How to Choose the Right Squat Rack for Home Gym

A squat rack is a large metal piece of equipment intended for weight exercises. Many consider it an essential part of their home gym. If you are looking to buy a squat rack, there are key features you need to consider before making a purchase. Pay attention to this guide as you select the best squat rack for your apartments for rent in Philadelphia, PA.

1. Size of the Rack

Squat racks come in a variety of sizes, including squat stands, half-racks, power cages and wall-mounted folding squat racks. Each has its positive and negative sides, so it is important to do your research before choosing one. 

A power cage takes up the most room while the other sizes need less space. A folding squat rack requires the least amount of space. 

You need to consider the size of the room that will have the rack before shopping. The best squat rack for your home will fit and be comfortable to use without getting in the way of other activities. One option is to use an online room planner app to picture how a rack would fit in your home gym. 

2. Safety

The best squat racks should be sturdy with no risk of toppling over and durable with good welding. An 11-gauge steel rack should be adequate for home use. Make sure there are other safety features, like safety pins, arms and straps included. 

You do not want to forget about safety while exercising at home. A cheap rack will have thinner gauge steel, which raises the risk of the attachments breaking. The safety arms on a cheap rack may bend and cause an accident.  

3. Versatility

Do you want to be able to use your rack to do bench presses, pull-ups and dips? Do you need to add a set of rings or bars? Questions like this can help you determine the versatility you need for a rack at home. 

A rack can provide much more than press and squat features. For example, bars can help you do pull-ups using your rack. When you are creating a daily workout plan, you want to consider the equipment you need and maximize the space you already have. Adding features to your squat rack can allow you to do this. 

4. Hole Size and Spacing

You want to check the hole size, spacing and construction. Although there is no standard for hole size, most racks have 5/8 and 2/3 holes. Make sure that the size of the holes will fit the type of accessories you plan to use.

Racks come with one-inch or two-inch spaced holes, and some have a combination of both. Some people prefer a combination since it is more versatile. In general, one-inch is a good choice because it will give you more control on where you attach things. 

When looking at construction, consider how the holes are made. Laser-cut holes create more structurally sound racks and make it easier to attach accessories. 

5. Weight Capacity

As you focus on weight training proper techniques, it is important to understand the role weight capacity plays in them. The higher the weight capacity, the more weights the rack can handle. 

In general, it is recommended to get a higher weight capacity than you think you may need to be safe. You may see weight capacity ranges from 500 to 1,500 pounds. A capacity of 1,000 pounds should be sufficient for most home gyms. 

6. Pricing for the Best Squat Racks 

The cost of squat racks ranges from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000. You do not want to  overspend on a rack that has features you will not use. So, you have to shop around because the most expensive rack is not necessarily the best. 

Keep in mind that cheaper racks may be made from thinner steel, which may not be as safe. They may also have other problems that may not be obvious until you start using the rack. You do not want to go the cheap route when building a home gym. 

It is a good idea to start with a standard rack and add the accessories later. At a minimum, a standard rack will need J-hooks, pull-up bar and safety arms, pins, or straps. A dip station or plate storage are accessories you can add later. 

Conclusion

Creating the perfect home gym is a process, so you want to take your time when choosing a squat rack. This is not a purchase you want to rush or feel pressure around. A squat rack needs to be safe, so you do not get seriously hurt while using it. You also want to plan where you put it and figure out the accessories it needs. Take your time when picking the right rack for your home.

Medical Disclaimer: All the content available on the website is just for informational purposes. It’s not a substitute for any Professional advice. Don’t take it personally. As a medical student, I’m just trying to use my information through my content, and please keep in mind it’s not written by a professional doctor. Use the data just for educational purposes.