Everything you need to know when choosing the ideal rack for your (home) gym.

Are you ready to take your training seriously with exercises like squats, bench presses, pull-ups, shoulder presses, and more? Then a rig or rack is essential for your (home) gym. In this blog, we dive into the different rack options available and help you find the best model to suit your training space and needs. We offer a wide range of racks and rigs. While this blog mainly focuses on racks, we also have rigs that are perfectly suited to your fitness space.

Before we explore our range, let’s go over a few important factors to keep in mind when purchasing a rack. Choosing the right rack for your home gym or commercial gym is essential for safe and effective training.

Everything you need to know about racks

Dimensions and space
The first thing to consider when choosing a rack is size. If the rack doesn’t fit your available space, it’s not the right one for you. Measure your available floor space before researching racks. Consider the height, width, and depth of the rack, as well as the space needed to use an Olympic barbell (220 cm wide) and for loading and unloading weights. If you plan to use a training bench for exercises like bench presses, make sure there’s enough space in front of and behind the rack. The total area required is larger than the rack’s dimensions alone. For spaces with low ceilings, such as basements or attics, lower racks (such as 195 cm high models) are a good option. If you want to perform exercises like muscle-ups, ensure there is enough room above the rack.

Quality and safety
Next, consider the quality of the rack. Take into account the maximum load capacity and the frequency of use the squat rack will see. Our racks are designed to last for decades, so quality is important. When assessing quality, look at the type and thickness of the steel used in production. The thickness of the steel frame contributes to the rack’s overall robustness. A thicker frame provides greater resistance to bending and deformation under heavy loads.

The safety of a squat rack is likely the most important feature. The stability of a rack is one of the key factors in ensuring a safe workout. Stability is influenced by the rack’s weight, the materials used, and the construction of the frame. In general, heavier racks are more stable. Also, check if the spotting arms can be adjusted to the correct height.

Assembly and maintenance
A commonly overlooked aspect when choosing a rack is its assembly and maintenance. A good rack should be easy to assemble with clear instructions and all necessary hardware included. For long-term use, regular maintenance is essential to extend your rack’s lifespan. Periodically check for loose bolts and nuts, and ensure the rack is properly aligned.

A robust, well-assembled, and well-maintained rack will serve you for years, contributing to a safe and efficient training experience.

Hole spacing
The distance between the holes in the uprights determines how precisely you can adjust the height of the J-hooks and safety pins. A smaller distance, such as 25 mm, offers more precision than a larger distance of 50 mm. Numbered or marked holes make it easier to quickly find the correct height when setting up accessories.

Choose your accessories
Check if the rack comes with essential accessories like J-hooks and spotting arms, which are indispensable for safe training. Consider what optional accessories are available, such as a dip station, lifting platform, total core trainer, etc. These can greatly expand your training possibilities.

Our racks: options and recommendations

We understand that every fitness space has unique requirements and limitations. That’s why we offer a wide range of racks that meet different needs, from home gyms to professional fitness centres. Below you’ll find detailed information on our various rack options and recommendations to help you make the right choice.

Power Racks
Power racks are the ultimate choice for professional use. They offer maximum safety and stability, making them ideal for heavy lifters and intense workouts.

Features:

• Safety: Equipped with safety bars and J-hooks, allowing you to perform heavy lifts safely without needing a spotter.
• Stability: The robust construction provides a stable base, even when lifting extremely heavy weights.
• Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of exercises such as squats, bench presses, deadlifts, pull-ups, tricep dips, and more. The power rack also offers storage options for weight plates and a power chain set.

Recommendations:

• For heavy lifters: If you regularly lift heavy weights, a power rack is a must. It provides the safety and support needed to train at your maximum capacity.
• Professional gyms: Due to their versatility and durability, power racks are ideal for commercial gyms where users of various levels train.

Half Racks
Half racks are a more compact option than power racks, making them ideal for (home) gyms with limited space, while still offering sufficient support and safety for heavy workouts.

Features:

• Space-saving: Takes up less floor space than a power rack, making it perfect for smaller spaces.
• Functionality: Provides adequate support for most lifts, including squats and bench presses. Also offers storage options for weight plates and barbells.
• Adjustable J-hooks: Flexible height settings to support a wide range of exercises.

Recommendations:

• For (home) gyms and studios: If space is limited but you still want a reliable and stable rack, a half rack is an excellent choice.

Squat Racks
Squat racks are perfect for basic exercises like squats and overhead presses. They are suited for smaller spaces and offer a simple yet effective solution for strength training.

Features:

• Simple design: Offers the basic functionality for effective strength training without additional features.
• Stability: While less robust than power racks and half racks, squat racks provide sufficient stability for most basic exercises.
• Cost-effective: Generally more affordable than power and half racks, making them a budget-friendly option.

Recommendations:

• For small spaces: If you have limited space available, or if you already have a rig and want to add extra squat/bench options, a squat rack is an excellent choice for its compactness.
• Basic strength training: For those focusing on essential lifts like squats and overhead presses, a squat rack provides all the support you need.

Foldable Squat Racks
Foldable squat racks are designed to save space and offer multifunctionality, making them ideal for spaces used for other purposes as well.

Features:

• Space-saving: Can be easily folded and stored when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space.
• Flexibility: Suitable for a wide range of exercises and can be set up and stored quickly.
• Durability: Despite the foldable design, these racks are sturdy and reliable.

Recommendations:

• Multi-use spaces: Ideal for garages, PT studios, boutique gyms, or other multifunctional spaces where a rack cannot remain permanently.
• Home gyms: For home users seeking both efficiency and functionality without compromising on quality.

Whichever rack you choose, our racks guarantee quality, safety, and versatility. They are an excellent choice for anyone looking to create an efficient and effective training environment, regardless of available space or budget. Want to see how our racks would fit in your space? Try our Gym builder. Would you prefer to have one of our experts design your future gym? That’s possible too. Check out our Gym design page, or contact us for more information.