yourself up and away. Lower and repeat.
Specs
The ProForm Assisted Power Tower measures 38 inches long by 42 inches wide by 82 inches high. It comes with a pair of 15 lb. resistance bands and a pair of 25 lb. resistance bands, and has a maximum weight capacity of 300 lb. The dip arms fold away for storage when not in use.
Price
The ProForm PFBE1716 has an MSRP or $379 as of January 2011, but it regularly retails for between $200 and $300. This type of constant discount is standard practice in the fitness industry. The PFBE1716 comes with a 90-day warranty.
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