Question about power racks

SBRRepeat

So, my gym has three Kaiser power racks, in addition to our real squat racks and, while I regularly use them as overpriced squat racks/benches, I've never actually used the pressurized air function instead of free weights.
Last night, I had to ask one of the PTs to help me remove the bar you use with the air pressure because I wanted to use the rack and ended up getting a lengthy lecture about how much better air is than iron. I didn't really get what he meant, so I'm coming to MFP.
Has anybody ever used the Kaiser air power racks? Is there some sort of advantage to the system? I may be old school, but it seems like an unnecessary complication. Thoughts?

yopeeps025

So you move air instead of weights?

SBRRepeat

yopeeps025 wrote: »

So you move air instead of weights?

Yeah, the bar weighs about 5 pounds and is attached to pullies and the resistance is regulated by air pressure.
You have full range of motion, unlike a smith machine, but I don't really understand the advantage over actual weight.

HamsterManV2

I tried to google it and only saw some cables pulling the bar down... That's basically using bands or chains on the bar for advanced lifters who need to train the top of the squat or deadlift (as you pull further away from the floor, the resistance increases and it takes more work at the top of the rep).

For 100% of beginner lifters, that is unnecessary. Of course I am not sure what this special rack actually does so correct me if I am wrong.

Mycophilia

Unless there's some gauge for the air pressure it would be a nightmare to use with progressive overload. If the resistance is constant I don't see how this is any different than just using plates.

SBRRepeat

HamsterManV2 wrote: »

I tried to google it and only saw some cables pulling the bar down... That's basically using bands or chains on the bar for advanced lifters who need to train the top of the squat or deadlift (as you pull further away from the floor, the resistance increases and it takes more work at the top of the rep).

For 100% of beginner lifters, that is unnecessary. Of course I am not sure what this special rack actually does so correct me if I am wrong.

Sounds like you googled the right thing. I think the idea is to always use pressurized air (that's what the cables pulling the bar down are for) instead of actual weight to improve... Something... Form? Power, maybe?

I've been lifting for 18ish months, but really just to supplement race training. Was just curious if anybody was familiar with this contraption.

SBRRepeat

Mycophilia- there's a big screen that gives you the weight you're lifting and a little pump to change air pressure, so it may actually be quicker than adding/removing plates.

HamsterManV2

OK then, but I don't see how it is "superior" to regular ol' weights. In fact, if the resistance is constant, it's the exact same thing. If anything, you can adjust the bands to pull the bar at an angle away from you instead of straight down, but I don't see how that can possibly simulate any training better than what there is now... Maybe practice for lifting in a typhoon?

madhatter2013

Sounds like a hassle to me...

SBRRepeat

madhatter2013 wrote: »

Sounds like a hassle to me...

Lol, I'm glad you think so. I've been trying to figure out the possible advantages since I joined the gym last year and I always end up deciding it can't possibly be worth the extra effort.

Plus, if no one can tell whether I'm squatting 5 lbs or 150lbs, how is anybody going to be impressed by my mad skillz?

DopeItUp

Sounds gimmicky. At best it's going to only be as good as normal iron weight training.

Unless maybe you can adjust in very small increments? New PR of 347.19932LBS, guys!

shor0814

I watched the video and I am not convinced. Trainer adding/dropping weight mid set or mid lift? No improved safety that I can see and what are the mechanisms for preventing a spike in resistance mid lift causing you to crash and burn? Still seems to need plates as well, I assume for any substantial weight? A lot of complexity for few to no advantage from what I can see.