Whereas there are many efficient, limited-equipment exercises you are able to do at residence to remain in form, you’ll want a squat rack if you wish to raise heavy weight. With out one, you’ll wrestle to carry out lifts just like the back squat and bench press and should by no means attain your full energy potential.
I purchased a brand new squat rack a couple of 12 months and a half in the past. Regardless that I’ve years of coaching expertise and am accustomed to many alternative squat rack firms by my job as a health author, it nonetheless took me weeks to decide. Nevertheless, I discovered far more about squat racks than I ever thought attainable. To avoid wasting you from having to endure numerous hours of analysis, I compiled an inventory of the eight finest squat racks under.
Our Prime Picks for the Finest Squat Racks
Finest Energy Rack: REP Health PR-5000
REP Fitness PR-5000
- Dimensions: 50.8 inches broad; selection of 80- or 93-inch peak; selection of 16-, 30-, or 41-inch rack depth
- Supplies: 3×3, 11-gauge metal
- Weight capability: 1,000 kilos
- Gap spacing: Two inches
Professionals
- A number of customization choices obtainable
- Suitable with attachments from different manufacturers
- Laser lower numbers on the uprights for simple and fast rack changes
Cons
- Excessive beginning value and the price of attachments and equipment provides up shortly
- No Westside gap spacing
Should you’re looking for a customizable, heavy-duty squat rack, look no additional than the REP Health PR-5000. It has 3×3, 11-gauge metal uprights, which is spectacular by itself. However with the variety of appropriate equipment and attachments obtainable, you possibly can have entry to nearly a whole fitness center with simply this one rack. For that reason, we contemplate the PR-5000 the perfect squat rack total.
You might have the selection of an 80- or a 93-inch rack peak, relying on how excessive your ceiling is. You can even select a 16-, 30-, or 41-inch rack depth. The deeper it’s, the extra space you’ll have inside for squats. You’ll additionally have the ability to match extra attachments within the deeper racks. And, for an much more private contact, you possibly can select from six colours for the uprights: purple, blue, white, clear, metallic black, or matte black. The crossmembers can be found in the identical colours and are available inexperienced, too, so you possibly can actually make this energy rack distinctive.
As well as, you possibly can add a number of different attachments, together with:
- Security straps, pin pipe safeties, or flip-down safeties
- A straight, 1.25-diameter pull-up bar; a two-inch-diameter pull-up bar; a multi-grip pull-up bar; or a globe pull-up bar
- Flat, normal, lowered, or sandwich J-cups
- A leg curler attachment
- A dip station
- ISO arms
- A wall ball goal
- A lat pulldown attachment
- And extra
(Should you really feel overwhelmed from studying this, scroll all the way down to the shopping for information under, the place I discuss extra about a few of these options.)
The big selection of obtainable attachments opens up your coaching to far more than barbell and dumbbell workouts, to which many residence fitness center house owners are restricted. However as you possibly can think about, the attachments drive up the value, and the rack is dear to start with. Should you can’t afford to purchase all the things all of sudden, you possibly can skip the attachments and purchase them at a later date, as REP sells all of them individually on its web site.
The rack can be appropriate with attachments from different manufacturers, so that you might be able to discover those you need at a cheaper price from one other firm. The home gym sub-Reddit is a improbable useful resource for mixing and matching squat rack attachments from totally different manufacturers for those who’re undecided what to search for.
Apart from the value, it’s exhausting to search out any main drawbacks to the PR-5000. We do want it got here with Westside gap spacing, although. Westside gap spacing means the holes on the decrease parts of the uprights are spaced one inch aside as a substitute of two inches. The smaller spacing permits for extra exact changes of the J-cups, so you possibly can preserve higher beginning positions throughout bench presses whenever you unrack the load. It additionally helps you to place security pins or straps in a extra precise place.
The lowered J-cups assist you to get round this by creating one-inch gap spacing on racks with two-inch gap spacing. Nevertheless, you need to pay further for them.
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Finest Finances Squat Rack: Drive USA MyRack Modular Energy Rack
Professionals
- 20 customization choices obtainable
- Numbered holes on the uprights for quick and simple J-cup adjustment
- Comes with a lifetime structural guarantee
- Makes use of 10-gauge metal brackets to bolster its stability
Cons
- Requires a ceiling peak of 98 inches if you wish to do pull-ups
The Drive USA MyRack Modular Energy Rack isn’t the most cost effective squat rack round. Nevertheless it is likely one of the lower-priced choices on this checklist, and I wouldn’t advocate that you simply go a lot decrease than its value level — slightly below $500 — if you need a secure, sturdy squat rack.
The MyRack Modular Energy Rack consists of 12-gauge, 2.4-inch metal uprights and boasts a 2,000-pound weight capability. It’s extremely unlikely that you simply’d ever raise 2,000 kilos, so this rack ought to have the ability to deal with any weight you placed on it. It additionally has Westside gap spacing for extra exact barbell placement and could be bolted to the ground or used as a free-standing rack. Prospects have reported that it’s secure even with out bolting it down, which is a plus for individuals who can’t drill into their ground.
A number of customization choices can be found. You possibly can go for spotter arms, flip-down security bars, or security straps; a typical, multi-grip, or globe pull-up bar; a lat pull-down and low row station; lat pull-down and cable crossover attachments; and far more. In all, there are 20 choices to select from, so you can also make the rack as primary or strong as you need.
The MyRack Modular Energy Rack can slot in small areas, because it’s simply 55 inches lengthy and 47 inches broad. It’s 87 inches tall, so it could actually match underneath ceilings lower than eight ft excessive. Nevertheless, if you wish to do pull-ups with out hitting your head on the ceiling, you’ll want a ceiling peak of no less than 98 inches.
Finest Foldable Squat Rack: PRx Profile One Rack
PRx Profile One Rack
- Dimensions: 52″ W x 89″ H x 29.25″ D when folded down; 52″ W x 89″ H x 29.25″ D when folded up
- Supplies: 2×3, 11-gauge metal
- Weight capability: 1,000 kilos
- Gap spacing: Two inches
Professionals
- Black powder coat end for sturdiness
- Takes up simply 4 inches when folded
- Can select between a typical, kipping, or multi-grip pull-up bar
Cons
- Costly for a rack that makes use of 2×3 metal
- Requires a ceiling peak of 107 inches to fold it up
A folding squat rack just like the PRx Profile One Rack is right for individuals who work out in small rooms, park their vehicles of their storage gyms, or simply need further ground house once they’re not coaching. The Profile One Rack exploded in reputation after it appeared on season seven of Shark Tank and has develop into a go-to squat rack for residence fitness center house owners restricted by house.
PRx doesn’t supply many customization choices for the Profile One Rack, however you do have a selection between three pull-up bars: a kipping bar, a typical 1.25-inch diameter bar, or a multi-grip bar. The kipping bar is nice for CrossFitters as a result of it extends from the wall by almost 40 inches, providing loads of room to do kipping pull-ups and toes-to-bars. The usual bar is appropriate for conventional pull-ups and chin-ups, and the multi-grip bar is a strong possibility for those who prefer to differ your pull-up grip (for instance, by doing neutral-grip pull-ups).
The uprights are made of two×3 metal. That is thick and durable sufficient for many lifters, however for the value, we’d have preferred to see 3×3 metal. Should you go for a pull-up bar, you’ll spend no less than $800, and you could find 3×3 squat racks for that value.
The opposite disadvantage is that you simply want a ceiling peak of 107 inches to fold it up. Nevertheless, when unfolded, the rack is 89 inches excessive. Should you’re set on a wall-mounted squat rack however have brief ceilings, the Profile One Rack might nonetheless be an ideal selection — you’ll simply have to go away it unfolded, even when it’s not in use.
Finest Squat Stand: Rogue Health S-2 Squat Stand
Professionals
- Can select between a fats or standard-diameter pull-up bar
- J-cups have plastic liners to guard towards harm to your barbell
- Triangular plates on the base for further stability
- A number of appropriate attachments obtainable
Cons
- Requires a ceiling peak of no less than eight ft
Squat stands are ideally suited for individuals who don’t have room for a full energy rack or those that prepare the Olympic lifts, as they will’t do snatches, cleans, or jerks inside an influence cage. Nevertheless, many squat stands are wobbly since they solely have two uprights, and their bases aren’t very sturdy. That’s not a difficulty with the Rogue S-2 Squat Stand. It consists of two×3, 11-gauge metal and makes use of the identical triangular plates on the bottom as Rogue’s heavier-duty squat racks, which assist maintain it grounded.
One other characteristic that units the S-2 Squat Stand aside from its competitors is the pull-up bar. Not all squat stands have this and as a substitute of J-cups on the high of the uprights for a barbell. The addition of the pull-up bar opens up the variety of workouts you are able to do at residence. You are able to do pull-ups and hanging leg raises or loop your favorite resistance bands across the bar for stretching and mobility work. Even for those who’re a CrossFitter and do kipping actions, the rack will stay secure.
Rogue sells a number of appropriate attachments for the S-2. Security spotter arms assist you to squat and bench press heavy weights with extra confidence whenever you prepare by your self. The landmine and dip stations enable for extra exercise versatility, as you are able to do dips, landmine shoulder presses, or landmine squats. You can even buy barbell and plate holders, a wall ball goal, a battle rope anchor, and extra.
The S-2 begins at underneath $500, which is cheap for a high-quality squat rack from Rogue. Any equipment you add to it’s going to drive up the fee, however spending the cash could also be price it if you need a flexible, customizable squat rack that may slot in a small residence fitness center.
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Finest Half Rack: Bells of Metal Hydra Half Rack
Professionals
- Doesn’t have to be bolted down
- Three peak choices obtainable (84, 90, or 108 inches)
- Two inside depths obtainable (17 or 30 inches)
- Suitable with attachments from different manufacturers
Cons
- Will be expensive for those who add a number of attachments
It’s uncommon to discover a modular half rack that may accommodate extra than simply a few attachments. Nevertheless, Bells Of Metal affords almost a dozen optionally available attachments for its Hydra Half Rack, making it one of the vital customizable half racks we’ve seen. We additionally love its flat-foot design, so that you don’t need to bolt it down.
Potential attachments embrace storage horns, three totally different kinds of J-cups (normal, curler, or monolift), and a lat pull-down system. Should you’re available in the market for a high-quality barbell and/or a top-notch set of bumper plates, you possibly can add these to your buy, too. Nevertheless, the Hydra Half Rack is appropriate with attachments from different manufacturers, so that you’re not restricted to gear from Bells Of Metal — simply double-check the specs to make sure the attachments will match a rack with 3×3 tubing and ⅝-inch gap sizes.
Apart from the add-ons, there are different methods you possibly can customise your Hydra Half Rack. For instance, you possibly can select uprights which are 84, 90, or 108 inches, relying in your ceiling peak. You can even choose an inside depth of 17 or 30 inches. The 30-inch depth affords ample room so that you can stroll your squat out, however the 17-inch depth could also be higher you probably have a small fitness center house.
There’s not a lot to dislike concerning the Hydra Half Rack, besides possibly the value. It begins at round $450, and the value shortly creeps up as you add extra attachments to it. Nevertheless, for those who’ve been wanting one thing that’s extra secure than squat stands however smaller than an influence cage, this may very well be the fitting squat rack for you.
Finest Squat Rack for Small Areas: PRx Fold-In ONE Rack
PRx Fold-In ONE Rack
- Dimensions: 49″ L x 90″ H x 6.75″ D when folded; Unfolded: 49″ L x 90″ H x 27.5″ D when unfolded
- Supplies: 2×3, 14-gauge metal
- Weight capability: 1,000 kilos
- Gap spacing: Two inches
Professionals
- Straightforward-to-follow set up directions
- Takes up lower than three ft of ground house when unfolded
- Powder coat end to keep off rust and corrosion
Cons
- Ceilings have to be 91 inches or larger
- 14-gauge metal
Not everyone seems to be lucky sufficient to have massive residence gyms, and PRx got here up with a great resolution for these with small fitness center areas: the Fold-In ONE Rack. It extends simply 27.5 inches from the wall when unfolded, so it’s best to nonetheless have loads of room for another home gym essentials you need to purchase. Moreover, as a substitute of folding in and up, like most foldable squat racks, it solely folds in, so that you don’t want tremendous excessive ceilings to accommodate it.
That stated, PRx recommends putting in it in rooms with 91-inch ceilings or larger, which could be a difficulty if you wish to put it in a basement with low ceilings.
PRx makes use of 14-gauge metal for the Fold-In ONE Rack. I typically don’t advocate squat racks made with lower than 12-gauge metal as a result of they are often skinny and wobbly. Nevertheless, because the Fold-In ONE rack is a wall-mounted squat rack, that helps maintain it safer. Plus, it nonetheless has a 1,000-pound weight capability, which is enough for informal weightlifters.
The usage of thinner metal additionally permits PRx to promote the Fold-In One Rack for an affordable value. Coming in at slightly below $500, it’s a budget-friendly rack. It will not be sturdy sufficient for powerlifters, however it may be a cost-effective possibility for residence fitness center house owners with restricted house.
Finest Squat Rack with Cables: Drive USA X20
Force USA X20 Pro Multi Trainer
- Exterior dimensions: 70” W x 88.5” D x 91” H
- Inside dimensions: 39.5” W x 72” D x 86” H
- 11-gauge, 3×3 stainless-steel uprights
- Two 289-pound weight stacks
- 990-pound weight capability
- Restricted lifetime structural guarantee
Professionals
- Comes with 17 attachments, together with spotter arms, band pegs, a landmine, and varied cable handles
- Combines six machines into one
- Westside gap spacing
Cons
- Costly
- Tough meeting course of (you could need to contemplate paying further for Drive USA’s meeting service)
The Drive USA X20 Professional Multi Coach is greater than only a squat rack. In truth, it’s one of many best home gym machines you should purchase as a result of it combines six machines into one. In only one unit, you get an influence rack, a pull-up station, a useful coach, a suspension coach, a low row station, and a landmine station. Having all of those capabilities offers you a ton of exercise selection, as you received’t be restricted to barbell and dumbbell exercises.
Two 289-pound weight stacks are situated on both facet of the machine. They’ve a two-to-one ratio, which means 100 kilos really feel like 50 as a result of the cable travels twice so far as the load stack. This lets you use the machine for faster actions because the cable is extra responsive.
The body is made with 11-gauge metal and has a 992-pound weight capability. The load capability consists of the load of your barbell, the plates you load the barbell with, and any plates you allow on the storage horns. Nonetheless, 992 kilos is far more than most individuals can raise. Except you’re gunning for a world-record raise, you shouldn’t have any points utilizing a number of weight on this machine.
As you possibly can in all probability think about, a machine like this isn’t low cost — anticipate to pay over $4,000 earlier than taxes and different charges. However although it is a massive funding, you received’t need to pay for a number of machines. If you tally up the costs, a number of machines can simply value the identical as (or greater than) the X20. You’ll additionally never need to visit a commercial gym, so that you’d lower your expenses by not having to pay for a fitness center membership.
Finest Squat Rack for Newbies: Titan X-3 Energy Rack
Titan Fitness X-3 Power Rack
- Dimensions: 50.8 inches broad; selection of 80- or 93-inch peak; selection of 16-, 30-, or 41-inch rack depth
- Supplies: 3×3, 11-gauge metal
- Weight capability: 1,000 kilos
- Gap spacing: Westside
Professionals
- Accessible in two heights (82 or 91 inches)
- Possibility so as to add weight plate storage pegs for a further value
- Suitable with a number of equipment from Titan and different manufacturers
- Westside gap spacing
- Powder coat end for defense towards rust and corrosion
Cons
- Doesn’t include security pin pipes or straps
- The holes on the uprights aren’t numbered
At first look, the Titan X-3 Collection Energy Rack might not appear to be a newbie’s squat rack. It’s expensive, and people new to lifting might not need to spend the cash in the event that they’re undecided how lengthy they’ll follow a energy coaching routine. The rack can be beefy, with a 3×3, 11-gauge metal development and a 1,650-pound rackable weight capability. However I all the time advocate that new lifters contemplate getting sturdy, high quality merchandise from the beginning. It’ll save them from having to exchange a number of gear as they get stronger. The Titan X-3 Collection Energy Rack is certainly one thing you possibly can develop into.
I’ve had this energy rack for a couple of 12 months and a half, and I adore it. I’ll by no means raise wherever close to the rack’s max weight capability, however after I determined to improve from a budget squat stands I had earlier than, I knew I needed one thing rugged and versatile. I differ my exercises between energy coaching and CrossFit, so it was vital that my new squat rack was appropriate for each. The rack additionally lives in my storage, which will get very chilly within the winter and really humid in the summertime, and I wanted a rack with sturdy supplies. Thus far, there aren’t any indicators of rust or corrosion on my Titan X-3.
My husband and I assembled it collectively, and it took a few hours — although that’s to be anticipated for one thing that weighs nearly 300 kilos. You’ll want to think twice about the place you need to put it as a result of as soon as it’s in place, you probably received’t have the ability to transfer it.
The rack comes with two peak choices: 82 and 91 inches. I’m 5’8 and have lengthy legs and arms, and I picked the upper rack so I wouldn’t hit my head on the ceiling on the high of a pull-up. It suits completely underneath the 94-inch excessive ceiling in my storage.
In contrast to some energy racks that should be bolted down for stability, the Titan X-3 encompasses a flat-foot design that requires no bolting to the ground. Regardless that I’m an even bigger lifter, I by no means fear about it wobbling after I use it. Nevertheless, for those who’re involved about stability, you may get the optionally available plate storage pegs. The load from the plates will assist maintain the rack grounded. Observe, although, that the saved plates can get in the best way throughout bench presses, particularly for those who retailer a number of massive bumper plates.
I additionally like that the Titan X-3 is appropriate with attachments from Titan or different manufacturers. For instance, I purchased security straps from Rogue that match on the rack properly. I want the uprights had laser-engraved numbers, however I mark the totally different holes for the place my J-cups have to be for squats and bench presses with painter’s tape. I sometimes have to exchange the tape, nevertheless it doesn’t go away sticky residue behind. It’s a straightforward, low cost workaround for the dearth of engraved numbers that permits me to shortly regulate the J-hooks with out counting holes.
How We Selected the Finest Squat Racks
Earlier than deciding on the perfect squat racks, we first thought-about the wants of our readers and narrowed down our choices to the racks which are appropriate for as broad an viewers as attainable. The checklist above consists of squat racks at a variety of value factors, so you could find one which works for you no matter your finances. We additionally thought-about varied coaching targets and supplied space-saving squat racks for these with restricted house.
Moreover, we all know that model status is vital to many customers. We solely chosen squat racks from manufacturers we’ve bought from earlier than, so we are able to attest to the standard of their merchandise.
Advantages of Utilizing a Squat Rack
Whether or not you’re a powerlifter, Olympic weightlifter, CrossFitter, bodybuilder, or basic health fanatic, a squat rack is a vital piece of apparatus. Under are 4 robust causes so as to add a squat rack to your own home fitness center:
- Simpler to carry out heavy lifts. And not using a squat rack, again squats develop into far more troublesome. You’d need to load the barbell on the ground, clear it to your shoulders, then press it overhead and thoroughly decrease it to your again for again squats. Otherwise you’d need to discover a robust, elevated floor on which to load the barbell, which not everybody has obtainable at residence. A squat rack helps you to place the barbell in a great place the place you possibly can load it and set it in your again comfortably. It additionally means that you can set the barbell in place for overhead presses and bench presses.
- Security. Since you need to use spotter attachments on almost all energy racks and lots of squat stands, lifting with a squat rack is way safer than lifting with out one. If you need to drop the load, the protection attachments will catch it, stopping extreme accidents and harm to your ground.
- Versatility. Regardless that they’re known as “squat” racks, you are able to do far more than squat with them. Bench presses, overhead presses, and rack deadlifts are all attainable on squat racks as a result of you possibly can regulate the J-cups to varied positions in your barbell. Relying on which squat rack you purchase, you might be able to add lat pulldown attachments, dip stations, wall ball targets, or different attachments to carry out much more workouts at residence.
- Storage choices. Most manufacturers typically advocate not leaving their barbells on the ground, as mud, grime, and different particles can get caught on them. I’ve even had a spider attempt to make a brand new residence for itself on my barbell after I by accident left the bar on the ground in my storage for a number of days. A squat rack doubles as barbell storage since you possibly can go away it on the rack (with out plates loaded on it) whenever you’re carried out figuring out. Some squat racks even have appropriate storage pegs so that you can retailer your plates.
What To Look For When Shopping for a Squat Rack
What are some options to search for in a squat rack? Properly, it may be a sturdy piece of apparatus, so there’s rather a lot to consider before you purchase one. Under are a very powerful elements to contemplate when searching for a squat rack.
Kind of Squat Rack
The squat rack class is broad. When searching for a squat rack, it helps to slender down the kind of squat rack that might be finest in your wants.
4 of the most typical forms of squat racks embrace the next:
- Energy rack – Energy racks are additionally known as energy cages. They’ve no less than 4 uprights, a number of crossmembers for stability, and a pull-up bar. You possibly can add many attachments to them, enhancing their versatility. As a result of lifters usually put security straps or pin pipe safeties in energy racks, they’re additionally safer for heavy lifting.
- Squat stand – Squat stands have simply two uprights, making them appropriate for small residence gyms. Some, just like the Rogue S-2 Squat Stand, have pull-up bars and/or horizontal stabilizer bars to assist forestall wobbling. Others are unbiased stands which are simple to maneuver round your fitness center.
- Half rack – Half racks are a cross between squat stands and energy racks. They usually have two tall uprights joined along with a pull-up bar on the entrance and two shorter uprights that stretch out from the again. They are typically extra secure than squat squats however don’t take up as a lot room as full energy racks.
- Foldable squat rack – I like to recommend a foldable squat rack for storage fitness center house owners who additionally park their vehicles of their garages. You mount it to a wall, then unfold it in your exercise and refold it whenever you’re carried out coaching. When folded, foldable squat racks stick out just some inches away from the wall.
Worth
The value vary for squat racks is sort of massive, with some costing lower than $400 and others costing greater than $2,000. When you decide on the kind of squat rack you need, resolve how a lot you’re keen to spend. Normally, squat stands are cheaper than energy racks as a result of they’ve fewer uprights, so much less metal is required to make them. However the Drive USA MyRack Modular Energy Rack, for instance, begins at across the identical value because the Rogue S-2. Elements just like the metal gauge, manufacturing location, and what number of attachments you add to your buy will have an effect on the value.
Additionally, don’t neglect about transport. Some manufacturers like REP and Titan supply free transport on all purchases as of this writing, however Rogue fees over $50 to ship the S-2, relying on the place you reside.
Supplies
The very best squat racks are made with heavy-duty metal. When taking a look at a rack’s description, you’ll see specs resembling 11-gauge metal or 3×3 uprights. These discuss with how thick the metal is and the way broad and lengthy the uprights are.
In the case of measuring metal, the decrease the quantity, the thicker it’s. Most squat racks designed for residence fitness center utilization are made with 11- and 12-gauge metal. Some are made with 14-gauge metal, however I don’t advocate them as a result of they will really feel flimsy and unstable.
You’ll probably additionally discover that the majority residence fitness center squat racks are made with 2×3 or 3×3 metal. Both one is enough for many lifters, although powerlifters, strongmen/strongwomen, and different elite athletes might need to contemplate 3×3 metal. The thicker metal will face up to heavy abuse for an extended time frame.
Stability
Some racks require bolting to the ground to make sure they received’t tip over. Others have flat-foot designs with broad bases which are secure on their very own and don’t have to be bolted. The quantity of weight you’re able to lifting and the workouts you’ll carry out most frequently will dictate which kind of rack it’s best to get. For instance, CrossFitters who do kipping pull-ups and toes-to-bar might need a rack that may be bolted to the ground to forestall it from wobbling.
If drilling into your ground isn’t an possibility, contemplate a rack that lets you add plate storage pegs. The plates will assist weigh it down.
Gap Spacing
Gap spacing refers to how far aside the holes on the uprights are. Most squat racks have two-inch gap spacing all through, however others have Westside gap spacing.
Westside gap spacing means the holes are two inches aside close to the highest, then change to 1 inch aside in direction of the center, and return to 2 inches on the very backside. This characteristic is very helpful for bench urgent as a result of it permits for extra precision when adjusting the J-cups. Because of this, racking and unracking the barbell turns into a lot simpler.
One other profit is which you can set your security bars or straps to a extra exact place. One inch could make an enormous distinction whenever you’re about to fail a heavy squat or bench press.
The disadvantage is that racks with Westside gap spacing can value round $100 greater than racks with out it. Most lifters might be simply tremendous with out it, however powerlifters, bodybuilders, and anybody else who bench presses typically might admire the shorter distance between the holes.
Weight Capability
I like to recommend in search of a squat rack with a weight capability of no less than 700 kilos. Even when you understand you’ll by no means raise wherever near that quantity of weight, the racks that may deal with that a lot weight are a lot sturdier and extra sturdy. You’ll really feel extra assured loading your barbell for heavy squats and bench presses, and it received’t wobble whenever you rack and unrack the load or do pull-ups (in case your squat rack has a pull-up bar).
Security Options
Security ought to all the time be your first precedence when lifting, particularly for those who prepare by your self and push heavy weights typically. Search for squat racks that include security options that may catch the barbell if you need to fail a raise.
For energy racks (and a few half racks), you possibly can select between varied forms of safeties:
- Pin pipe safeties are skinny bars that you simply slide by the holes in your squat rack’s uprights. They’ll maintain a number of weight, however they will develop into dented for those who drop heavy barbells on them typically. I’ve additionally heard lifters complain that the metal-on-metal contact makes a number of noise and ruins the knurling on their barbells.
- Security straps are constituted of a cloth much like that used for seat belts. They received’t damage the texture of your barbell or trigger as a lot noise whenever you drop a loaded barbell on them.
- Flip-down safeties appear like smaller variations of a squat rack’s uprights. You slide them into the uprights like a J-hook, flip them all the way down to get them into the right place, and safe them with a pin. Some manufacturers like REP Health add a protecting liner to their flip-down safeties to forestall the problems that may come up from metal-on-metal contact.
Since squats solely have two uprights, you possibly can’t use the safeties above with them. As a substitute, you’ll need to search for spotter arms that latch onto the uprights and prolong out by a few ft.
Even when your squat rack buy doesn’t embrace security attachments, you possibly can (and will) buy them individually. As an added bonus, security bars and straps additionally assist you to add extra workouts to your coaching routine. For example, setting them to a decrease place lets you do rack pulls. Or you possibly can set them to the peak you’d be at whenever you’re on the backside of a squat and do pin squats.
Attachments
If including extra versatility to your exercises is vital to you, or for those who want space-saving options so you might have extra room to coach, contemplate a squat rack which you can add varied attachments to.
Listed here are some attachments you could need to have (notice that this isn’t an exhaustive checklist):
- Dip bars for tricep dips
- ISO arms, that are two levers with handles on the finish that allow you to do workouts you’d usually solely have the ability to do with a machine. Chest presses are one such motion.
- A leg curler attachment so you might have a secure, snug floor to relaxation your rear foot on throughout Bulgarian cut up squats. You can even use it to maintain your legs safe when doing seated higher physique actions.
- A wall ball goal, which may turn out to be useful for those who do CrossFit at residence
- A lat pulldown attachment so you possibly can isolate your lats when coaching at residence
- Two-inch pull-up bars, that are bigger than the usual 1.25-inch pull-up bars and problem your forearms and grip energy extra
- Multi-grip pull-up bars that allow you to do neutral-grip (palms dealing with one another) pull-ups
- Barbell storage hangers
- Weight plate storage pegs
Most of the attachments above are sometimes solely obtainable with energy cages just like the REP Health PR-5000. Nevertheless, some squat stands, just like the Rogue S-2, are appropriate with spotter arms, a dip station, a landmine, and barbell and plate storage attachments. Do your analysis to make sure the rack you need is appropriate with varied attachments.
Footprint
Squat racks take up a number of room. The Titan X-3 Energy Rack, for instance, has a footprint of fifty inches by 48 inches. Apart from guaranteeing your house is massive sufficient for the rack itself, you’ll want to guarantee you might have room on the edges — no less than a few ft — to load and unload your barbell. And for those who get a rack with a pull-up bar, you’ll want a couple of foot of clearance on the high to keep away from hitting your head on the ceiling.
Earlier than I purchased my Titan X-3, I used tape to dam out how a lot house it will require. This allowed me to visualise the place in my storage it will match finest. I’m blissful I did this as a result of as soon as I had the tape down, I spotted that the rack wouldn’t have match the place I initially needed to place it. Most squat racks are troublesome to maneuver, so I like to recommend doing the identical factor I did earlier than making your buy.
Should you’re actually tight on house, contemplate getting a folding squat rack. Even when it’s unfolded, it ought to solely take up about 4 ft of house. Then, whenever you refold it on the finish of your exercise, it’s going to solely stick out a number of inches from the wall.
Remaining Ideas
A squat rack is the hallmark of residence gyms and business gyms alike, and the choice of which one to purchase shouldn’t be made flippantly. Your coaching type, expertise stage, obtainable house, and finances should all be thought-about earlier than deciding on the perfect squat rack for you. After that, you need to resolve which type of squat rack you need and take into consideration whether or not or not you need to add attachments to it.
The method can really feel complicated and overwhelming, however the checklist of squat racks and the shopping for information above have you ever lined. Use this data as a useful resource to slender down your choices, and also you’ll be squatting from the consolation of your personal residence very quickly.
FAQs
The very best squat rack for you’ll rely on a number of elements, such because the supplies, weight capability, dimensions, and available-add ons. That stated, we advocate the REP Health PR-5000 as a result of you possibly can add varied attachments to it, it has a 1,000-pound weight capability, and it’s made with 11-gauge, 3×3 metal.
The very best squat racks are made of three×3, 11-gauge metal. You can even discover high-quality squat racks with 2×3 metal or 12-gauge metal. We don’t advocate 14-gauge metal for squat racks, because it’s thinner and never as sturdy. Some squat racks made for business gyms are made with 9- or 7-gauge metal, however this can be overkill for many residence fitness center house owners.
Low-cost squat racks could be secure for those who use them correctly and don’t load them past their listed max weight capability. Nevertheless, they might be unsteady when racking or unracking the barbell, as they’re usually made with thinner metal or weaker supplies like aluminum.
Should you plan on lifting greater than 500 kilos incessantly, a dearer squat rack could also be price it. It is going to usually encompass heavier-duty supplies and stay extra secure as you utilize it.
The very best peak for a squat rack relies upon totally on how tall you’re. Squat racks vary in peak from 72 to 108 inches. The one you purchase ought to be tall sufficient which you can set the J-cups to place for loading a barbell in your again with out having to bend your knees an excessive amount of.
The very best finances energy rack is the Drive USA MyRack Modular Energy Rack. The uprights encompass 12-gauge metal, which helps maintain the fee low, however the brackets are made from 10-gauge metal to assist maintain it secure. The MyRack Modular Energy Rack additionally has 20 customization choices obtainable. Regardless that these add-ons enhance the value, you’ll nonetheless pay lower than for those who went with a competitor.
Whereas there are many efficient, limited-equipment exercises you are able to do at residence to remain in form, you’ll want a squat rack if you wish to raise heavy weight. With out one, you’ll wrestle to carry out lifts just like the back squat and bench press and should by no means attain your full energy potential.
I purchased a brand new squat rack a couple of 12 months and a half in the past. Regardless that I’ve years of coaching expertise and am accustomed to many alternative squat rack firms by my job as a health author, it nonetheless took me weeks to decide. Nevertheless, I discovered far more about squat racks than I ever thought attainable. To avoid wasting you from having to endure numerous hours of analysis, I compiled an inventory of the eight finest squat racks under.
Our Prime Picks for the Finest Squat Racks
Finest Energy Rack: REP Health PR-5000
REP Fitness PR-5000
- Dimensions: 50.8 inches broad; selection of 80- or 93-inch peak; selection of 16-, 30-, or 41-inch rack depth
- Supplies: 3×3, 11-gauge metal
- Weight capability: 1,000 kilos
- Gap spacing: Two inches
Professionals
- A number of customization choices obtainable
- Suitable with attachments from different manufacturers
- Laser lower numbers on the uprights for simple and fast rack changes
Cons
- Excessive beginning value and the price of attachments and equipment provides up shortly
- No Westside gap spacing
Should you’re looking for a customizable, heavy-duty squat rack, look no additional than the REP Health PR-5000. It has 3×3, 11-gauge metal uprights, which is spectacular by itself. However with the variety of appropriate equipment and attachments obtainable, you possibly can have entry to nearly a whole fitness center with simply this one rack. For that reason, we contemplate the PR-5000 the perfect squat rack total.
You might have the selection of an 80- or a 93-inch rack peak, relying on how excessive your ceiling is. You can even select a 16-, 30-, or 41-inch rack depth. The deeper it’s, the extra space you’ll have inside for squats. You’ll additionally have the ability to match extra attachments within the deeper racks. And, for an much more private contact, you possibly can select from six colours for the uprights: purple, blue, white, clear, metallic black, or matte black. The crossmembers can be found in the identical colours and are available inexperienced, too, so you possibly can actually make this energy rack distinctive.
As well as, you possibly can add a number of different attachments, together with:
- Security straps, pin pipe safeties, or flip-down safeties
- A straight, 1.25-diameter pull-up bar; a two-inch-diameter pull-up bar; a multi-grip pull-up bar; or a globe pull-up bar
- Flat, normal, lowered, or sandwich J-cups
- A leg curler attachment
- A dip station
- ISO arms
- A wall ball goal
- A lat pulldown attachment
- And extra
(Should you really feel overwhelmed from studying this, scroll all the way down to the shopping for information under, the place I discuss extra about a few of these options.)
The big selection of obtainable attachments opens up your coaching to far more than barbell and dumbbell workouts, to which many residence fitness center house owners are restricted. However as you possibly can think about, the attachments drive up the value, and the rack is dear to start with. Should you can’t afford to purchase all the things all of sudden, you possibly can skip the attachments and purchase them at a later date, as REP sells all of them individually on its web site.
The rack can be appropriate with attachments from different manufacturers, so that you might be able to discover those you need at a cheaper price from one other firm. The home gym sub-Reddit is a improbable useful resource for mixing and matching squat rack attachments from totally different manufacturers for those who’re undecided what to search for.
Apart from the value, it’s exhausting to search out any main drawbacks to the PR-5000. We do want it got here with Westside gap spacing, although. Westside gap spacing means the holes on the decrease parts of the uprights are spaced one inch aside as a substitute of two inches. The smaller spacing permits for extra exact changes of the J-cups, so you possibly can preserve higher beginning positions throughout bench presses whenever you unrack the load. It additionally helps you to place security pins or straps in a extra precise place.
The lowered J-cups assist you to get round this by creating one-inch gap spacing on racks with two-inch gap spacing. Nevertheless, you need to pay further for them.
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Finest Finances Squat Rack: Drive USA MyRack Modular Energy Rack
Professionals
- 20 customization choices obtainable
- Numbered holes on the uprights for quick and simple J-cup adjustment
- Comes with a lifetime structural guarantee
- Makes use of 10-gauge metal brackets to bolster its stability
Cons
- Requires a ceiling peak of 98 inches if you wish to do pull-ups
The Drive USA MyRack Modular Energy Rack isn’t the most cost effective squat rack round. Nevertheless it is likely one of the lower-priced choices on this checklist, and I wouldn’t advocate that you simply go a lot decrease than its value level — slightly below $500 — if you need a secure, sturdy squat rack.
The MyRack Modular Energy Rack consists of 12-gauge, 2.4-inch metal uprights and boasts a 2,000-pound weight capability. It’s extremely unlikely that you simply’d ever raise 2,000 kilos, so this rack ought to have the ability to deal with any weight you placed on it. It additionally has Westside gap spacing for extra exact barbell placement and could be bolted to the ground or used as a free-standing rack. Prospects have reported that it’s secure even with out bolting it down, which is a plus for individuals who can’t drill into their ground.
A number of customization choices can be found. You possibly can go for spotter arms, flip-down security bars, or security straps; a typical, multi-grip, or globe pull-up bar; a lat pull-down and low row station; lat pull-down and cable crossover attachments; and far more. In all, there are 20 choices to select from, so you can also make the rack as primary or strong as you need.
The MyRack Modular Energy Rack can slot in small areas, because it’s simply 55 inches lengthy and 47 inches broad. It’s 87 inches tall, so it could actually match underneath ceilings lower than eight ft excessive. Nevertheless, if you wish to do pull-ups with out hitting your head on the ceiling, you’ll want a ceiling peak of no less than 98 inches.
Finest Foldable Squat Rack: PRx Profile One Rack
PRx Profile One Rack
- Dimensions: 52″ W x 89″ H x 29.25″ D when folded down; 52″ W x 89″ H x 29.25″ D when folded up
- Supplies: 2×3, 11-gauge metal
- Weight capability: 1,000 kilos
- Gap spacing: Two inches
Professionals
- Black powder coat end for sturdiness
- Takes up simply 4 inches when folded
- Can select between a typical, kipping, or multi-grip pull-up bar
Cons
- Costly for a rack that makes use of 2×3 metal
- Requires a ceiling peak of 107 inches to fold it up
A folding squat rack just like the PRx Profile One Rack is right for individuals who work out in small rooms, park their vehicles of their storage gyms, or simply need further ground house once they’re not coaching. The Profile One Rack exploded in reputation after it appeared on season seven of Shark Tank and has develop into a go-to squat rack for residence fitness center house owners restricted by house.
PRx doesn’t supply many customization choices for the Profile One Rack, however you do have a selection between three pull-up bars: a kipping bar, a typical 1.25-inch diameter bar, or a multi-grip bar. The kipping bar is nice for CrossFitters as a result of it extends from the wall by almost 40 inches, providing loads of room to do kipping pull-ups and toes-to-bars. The usual bar is appropriate for conventional pull-ups and chin-ups, and the multi-grip bar is a strong possibility for those who prefer to differ your pull-up grip (for instance, by doing neutral-grip pull-ups).
The uprights are made of two×3 metal. That is thick and durable sufficient for many lifters, however for the value, we’d have preferred to see 3×3 metal. Should you go for a pull-up bar, you’ll spend no less than $800, and you could find 3×3 squat racks for that value.
The opposite disadvantage is that you simply want a ceiling peak of 107 inches to fold it up. Nevertheless, when unfolded, the rack is 89 inches excessive. Should you’re set on a wall-mounted squat rack however have brief ceilings, the Profile One Rack might nonetheless be an ideal selection — you’ll simply have to go away it unfolded, even when it’s not in use.
Finest Squat Stand: Rogue Health S-2 Squat Stand
Professionals
- Can select between a fats or standard-diameter pull-up bar
- J-cups have plastic liners to guard towards harm to your barbell
- Triangular plates on the base for further stability
- A number of appropriate attachments obtainable
Cons
- Requires a ceiling peak of no less than eight ft
Squat stands are ideally suited for individuals who don’t have room for a full energy rack or those that prepare the Olympic lifts, as they will’t do snatches, cleans, or jerks inside an influence cage. Nevertheless, many squat stands are wobbly since they solely have two uprights, and their bases aren’t very sturdy. That’s not a difficulty with the Rogue S-2 Squat Stand. It consists of two×3, 11-gauge metal and makes use of the identical triangular plates on the bottom as Rogue’s heavier-duty squat racks, which assist maintain it grounded.
One other characteristic that units the S-2 Squat Stand aside from its competitors is the pull-up bar. Not all squat stands have this and as a substitute of J-cups on the high of the uprights for a barbell. The addition of the pull-up bar opens up the variety of workouts you are able to do at residence. You are able to do pull-ups and hanging leg raises or loop your favorite resistance bands across the bar for stretching and mobility work. Even for those who’re a CrossFitter and do kipping actions, the rack will stay secure.
Rogue sells a number of appropriate attachments for the S-2. Security spotter arms assist you to squat and bench press heavy weights with extra confidence whenever you prepare by your self. The landmine and dip stations enable for extra exercise versatility, as you are able to do dips, landmine shoulder presses, or landmine squats. You can even buy barbell and plate holders, a wall ball goal, a battle rope anchor, and extra.
The S-2 begins at underneath $500, which is cheap for a high-quality squat rack from Rogue. Any equipment you add to it’s going to drive up the fee, however spending the cash could also be price it if you need a flexible, customizable squat rack that may slot in a small residence fitness center.
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Finest Half Rack: Bells of Metal Hydra Half Rack
Professionals
- Doesn’t have to be bolted down
- Three peak choices obtainable (84, 90, or 108 inches)
- Two inside depths obtainable (17 or 30 inches)
- Suitable with attachments from different manufacturers
Cons
- Will be expensive for those who add a number of attachments
It’s uncommon to discover a modular half rack that may accommodate extra than simply a few attachments. Nevertheless, Bells Of Metal affords almost a dozen optionally available attachments for its Hydra Half Rack, making it one of the vital customizable half racks we’ve seen. We additionally love its flat-foot design, so that you don’t need to bolt it down.
Potential attachments embrace storage horns, three totally different kinds of J-cups (normal, curler, or monolift), and a lat pull-down system. Should you’re available in the market for a high-quality barbell and/or a top-notch set of bumper plates, you possibly can add these to your buy, too. Nevertheless, the Hydra Half Rack is appropriate with attachments from different manufacturers, so that you’re not restricted to gear from Bells Of Metal — simply double-check the specs to make sure the attachments will match a rack with 3×3 tubing and ⅝-inch gap sizes.
Apart from the add-ons, there are different methods you possibly can customise your Hydra Half Rack. For instance, you possibly can select uprights which are 84, 90, or 108 inches, relying in your ceiling peak. You can even choose an inside depth of 17 or 30 inches. The 30-inch depth affords ample room so that you can stroll your squat out, however the 17-inch depth could also be higher you probably have a small fitness center house.
There’s not a lot to dislike concerning the Hydra Half Rack, besides possibly the value. It begins at round $450, and the value shortly creeps up as you add extra attachments to it. Nevertheless, for those who’ve been wanting one thing that’s extra secure than squat stands however smaller than an influence cage, this may very well be the fitting squat rack for you.
Finest Squat Rack for Small Areas: PRx Fold-In ONE Rack
PRx Fold-In ONE Rack
- Dimensions: 49″ L x 90″ H x 6.75″ D when folded; Unfolded: 49″ L x 90″ H x 27.5″ D when unfolded
- Supplies: 2×3, 14-gauge metal
- Weight capability: 1,000 kilos
- Gap spacing: Two inches
Professionals
- Straightforward-to-follow set up directions
- Takes up lower than three ft of ground house when unfolded
- Powder coat end to keep off rust and corrosion
Cons
- Ceilings have to be 91 inches or larger
- 14-gauge metal
Not everyone seems to be lucky sufficient to have massive residence gyms, and PRx got here up with a great resolution for these with small fitness center areas: the Fold-In ONE Rack. It extends simply 27.5 inches from the wall when unfolded, so it’s best to nonetheless have loads of room for another home gym essentials you need to purchase. Moreover, as a substitute of folding in and up, like most foldable squat racks, it solely folds in, so that you don’t want tremendous excessive ceilings to accommodate it.
That stated, PRx recommends putting in it in rooms with 91-inch ceilings or larger, which could be a difficulty if you wish to put it in a basement with low ceilings.
PRx makes use of 14-gauge metal for the Fold-In ONE Rack. I typically don’t advocate squat racks made with lower than 12-gauge metal as a result of they are often skinny and wobbly. Nevertheless, because the Fold-In ONE rack is a wall-mounted squat rack, that helps maintain it safer. Plus, it nonetheless has a 1,000-pound weight capability, which is enough for informal weightlifters.
The usage of thinner metal additionally permits PRx to promote the Fold-In One Rack for an affordable value. Coming in at slightly below $500, it’s a budget-friendly rack. It will not be sturdy sufficient for powerlifters, however it may be a cost-effective possibility for residence fitness center house owners with restricted house.
Finest Squat Rack with Cables: Drive USA X20
Force USA X20 Pro Multi Trainer
- Exterior dimensions: 70” W x 88.5” D x 91” H
- Inside dimensions: 39.5” W x 72” D x 86” H
- 11-gauge, 3×3 stainless-steel uprights
- Two 289-pound weight stacks
- 990-pound weight capability
- Restricted lifetime structural guarantee
Professionals
- Comes with 17 attachments, together with spotter arms, band pegs, a landmine, and varied cable handles
- Combines six machines into one
- Westside gap spacing
Cons
- Costly
- Tough meeting course of (you could need to contemplate paying further for Drive USA’s meeting service)
The Drive USA X20 Professional Multi Coach is greater than only a squat rack. In truth, it’s one of many best home gym machines you should purchase as a result of it combines six machines into one. In only one unit, you get an influence rack, a pull-up station, a useful coach, a suspension coach, a low row station, and a landmine station. Having all of those capabilities offers you a ton of exercise selection, as you received’t be restricted to barbell and dumbbell exercises.
Two 289-pound weight stacks are situated on both facet of the machine. They’ve a two-to-one ratio, which means 100 kilos really feel like 50 as a result of the cable travels twice so far as the load stack. This lets you use the machine for faster actions because the cable is extra responsive.
The body is made with 11-gauge metal and has a 992-pound weight capability. The load capability consists of the load of your barbell, the plates you load the barbell with, and any plates you allow on the storage horns. Nonetheless, 992 kilos is far more than most individuals can raise. Except you’re gunning for a world-record raise, you shouldn’t have any points utilizing a number of weight on this machine.
As you possibly can in all probability think about, a machine like this isn’t low cost — anticipate to pay over $4,000 earlier than taxes and different charges. However although it is a massive funding, you received’t need to pay for a number of machines. If you tally up the costs, a number of machines can simply value the identical as (or greater than) the X20. You’ll additionally never need to visit a commercial gym, so that you’d lower your expenses by not having to pay for a fitness center membership.
Finest Squat Rack for Newbies: Titan X-3 Energy Rack
Titan Fitness X-3 Power Rack
- Dimensions: 50.8 inches broad; selection of 80- or 93-inch peak; selection of 16-, 30-, or 41-inch rack depth
- Supplies: 3×3, 11-gauge metal
- Weight capability: 1,000 kilos
- Gap spacing: Westside
Professionals
- Accessible in two heights (82 or 91 inches)
- Possibility so as to add weight plate storage pegs for a further value
- Suitable with a number of equipment from Titan and different manufacturers
- Westside gap spacing
- Powder coat end for defense towards rust and corrosion
Cons
- Doesn’t include security pin pipes or straps
- The holes on the uprights aren’t numbered
At first look, the Titan X-3 Collection Energy Rack might not appear to be a newbie’s squat rack. It’s expensive, and people new to lifting might not need to spend the cash in the event that they’re undecided how lengthy they’ll follow a energy coaching routine. The rack can be beefy, with a 3×3, 11-gauge metal development and a 1,650-pound rackable weight capability. However I all the time advocate that new lifters contemplate getting sturdy, high quality merchandise from the beginning. It’ll save them from having to exchange a number of gear as they get stronger. The Titan X-3 Collection Energy Rack is certainly one thing you possibly can develop into.
I’ve had this energy rack for a couple of 12 months and a half, and I adore it. I’ll by no means raise wherever close to the rack’s max weight capability, however after I determined to improve from a budget squat stands I had earlier than, I knew I needed one thing rugged and versatile. I differ my exercises between energy coaching and CrossFit, so it was vital that my new squat rack was appropriate for each. The rack additionally lives in my storage, which will get very chilly within the winter and really humid in the summertime, and I wanted a rack with sturdy supplies. Thus far, there aren’t any indicators of rust or corrosion on my Titan X-3.
My husband and I assembled it collectively, and it took a few hours — although that’s to be anticipated for one thing that weighs nearly 300 kilos. You’ll want to think twice about the place you need to put it as a result of as soon as it’s in place, you probably received’t have the ability to transfer it.
The rack comes with two peak choices: 82 and 91 inches. I’m 5’8 and have lengthy legs and arms, and I picked the upper rack so I wouldn’t hit my head on the ceiling on the high of a pull-up. It suits completely underneath the 94-inch excessive ceiling in my storage.
In contrast to some energy racks that should be bolted down for stability, the Titan X-3 encompasses a flat-foot design that requires no bolting to the ground. Regardless that I’m an even bigger lifter, I by no means fear about it wobbling after I use it. Nevertheless, for those who’re involved about stability, you may get the optionally available plate storage pegs. The load from the plates will assist maintain the rack grounded. Observe, although, that the saved plates can get in the best way throughout bench presses, particularly for those who retailer a number of massive bumper plates.
I additionally like that the Titan X-3 is appropriate with attachments from Titan or different manufacturers. For instance, I purchased security straps from Rogue that match on the rack properly. I want the uprights had laser-engraved numbers, however I mark the totally different holes for the place my J-cups have to be for squats and bench presses with painter’s tape. I sometimes have to exchange the tape, nevertheless it doesn’t go away sticky residue behind. It’s a straightforward, low cost workaround for the dearth of engraved numbers that permits me to shortly regulate the J-hooks with out counting holes.
How We Selected the Finest Squat Racks
Earlier than deciding on the perfect squat racks, we first thought-about the wants of our readers and narrowed down our choices to the racks which are appropriate for as broad an viewers as attainable. The checklist above consists of squat racks at a variety of value factors, so you could find one which works for you no matter your finances. We additionally thought-about varied coaching targets and supplied space-saving squat racks for these with restricted house.
Moreover, we all know that model status is vital to many customers. We solely chosen squat racks from manufacturers we’ve bought from earlier than, so we are able to attest to the standard of their merchandise.
Advantages of Utilizing a Squat Rack
Whether or not you’re a powerlifter, Olympic weightlifter, CrossFitter, bodybuilder, or basic health fanatic, a squat rack is a vital piece of apparatus. Under are 4 robust causes so as to add a squat rack to your own home fitness center:
- Simpler to carry out heavy lifts. And not using a squat rack, again squats develop into far more troublesome. You’d need to load the barbell on the ground, clear it to your shoulders, then press it overhead and thoroughly decrease it to your again for again squats. Otherwise you’d need to discover a robust, elevated floor on which to load the barbell, which not everybody has obtainable at residence. A squat rack helps you to place the barbell in a great place the place you possibly can load it and set it in your again comfortably. It additionally means that you can set the barbell in place for overhead presses and bench presses.
- Security. Since you need to use spotter attachments on almost all energy racks and lots of squat stands, lifting with a squat rack is way safer than lifting with out one. If you need to drop the load, the protection attachments will catch it, stopping extreme accidents and harm to your ground.
- Versatility. Regardless that they’re known as “squat” racks, you are able to do far more than squat with them. Bench presses, overhead presses, and rack deadlifts are all attainable on squat racks as a result of you possibly can regulate the J-cups to varied positions in your barbell. Relying on which squat rack you purchase, you might be able to add lat pulldown attachments, dip stations, wall ball targets, or different attachments to carry out much more workouts at residence.
- Storage choices. Most manufacturers typically advocate not leaving their barbells on the ground, as mud, grime, and different particles can get caught on them. I’ve even had a spider attempt to make a brand new residence for itself on my barbell after I by accident left the bar on the ground in my storage for a number of days. A squat rack doubles as barbell storage since you possibly can go away it on the rack (with out plates loaded on it) whenever you’re carried out figuring out. Some squat racks even have appropriate storage pegs so that you can retailer your plates.
What To Look For When Shopping for a Squat Rack
What are some options to search for in a squat rack? Properly, it may be a sturdy piece of apparatus, so there’s rather a lot to consider before you purchase one. Under are a very powerful elements to contemplate when searching for a squat rack.
Kind of Squat Rack
The squat rack class is broad. When searching for a squat rack, it helps to slender down the kind of squat rack that might be finest in your wants.
4 of the most typical forms of squat racks embrace the next:
- Energy rack – Energy racks are additionally known as energy cages. They’ve no less than 4 uprights, a number of crossmembers for stability, and a pull-up bar. You possibly can add many attachments to them, enhancing their versatility. As a result of lifters usually put security straps or pin pipe safeties in energy racks, they’re additionally safer for heavy lifting.
- Squat stand – Squat stands have simply two uprights, making them appropriate for small residence gyms. Some, just like the Rogue S-2 Squat Stand, have pull-up bars and/or horizontal stabilizer bars to assist forestall wobbling. Others are unbiased stands which are simple to maneuver round your fitness center.
- Half rack – Half racks are a cross between squat stands and energy racks. They usually have two tall uprights joined along with a pull-up bar on the entrance and two shorter uprights that stretch out from the again. They are typically extra secure than squat squats however don’t take up as a lot room as full energy racks.
- Foldable squat rack – I like to recommend a foldable squat rack for storage fitness center house owners who additionally park their vehicles of their garages. You mount it to a wall, then unfold it in your exercise and refold it whenever you’re carried out coaching. When folded, foldable squat racks stick out just some inches away from the wall.
Worth
The value vary for squat racks is sort of massive, with some costing lower than $400 and others costing greater than $2,000. When you decide on the kind of squat rack you need, resolve how a lot you’re keen to spend. Normally, squat stands are cheaper than energy racks as a result of they’ve fewer uprights, so much less metal is required to make them. However the Drive USA MyRack Modular Energy Rack, for instance, begins at across the identical value because the Rogue S-2. Elements just like the metal gauge, manufacturing location, and what number of attachments you add to your buy will have an effect on the value.
Additionally, don’t neglect about transport. Some manufacturers like REP and Titan supply free transport on all purchases as of this writing, however Rogue fees over $50 to ship the S-2, relying on the place you reside.
Supplies
The very best squat racks are made with heavy-duty metal. When taking a look at a rack’s description, you’ll see specs resembling 11-gauge metal or 3×3 uprights. These discuss with how thick the metal is and the way broad and lengthy the uprights are.
In the case of measuring metal, the decrease the quantity, the thicker it’s. Most squat racks designed for residence fitness center utilization are made with 11- and 12-gauge metal. Some are made with 14-gauge metal, however I don’t advocate them as a result of they will really feel flimsy and unstable.
You’ll probably additionally discover that the majority residence fitness center squat racks are made with 2×3 or 3×3 metal. Both one is enough for many lifters, although powerlifters, strongmen/strongwomen, and different elite athletes might need to contemplate 3×3 metal. The thicker metal will face up to heavy abuse for an extended time frame.
Stability
Some racks require bolting to the ground to make sure they received’t tip over. Others have flat-foot designs with broad bases which are secure on their very own and don’t have to be bolted. The quantity of weight you’re able to lifting and the workouts you’ll carry out most frequently will dictate which kind of rack it’s best to get. For instance, CrossFitters who do kipping pull-ups and toes-to-bar might need a rack that may be bolted to the ground to forestall it from wobbling.
If drilling into your ground isn’t an possibility, contemplate a rack that lets you add plate storage pegs. The plates will assist weigh it down.
Gap Spacing
Gap spacing refers to how far aside the holes on the uprights are. Most squat racks have two-inch gap spacing all through, however others have Westside gap spacing.
Westside gap spacing means the holes are two inches aside close to the highest, then change to 1 inch aside in direction of the center, and return to 2 inches on the very backside. This characteristic is very helpful for bench urgent as a result of it permits for extra precision when adjusting the J-cups. Because of this, racking and unracking the barbell turns into a lot simpler.
One other profit is which you can set your security bars or straps to a extra exact place. One inch could make an enormous distinction whenever you’re about to fail a heavy squat or bench press.
The disadvantage is that racks with Westside gap spacing can value round $100 greater than racks with out it. Most lifters might be simply tremendous with out it, however powerlifters, bodybuilders, and anybody else who bench presses typically might admire the shorter distance between the holes.
Weight Capability
I like to recommend in search of a squat rack with a weight capability of no less than 700 kilos. Even when you understand you’ll by no means raise wherever near that quantity of weight, the racks that may deal with that a lot weight are a lot sturdier and extra sturdy. You’ll really feel extra assured loading your barbell for heavy squats and bench presses, and it received’t wobble whenever you rack and unrack the load or do pull-ups (in case your squat rack has a pull-up bar).
Security Options
Security ought to all the time be your first precedence when lifting, particularly for those who prepare by your self and push heavy weights typically. Search for squat racks that include security options that may catch the barbell if you need to fail a raise.
For energy racks (and a few half racks), you possibly can select between varied forms of safeties:
- Pin pipe safeties are skinny bars that you simply slide by the holes in your squat rack’s uprights. They’ll maintain a number of weight, however they will develop into dented for those who drop heavy barbells on them typically. I’ve additionally heard lifters complain that the metal-on-metal contact makes a number of noise and ruins the knurling on their barbells.
- Security straps are constituted of a cloth much like that used for seat belts. They received’t damage the texture of your barbell or trigger as a lot noise whenever you drop a loaded barbell on them.
- Flip-down safeties appear like smaller variations of a squat rack’s uprights. You slide them into the uprights like a J-hook, flip them all the way down to get them into the right place, and safe them with a pin. Some manufacturers like REP Health add a protecting liner to their flip-down safeties to forestall the problems that may come up from metal-on-metal contact.
Since squats solely have two uprights, you possibly can’t use the safeties above with them. As a substitute, you’ll need to search for spotter arms that latch onto the uprights and prolong out by a few ft.
Even when your squat rack buy doesn’t embrace security attachments, you possibly can (and will) buy them individually. As an added bonus, security bars and straps additionally assist you to add extra workouts to your coaching routine. For example, setting them to a decrease place lets you do rack pulls. Or you possibly can set them to the peak you’d be at whenever you’re on the backside of a squat and do pin squats.
Attachments
If including extra versatility to your exercises is vital to you, or for those who want space-saving options so you might have extra room to coach, contemplate a squat rack which you can add varied attachments to.
Listed here are some attachments you could need to have (notice that this isn’t an exhaustive checklist):
- Dip bars for tricep dips
- ISO arms, that are two levers with handles on the finish that allow you to do workouts you’d usually solely have the ability to do with a machine. Chest presses are one such motion.
- A leg curler attachment so you might have a secure, snug floor to relaxation your rear foot on throughout Bulgarian cut up squats. You can even use it to maintain your legs safe when doing seated higher physique actions.
- A wall ball goal, which may turn out to be useful for those who do CrossFit at residence
- A lat pulldown attachment so you possibly can isolate your lats when coaching at residence
- Two-inch pull-up bars, that are bigger than the usual 1.25-inch pull-up bars and problem your forearms and grip energy extra
- Multi-grip pull-up bars that allow you to do neutral-grip (palms dealing with one another) pull-ups
- Barbell storage hangers
- Weight plate storage pegs
Most of the attachments above are sometimes solely obtainable with energy cages just like the REP Health PR-5000. Nevertheless, some squat stands, just like the Rogue S-2, are appropriate with spotter arms, a dip station, a landmine, and barbell and plate storage attachments. Do your analysis to make sure the rack you need is appropriate with varied attachments.
Footprint
Squat racks take up a number of room. The Titan X-3 Energy Rack, for instance, has a footprint of fifty inches by 48 inches. Apart from guaranteeing your house is massive sufficient for the rack itself, you’ll want to guarantee you might have room on the edges — no less than a few ft — to load and unload your barbell. And for those who get a rack with a pull-up bar, you’ll want a couple of foot of clearance on the high to keep away from hitting your head on the ceiling.
Earlier than I purchased my Titan X-3, I used tape to dam out how a lot house it will require. This allowed me to visualise the place in my storage it will match finest. I’m blissful I did this as a result of as soon as I had the tape down, I spotted that the rack wouldn’t have match the place I initially needed to place it. Most squat racks are troublesome to maneuver, so I like to recommend doing the identical factor I did earlier than making your buy.
Should you’re actually tight on house, contemplate getting a folding squat rack. Even when it’s unfolded, it ought to solely take up about 4 ft of house. Then, whenever you refold it on the finish of your exercise, it’s going to solely stick out a number of inches from the wall.
Remaining Ideas
A squat rack is the hallmark of residence gyms and business gyms alike, and the choice of which one to purchase shouldn’t be made flippantly. Your coaching type, expertise stage, obtainable house, and finances should all be thought-about earlier than deciding on the perfect squat rack for you. After that, you need to resolve which type of squat rack you need and take into consideration whether or not or not you need to add attachments to it.
The method can really feel complicated and overwhelming, however the checklist of squat racks and the shopping for information above have you ever lined. Use this data as a useful resource to slender down your choices, and also you’ll be squatting from the consolation of your personal residence very quickly.
FAQs
The very best squat rack for you’ll rely on a number of elements, such because the supplies, weight capability, dimensions, and available-add ons. That stated, we advocate the REP Health PR-5000 as a result of you possibly can add varied attachments to it, it has a 1,000-pound weight capability, and it’s made with 11-gauge, 3×3 metal.
The very best squat racks are made of three×3, 11-gauge metal. You can even discover high-quality squat racks with 2×3 metal or 12-gauge metal. We don’t advocate 14-gauge metal for squat racks, because it’s thinner and never as sturdy. Some squat racks made for business gyms are made with 9- or 7-gauge metal, however this can be overkill for many residence fitness center house owners.
Low-cost squat racks could be secure for those who use them correctly and don’t load them past their listed max weight capability. Nevertheless, they might be unsteady when racking or unracking the barbell, as they’re usually made with thinner metal or weaker supplies like aluminum.
Should you plan on lifting greater than 500 kilos incessantly, a dearer squat rack could also be price it. It is going to usually encompass heavier-duty supplies and stay extra secure as you utilize it.
The very best peak for a squat rack relies upon totally on how tall you’re. Squat racks vary in peak from 72 to 108 inches. The one you purchase ought to be tall sufficient which you can set the J-cups to place for loading a barbell in your again with out having to bend your knees an excessive amount of.
The very best finances energy rack is the Drive USA MyRack Modular Energy Rack. The uprights encompass 12-gauge metal, which helps maintain the fee low, however the brackets are made from 10-gauge metal to assist maintain it secure. The MyRack Modular Energy Rack additionally has 20 customization choices obtainable. Regardless that these add-ons enhance the value, you’ll nonetheless pay lower than for those who went with a competitor.