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If you’re looking to take your home gym to the next level, a power rack might just be the missing piece of equipment you need.
This versatile and sturdy gym equipment is ideal for a variety of exercises, from squats and bench presses to pull-ups and deadlifts. Many fitness enthusiasts swear by this multi-function piece of equipment, and we get it. The right power rack can be a huge part of your workout routine.
In this article, we’ll explore three reasons why you should start using a power rack in your workouts and highlight some of the best home gym power racks on the market. Let’s start!
What is a Power Rack?
A power rack is a metal frame that is used to support a barbell during strength training exercises. It typically includes adjustable horizontal safety bars attached to pillars. A power rack (also known as a power cage) can be set at different heights to catch the weight bar in case of failure during a lift.
Some people compare the cages to squat racks, but they are completely different. The squat rack can only offer so many benefits, while a power rack is a highly versatile piece. The fundamental difference between the two is their constitution. A squat rack is smaller and less safe. Also, it can’t offer the variety of exercises that the best power racks can.
Power racks are designed to provide a safe and stable environment for lifting weights, and are popular in both home and commercial gyms.
Are Power Racks Safe?
Yes, power racks are generally considered safe for weightlifting. The adjustable safety bars ensure that if you fail to complete a lift, the weight falls on the bars. Therefore, it’s not only a safe option, but also the better one for your home gym.
If you’re the type of person to work out on their own, a power rack can help you achieve a full-body workout in a fast and secure way. Additionally, you won’t have to depend on a family member or friend to assist you when doing barbell exercises with heavy weights.
Essentially, the solid frame of good power racks provides stability for you to perform exercises with a large weight capacity. Hence, you don’t have to worry about the equipment moving or wobbling.
Needless to say, a power rack is a must-have for any home gym. Not only is it a safe piece of equipment to use by yourself, but it’s also highly versatile. When it comes to safety, you can count on this home gym equipment to live up to its promise.
The Benefits of a Power Rack
A power rack is a right choice for your home gym setup. If you’ve got the space in your garage gym or you can move around some boxes, you should definitely get one.
Don’t believe us? Check out the incomparable benefits of a home gym power rack below.
Here are three advantages of using a power rack in your workout:
1. Increased safety
Power racks provide a controlled and stable environment for lifting weights, reducing the risk of injury.
The hefty pillars and heavier constitution make up for the extra space a power rack may take when compared to other home gym equipment. That’s because the heavier and wider the equipment is, the less likely it is that it’s going to fall. A squat rack or a half rack is lighter and less massive, hence less safe.
However, make sure that if you do get one, you take your time installing it and placing it on a leveled surface. This way, you can avoid any potential hazards when training.
2. Versatility
Power racks can be used for a variety of exercises. This is part of the reason why they are so sought after and they make up such an important part of any home gym.
Many fitness enthusiasts swear by this piece of equipment, as it allows them to build a workout routine without having to buy multiple machines.
You can do plenty of exercises with a power rack, from bench presses to dips, squats, and more.
Needless to say, this machine is an elaborate piece that everyone needs in their home gym setup. If you’ve got the space and the means, there’s no point in skipping buying this type of equipment.
3. Increased strength
Lifting heavy weights with a power rack can lead to increased strength and muscle mass. This machine is built especially for strength training. Therefore, if you’re looking to build muscle and get toned, this may be the missing piece in your home gym setup.
- Going through your daily routine is much easier if you’ve got a power cage. That’s because you can use it to carry out plenty of exercises without switching the machine.
- Additionally, if you’ve got one in your home gym all for yourself, you can set it to fit your need and come back to a machine adjusted to your preference every day.
With a commercial gym, things are a bit different. Not only you’ll have to wait in line for your favorite machine, but you’ll also have to change its settings every time.
Additionally, you can save space with a home power rack. Although the fitness equipment is large and heavy, you don’t have to purchase separate pieces of equipment for each exercise.
What to Look for in a Power Cage? Spoiler: Pull-Up Bars And Room For A Bench Press Are A Must.
When choosing a power rack, there are several factors to consider. Some of the most important things to look for include:
- Height and weight capacity. Make sure the power rack can accommodate your height and weight, as well as the weight of the weights you plan to use.
- Frame size and shape. Consider the size and shape of the frame to ensure it fits in your space and allows for comfortable exercise.
- The adjustability of safety bars. Look for a power rack with adjustable safety bars to allow for different exercises and different heights.
- The pull-up bar and room for a bench press. These are commonly desired features for a power rack and can add to the versatility of your workouts.
Now, let’s see which options available on the market tick these boxes. At USA Home Gym, we test and review each piece before recommending it to you. If you want to create the safest, most reliable home gym, count on our free resources for useful tips!
The Best Overall Power Rack
| Image | Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Pick  |
| 9.9 | Check price |
 |
| 10 | Check price on Rogue |
 |
| 9.8 | Check price |
 | 4. Valor Fitness BD-11 Heavy Duty Power Rack/Squat Rack
| 9.8 | Check price |
 | 5. Titan Fitness T-2 Series Power Rack
| 9.8 | Check price |
 |
| 9.7 | Check price |
 | 7. IRON COMPANY Body-Solid Power Rack
| 9.2 | Check priceRead Review |
 | 8. Valor Fitness BD-41 Heavy Duty Power Cage with Multi-Grip Chin-Up Bar
| 9 | Check priceRead Review (Older BD-33 model) |
 | 9. Body-Solid Best Fitness BFPR100 Adjustable Power Rack
| 9 | Check price |
 | 10. CAP Barbell Full Cage Power Rack
| 9 | Check price |
The best overall power rack can vary based on individual needs and preferences, but some popular options we’ve discovered are Rogue R-6 and Rogue R-3 from Rogue Fitness and REP Fitness PR1100.
These racks are known for their durability, versatility, and adjustability. They come with an adjustable pull-up bar, They’re among the best you’ll find on the market, so you won’t be disappointed with your purchase.
If you’re ready to explore other options and compare them, check out our full list of peer-reviewed power racks!
The Best Budget-Friendly Power Rack
If you’re on a budget, there are still plenty of great power racks available. A popular budget-friendly option is the Cap Barbell FM-CS7000F Power Rack.
This half rack supports a wide range of exercises as well. Additionally, it offers all the basic features you need. However, the design of half racks is not as solid or safe as other models, hence the difference in price.
Although its construction and adjustable bars are not as refined, this piece remains a good pick in the budget power rack category. One thing to note is that this piece is missing safety rails, which is one big disadvantage compared to other racks.
Half racks are popular options for those who like to do barbell exercises, pull-ups, or even squats.
This half rack comes with a standard pull-up bar, a set of barbell supports and two weight plate stands, adjustable safety blocks.
What Exercises Can You Do With a Power Rack?
You can use a power rack for a variety of exercises, including:
- Squats: Place the bar on the safety bars and perform squats.
- Barbell rows
- Bench press: Use an adjustable bench inside the rack for bench press exercises.
- Overhead press: Perform overhead press exercises inside the squat rack.
- Dips
- Deadlifts: Place the bar on the floor and perform deadlifts inside the cage.
- Pull-ups or Chin-ups: Most racks come with pull-up bars.
- Barbell bent-over row
And if we were to include variations of these exercises, the list could go on forever…
The point is: this machine is a good long-term investment. You can use it to develop a complex workout routine and practice strength training. On top of that, a high-quality rack is sturdy and safe, so you won’t have to worry about home gym accidents.
Takeaway
There are a lot of opinions on power racks or squat racks, but one thing is for sure: they’re as popular as home gym equipment gets. They’re versatile and easy to use, as well as safer than other options.
While they may be a costly purchase upfront, they provide plenty of benefits in the long run. On the same note, any home gym equipment purchased is a one-time investment in an asset that you can use repeatedly. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same thing about a gym membership.
For any other home gym advice, free resources, recommendations, and more––check out USA Home Gym today! Get the best advice on what, where, and how to buy your home gym equipment in one place.
Nadia is a USA-HomeGym.com Senior Editor with 15 years+ experience in the health, supplement and nutrition niches. Nadia became a health & fitness evangelist after rebuilding her gut health in 2008 using the Weston A. Price method. She developed a Facebook group that grew to more than 15,000 members sharing information on diet for allergy reduction, eczema & psoriasis cessation. Since 2011, Nadia has been an avid stair climber, achieving race times in the top 5% of her age group and maintaining average times of 3’40 – 3’55 minutes per 12 floors.
