The push-through bar is the main event

It travels through an arc and can be loaded from above or below. Loaded from above it resists pressing; loaded from below it assists lifting. That reversal is what makes it so useful for spinal articulation work.

If a tower comes with only one attachment, this is the one, and it accounts for most of what people buy a tower for.

Roll-down bar and springs

The roll-down bar hangs on springs from the top of the frame and supports controlled spinal flexion — the standard use is teaching a roll-down with assistance that the mat cannot give.

Leg springs and arm springs attach at various heights and cover most of the remaining repertoire, from supine hip work to standing arm patterns.

  • Push-through bar — spinal articulation, shoulder mechanics
  • Roll-down bar — assisted flexion and control
  • Leg springs — supine and side-lying hip work
  • Arm springs — seated, standing and supine upper body
  • Safety strap — required for any suspended work

Spring gradation on a tower

Tower springs come in several tensions and attach at multiple heights, and both variables change the resistance. This gives a wide range from a small number of springs but also means settings need to be recorded as spring plus height.

For teaching, keep a written note of client settings. "Yellow spring" is not a setting on a tower; "yellow at the third hole" is.

What to buy with the tower

The push-through bar and one set of leg and arm springs cover the great majority of use. Roll-down bars and additional spring sets are worth adding once you know which parts of the repertoire you actually teach or train.

A safety strap is not optional if anyone will hang from the frame.