Do you long to train at home, to build bulging muscles or to gain Herculean strength?
As you embark on your fitness journey, you’ll most likely need the holy grail of exercise equipment: the almighty power rack.
But how do you choose a power rack?
Before you drop a thousand (or more) on a power rack that you might not love, check out our guide below to help you through the treacherous realm of power racks.
Grab your protein shake and let's dive in!
When it comes to power racks, there are several features to consider. Let's take a closer look at each of them: The height of the rack is of utmost importance. After all, you don't want to be cramped like a sardine in a tin can while attempting to lift heavy weights.
Look for a rack that provides enough vertical space for you to perform your exercises comfortably and without any restrictions, while being short enough to allow you 6-12” of space above the power rack for clearance during chin-ups.
Don't underestimate the importance of rack depth. You need ample space to move around and execute your lifts with precision.
A deep rack will allow you to perform exercises such as squats, bench presses, and overhead presses without feeling like a caged animal. However, a depth of 24” or less is a smart use of space for space-constrained home gym enthusiasts.
When in doubt, choose wisely and give yourself some breathing room!Do you possess the wings of an eagle or the flappers of a penguin? Your answer will determine the rack width you need.
A wider rack like our standard Hydra power rack provides more room for lateral movements at a total of 49”.
However, if you have the flappers of a penguin, a narrower rack of 47” may be more suitable for your floor space.
Let's face it: you're not here to lift feathers. You want to hoist heavy iron and make the gods of Olympus tremble.
Therefore, ensure that the power rack you choose has a weight capacity that matches your strength aspirations.
For some, the 700-pound capacity of our Residential Rack might be more than enough. For others, the beefy 1,000-pound limit of the Hydra Rack is essential.
All things considered, seek a sturdy beast that can withstand YOUR strength ambitions! Now, this is where things get interesting. A wide rack attachment selection can take your workouts to a whole new level.
Whether it's a dip bar, a landmine attachment, or band pegs, these add-ons can spice up your training routine and give you more exercise options. So, don't be shy to explore the wonderful world of rack attachments and unlock a realm of endless possibilities. The dimensions of the rack's tubing can make a world of difference. Smaller tubing like the 2.3” x 2.3” size of our Light Commercial Rack is easier on the piggy bank.
However, the industry-standard 3” x 3” provides greater stability and can handle more punishment.
Ideally, opt for a rack with beefy tubing that can withstand your most intense workouts. Remember, you want a rock-solid fortress that can weather the storm.
Similar to the tubing, the size of the holes in the rack's tubing may seem like a trivial matter, but it can really affect your long-term training experience.
Choose a rack with ⅝” holes for the most compatibility with other brands while getting a solid bang-for-your-buck. This allows you to have more options for power rack add-ons like safety spotter arms or j-cups. The power rack world has embraced the concept of modularity, offering racks that can be expanded and customized to suit your evolving needs.
Look for set-ups like our Hydra that allow you to add attachments, extensions, or single components for purchase. This way, you can start with a basic setup and gradually upgrade and expand your rack as your strength and training requirements grow.
Power racks come in various styles, each with its own unique characteristics. From portable squat stands to commanding 6-post power racks, there are dozens of options to ensure you’ll find a style you dig! To unleash your inner beast in the weight room, you need a great power rack.
When it comes to choosing a power rack, consider these aspects: rack height, depth, width, weight capacity, rack attachment options, tubing dimensions, hole size, and available styles.
Whether you have limited space, a tight budget, or a huge workout area, you’ll be sure to choose the power rack perfect for your personalized fortress of gainz!
