Squat Racks & Power Racks for Strength Training

What are Squat Racks?

A power rack is sometimes called a squat rack or a power cage. It is four vertical posts with two movable horizontal bar catchers on either side. It will allow you to use free weights using a barbell; it won't protect you like a smith machine.

What are the Benefits of Power Racks?

Free weights do build more muscle than machines. Squats, for example, are great exercises to build muscle and strength, but without a power rack, you could struggle to get that bar on your back to squat with.

Power racks are very versatile; there are simply so many exercises you can do, including bench presses, inverted rows, dips and pull-ups. They are also relatively safe because they come with lateral safety pins, which will catch the barbell if something goes wrong.

What to Consider When Buying A Power Rack

Don't just jump in and buy the first one you like the look of, as there are quite a few things you'll need to check in terms of dimensions.

Check The Height Of Your Squat Rack

Check the height of your ceiling, mainly if you are doing military presses or overhead squats. For chin-ups, make sure there's enough room above the rack for your head to clear it comfortably.

Ensure The Width Of Your Power Rack Is Suitable

The width of a rack really varies, so do check out precisely what exercises you want to do. Some squats and rack pull, for example, take up much room. So you may feel silly but try to measure the width of your squat.

If you want to bench press in the rack, then do make sure the bench fits. And if you are using a bench inside the rack and will be using dumbbells, make sure there's plenty of room to drop them if they get too heavy. Some protective rubber mats will also be good to protect your floor.

Ensure Your Power Rack Can Take Your Lifting Weight

Most racks will take up to several hundred kilos, but if you lift or want to lift heavier weights, check out Exigo Elite Power Racks, which are manufactured to an Olympic grade.  

Check If The Pinhole Spacing On Your Squat Rack Is Right For You

A smaller gap between the holes allows for greater flexibility; anything down to 1" is fine. You will find that cheaper racks have an opening of 2" or more.

Accessories For Your Squat Rack

You may want to consider some accessories to go with your rack - dip bars can be hooked onto one of the pins, lateral pull downs, step-up platform, and storage hooks for bars, bands and chains.