The centerpiece in every home gym and a crucial element in most commercial gyms, squat racks cannot be overlooked when setting up a training facility. Partly because squats are one of the most popular exercises out there but also because squat racks are mostly functional and versatile pieces of equipment which allow for several other exercises.
With options ranging from the stand-alone squat stands to the foldable rack or the full power cage there is however an overwhelming number of products out there and choosing the right one for your facility can be complicated.
That is why, we have created this buying guide, to provide you with the key considerations and our best solutions for your training facility whether it is a home gym, personal training studio or a high-performance facility.
Contents
What are the different types of Squat Racks?
Types of Squat Racks
Squat Stands
Key Points:
- Portable and easily stored
- Saves space
- Lowest Priced
- Home and garage gyms, outdoor training
Squat Racks
Key Points:
- Increased stability
- Good balance between size and versatility
- Integrated pull-up bar & storage arms
- Commercial gyms, physiotherapists, PT studios & home gyms
Folding Squat Racks
Key Points:
- Minimal footprint, maximises spaces.
- Still allows for plenty of exercises and good max load weight.
- Home gyms & training areas with limited space.
Half Racks
Key Points:
- Weight storage arms & bar storage
- Open front with pull-up bar
- Range of optional attachments
- Commercial gyms, sport teams and PT studios
Full Racks
Whilst a full rack or power cage can look intimidating it offers very much the same purpose as a half rack. It does, however, allow for increased stability and more safety. With dual columns at the front and back supported by horizontal bars at the top and bottom, full racks can support weight heavier than a half rack. Training inside the rack also results in increased safety with the bar less likely to escape onto the gym floor when dropped.
Unlike the other racks full racks can also be used by two people at a time as it is possible to train both inside the rack and at the front, as long as there are enough J-Hooks and safety bars for both users. All these features make the full rack a great addition to most facilities however it does take up a lot of floor space and might not be best suited to smaller facilities. Equally, not all gymgoers will need such a big piece of equipment, our IMPERIUM Full Rack for example is recommended mainly to performance-based facilities for sport clubs and athletes as well as strongman facilities.
Key Points:
- Maximum stability & safety
- Higher weight loading
- Range of optional attachments
- Performance-based gyms, sport teams, strongman gyms
Multi-Racks
Key Points:
- Maximum stability & safety
- Higher weight loading
- Range of optional attachments
- Performance-based gyms, sport teams, strongman gyms
Wall-Mounted Rigs
Key Points:
- Make use of wall space
- Good stability due to wall mounting
- CrossFit gyms, physiotherapists, sport teams & home gyms
Bespoke Functional Rigs
Key Points:
- Maximum stability & safety
- Higher weight loading
- Range of optional attachments
- CrossFit boxes, performance-based gyms, sport teams & physios
Key Considerations
Now, you know what all your options are, there are however some key considerations to take into account. Here are our main 3.
Your Lifting Needs
Your Space
This is often the key point when investing in a gym rack, especially for home gyms and facilities with limited space. Here again, not all squat racks will be suitable if you are looking to kit out a small area, investing in a full power cage would definitely not be the best thing to do.
Having said that there is still plenty of solutions for small areas, foldable racks, squat stands, squat racks and even some smaller half racks offer great options while still allowing for plenty of training opportunities. And if no products fit your facility, many manufacturers including us offer bespoke design services, your best bet is then to contact them (us) and get something made to fit.
Your Budget
As with most things the price of a squat rack reflects the quality of the craftmanship and of the materials that have gone in to build it. The thicker the steal used and the bigger the rack the pricier it will be. There is no escaping that although what also needs to be considered is the longevity and durability of your investment. We are fully aware that competitors of ours offer some products or lower prices than us however we believe the standard of the materials and the quality of the craftsmanship which all takes place here in the UK sets us apart and is worth the price.
Specifications to Consider
Storage
Increments
Pull-UP Bars
J-Hooks
Safety Bars
Additional Attachments
Platforms
Choosing a squat rag or rig, depends on several factors and essentially comes down to three main elements your training needs, your budget, and your available space. However, considering all the elements going for the cheapest option will often not be the most effective.
We hope this guide has helped you make an informed choice, if you do have any further questions or would like advice on what is best for you, our team is always available to help. Just contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
