Training and exercising to get that athletic build is not a walk in the park. To build your muscles and strength, you need to engage in constant fitness routines on gyming equipment like dip stations.
A dip station is a great workout equipment because it can fit right in your home without taking up too much space, it is a lot cheaper than other high-end gyming equipment, and it can be used for many exercise routines.
Working out on the right dip station will put you on the right track to body perfection and protect you from injury while doing so. To get you started, we have written this buying guide that will walk you through everything you need to know before buying a dip station, as well as possible workout routines you can try out on it.
What are the factors to consider before buying a dip station?
Dip stations have many parts - parts that confer features, perks, and versatility, and you must consider each one to ensure that you get the best dip station for yourself.
Type of dip station
Dip stations come in a variety of types for building different users and workout routines. The major types of dip stations include regular dip stands, power towers, and assisted power towers.
If you are looking to perform only dips, a regular dip stand is your best bet. It features either a single stand with two parallel bars or two distinct stands of the same size that serve as parallel bars.
Power Towers are suitable for back and abdominal muscle exercises. Their components include a dip stand, a vertical bench to sit on, and a pull-up bar for arm and core exercises.
An assisted Power Tower is the best dip for you if you are just starting or finding it difficult to execute freehand exercises on your own. What makes it different from a regular power tower is the presence of a platform to support body weight.
Base
The base of the dip station is another factor you must consider. Your choice of dip station must have a broad base that makes it firm on the ground, and the best dip station models come with angled bases for enhanced stability and balance. Dip stations with narrow bases are more likely to tip over during exercise routines, and you definitely do not want that. Also, the base should feature rubber bottoms to prevent the dip from moving while you’re exercising and protect your floors from damage.
Weight capacity
The weight capacity of a dip station is the amount of weight it can sustain, which is a function of the frame material. Purchase only dip stations fashioned out of metals like steel or iron. Plastic dip stations give out way easier than the metal alternatives, and even when you select metal frames, check the weight rating and be sure it can bear your weight.
Grip
Dip station grips are usually made of metal or padded rubber, and choosing between either is based on preference. Metal grips are strong, durable, and offer superb hand traction during workouts. However, you may need to wear gloves to protect your hands from minor injuries like bruises and blisters while using them.
Rubber grips on the other hand are quite comfortable and they offer great hand traction too, but they are likely to tear or spoil while using them.
Some high-end dip stations come with special grips known as Olympic-style rings. These rings offer more exercise versatility and will not hurt your hands. However, handling them can be quite difficult at the start.
Height
Height is not a concern for regular dip stations, but power “towers” that stand up to 7 feet may give you a headache. It is recommended that a gap of at least 1.5 feet separates the ceiling and the apex of the dip station, so compare your ceiling height to the height of the dip station and ensure that the distance is ideal before making that purchase.
Attachments
In the future, you may need to add a couple of accessories or attachments to upgrade the body-building efficiency and potential of your dip station. So, consider this and choose a dip station that allows attachments.
FAQs
What exercises can I do on a dip station?
Dip station exercises are great for building upper body strength and muscles and there are many exercise variations you can try out on them. Here are some dip bar exercises you can engage in:
Inverted Rows:
Here, you get under the dip bar with your face up, grab the dip station grips on either side and start pulling your weight up.
Dip Bar Push-ups:
The typical push-up routine, but with your body in a standing/slanted position.
Dip Bar Hip Extensions:
Dip station hip extensions will be part of some of your exercise routines as secondary exercises. Here, you lie on your back and place both your heels on a single dip. Then, you begin an upward thrusting motion to strengthen your posterior muscles.
Dip Bar Knee Raises:
Here, you place your hands on either side of the dip station and start pulling both your knees up to the abdomen level.
Dip Bar Bicep Curls:
This exercise routine is similar to a dip bar inverted row with a supinated grip, but the movement differs. In this case, you curl yourself up and hip extension instead of driving your elbows back.
Other dip station exercises include:
- Negative Dips
- Extended ROM Push-Ups
- Static Holds
- Bulgaria Split Squats
- Scapular Dips
What are some examples of dip station attachments?
Plyo Step Attachment:
This accessory allows you to carry out ploy box exercise routines on a fully adjustable platform. It is perfect for box jumps, donkey kicks, running planks, step-ups, and many more exercise routines.
U-Link Attachment:
The U-link allows you to attach Body-Solid fitness training ropes to your dip station for enhanced MMA-style conditioning workout routines. It will help you build back, core, and arm strength.
Cannonball Grips:
Cannonball grips simply enhance grip strength on your dip, thereby making your workout more comfortable and effective.
Bar Holder Attachment:
This attachment allows you to hang a barbell on the exterior of your dip.
Pin and Pipe Safeties:
With a weight capacity of around 1,000 lbs. these attachments will reduce weathering of your dip station.
What is the price range of a dip station?
Dip stations are relatively simple, but highly effective workout equipment, and this simplicity is what makes them somewhat cheap. However, there are variations in terms of grips, weight capacity, type, and attachment ports responsible for the wide range of dip station prices. Dip stations can cost as low as $55 and as high as $200, or more. It all depends on the features you want in a dip station, so make a list of your specifications, and purchase one within that price range.