Power rack buyers guide
A good power rack is a must have machine for anyone who is building a home gym and plans on weight lifting. These strong and essential pieces of fitness equipment have a solid steel construction to hold heavy weight and assist you with your strength training routine. They are also commonly known as power cages, just to avoid any confusion.
Power racks include spotter bars which enable you to safely perform compound exercises such as squats, chest press and military press, without worrying about getting stuck under the bar. The sturdy power rack frame can also be used as a pull-up bar for close and wide grip chin-ups. Some power cages will even come with cable systems which adds a plethora of exercise possibilities.
Now without further ado, lets get stuck into our best power racks!
back to menu ↑What are the best power racks?
Here we will take a look at our best power racks from the hundreds of power rack reviews that we have researched and analysed in great detail.
back to menu ↑How to choose the best power rack for you
There are a few important things to consider when choosing the best power rack for your individual needs. Here we will cover some of the key factors to look out for.
back to menu ↑Size
You should measure up the space that you have available in your home gym to make sure that the power rack will fit. You should measure the distance from the walls and from the floor to the ceiling. Power racks can get quite tall and you wouldn’t want your head hitting the ceiling when doing pull-ups.
In addition to the space you have available, consider if the power rack size is suitable for you. A power rack catering towards taller users may not be the best option for the shorter user.
back to menu ↑Weight
There is a good chance that you will be lifting some serious weight on your power rack. That may not be right now, but consider how future proof you want it to be. Power cages come with a range of weight limits, so check to make sure that it can comfortably hold the weight that you plan on lifting. Generally speaking, the more weight the power rack can hold, the more stable and secure it will feel when in use.
back to menu ↑Accessories
Make sure you check that the power rack includes any particular accessories that you may need. You don’t want to unpack it only to realise it is missing a key component for your workout routine. You may want to purchase a weight bench to use alongside your power cage.
back to menu ↑Safety
Power racks are serious pieces of fitness equipment. Considering the potential weight that you will be lifting on the rack, it is imperative to ensure that you choose a power rack which is safe and secure. This will allow you to lift with confidence and avoid any potential injuries.
You can look for power racks that can be anchored to the floor to keep them stable when under extreme demands. A solid and reliable spotter feature is a must. These “safety pins” should be adjustable to any height and let you easily rest the bar back down should things get a little difficult. Try to avoid fiddly stabilizer functions as this can cause a bit of a headache and distract you from focusing on your lifts.
back to menu ↑Comfort
You can have the best power rack in the world, but if you don’t feel comfortable using it, you probably won’t want to! Shop around for a comfortable power cage and be prepared to pay that little bit extra for a quality build.
back to menu ↑Budget
We believe that a power rack is not something you should be looking to be cheap with. However, if you do have a limited budget, that is not a problem. There are power racks to suit all budgets. Just consider that it will be an important part of your bodybuilding routine and will be getting frequent use over many years to come. The best power racks will be built from the highest quality materials and provide you with the flexibility to do multiple exercises.
back to menu ↑What exercises can you do on a power rack?
Power racks are great because they offer a diverse range of exercises for a superior full body workout. They are primarily designed for users who are looking to build some serious muscle mass with compound exercises such as the following:
- Squats
- Bench press
- Military press
- Bent over rows
- Deadlifts
- Pull-ups
- Dips
Benefits of power racks
It goes without saying that any form of muscular endurance exercise is good for you. Power racks allow you to perform a vast range of muscle building exercises that target all muscle groups in the body. They are extremely versatile, improve safety and bring the gym experience to your home! Here are some of the key benefits listed below.
- Build muscle mass
- Improve strength
- Increase stamina and endurance
- Lose weight
- Encourage better mental health
- Save money on travelling and gym memberships
Tips for using your power rack
It can be an exciting time finally getting your hands on that power rack you have been eyeing up for way too long. Before you starting training for the worlds strongest man, here are a few pointers to help you get the best power rack experience possible.
- Take your time to set it up and make sure it is secure
- Keep it in a place where you will feel like using it
- Start with light weight to begin with and practice your form
- Increase the weights as you get stronger
- Watch video tutorials for proper form if you are unsure
- Listen to music to get you motivated
- Keep a water bottle nearby with your favourite beverage
- Have a towel handy to wipe of the sweat
- Consider using a weight lifting belt if you plan on going heavy
- Set realistic goals and stick to them
- Stop lifting weight if you begin feeling any significant pain
- Have fun and enjoy your workout!
Conclusion
If you have made it this far, you should have a good idea on how to identify the best power racks for your home gym. Whatever power cage you choose, it can be a great step towards building muscle and increasing your strength, all from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Happy lifting!
Rich
Rich is an avid bodybuilder who has dedicated over 20 years of his life to the sport. He has a strong passion for health and fitness, living a clean lifestyle with a commitment to helping others educate themselves and fulfil their true potential.
