With half the year gone already, people who have taken the effort to implement significant lifestyle changes as part of their new year resolution must be seeing noticeable differences already. However, staying in shape is never an easy task. It takes real discipline and dedication to adopt new eating habits and follow a strict workout routine. Most people also find it difficult to go to a local gym to work out. This is what makes the idea of a home gym appealing to many people.
For those who can manage the cost and have space, you can start building the perfect home gym by acquiring the best power rack for home gym. This is a type of power cage that is the centerpiece of many home gyms. It typically includes a pull bar, squat rack, and bench press in the same setup, making it possible to perform a wide range of movements.
As with most things generally, it pays more to buy the nicer, more expensive racks as they are more likely to last longer and rarely wear out. However, being fancy and costly does not always mean a power rack will be of good quality. You also have to consider the efficiency and performance of the unit. To aid your search, we’ve rounded up 5 of the best power racks helpful in setting up your home gym.
1. Fitness Reality X-Class Power Cage
Made from heavy-duty tubular steel for maximum durability, the Fitness Reality X-Class Power Cage is suitable for all kinds of heavy-duty workouts and can handle a combined weight capacity of about 1500 pounds.
This power cage can be used to perform up to 24 different workouts right in the convenience of your home. The Fitness Reality X-class comes with lat pulldown, a low row bar, pull-up bars, and adjustable dip handles, which makes it useful for various workouts. This includes dips, squat, tricep extensions, lat pulldowns, pull-ups, and muscle-ups. A utility bench and a lat pulldown attachment can also be added to make this machine even more versatile.
The safety bars offer two different height adjustment levels, making it easier to find a suitable height while also maintaining safety. In addition, there is sufficient space in the power cage to accommodate different stances and squats. A spotter can also join you in the cage for added safety.
Pros
- Dip station comes with rubber grips enhancing safety and stability.
- The height can be adjusted to 2 different levels for convenience
- Sufficient space to perform wide squats
- Multifunctional design
- Lightweight and simple design makes it easy to set up anywhere.
Cons
- Assembly is required and may be difficult for some users
2. Reliancer Power Tower Dip Station
The Reliancer Power Tower Dip Station is a multifunctional workout station that covers every workout routine, including vertical knee raise, lower bars for pushups, lat pull down, dip station, leg exercises, sit up bench, and so on. Generally, you can use this workout station for up to 20 different routines.
It features a heavy-duty steel frame with a weight capacity of up to 800 pounds. For added security and stability, the base is padded with non-slip rubber feet.
This power rack is designed with comfort and convenience in mind. It has a cushioned bench for comfort. The bench is designed to be detachable and can be employed alone or with the station. The handles are made with non-slip rubber grips for safety and convenience. A 2” thick, slightly angled forearm cushion also provides better forearm and elbow support while you work out.
The Reliancer Power Tower Dip Station comes with a barbell stand to conveniently place your workout barbells. The height of the workout station can be adjusted between 70.8 to 90.5inches for convenience.
Pros
- 800 pounds weight capacity is ideal for beginners
- Easy to assemble.
- The attached bent bars ensure the frame is very stable.
- Its large base has a non-slip rubber foot for more stability.
- Ergonomic handle with rubber grips
Cons
- It takes a lot of room space.
3. Amgym Power Cage Rack
The AMGYM Power Cage Rack Workout Station has a heavy-duty 2” x 2” 13-gauge tubular steel frame construction. This gives it a combined weight capacity of 1200 pounds and makes it quite durable. This workstation has dimensions of 47” L x 47” W x 88” H and takes up 48” by 58” floor space. The pull-up bar stands at 89” off the ground.
Two extra pairs of steel J-Hooks are included in the packaging, and bolt holes are present on the foot of the cage. This makes it possible to bolt your power rack to the floor for safety and stability. Easy side-to-side movement is also guaranteed, thanks to a large walk-in space inside the cage. No doubt all of these contribute to make it the best power rack for home gym which is durable and affordable.
A lat pulldown is included in this rack as well as a low row cable attachment which works with high and low pulleys. This offers a wider range of upper and lower body motions for various workouts. This rack is suitable for performing triceps extension and building up the chest, shoulders, back, biceps, and triceps.
You can boost the versatility of this workstation by expanding the amgym power cage rack with a lat pulldown attachment, a fitness utility belt, or even a 7ft Olympic bar. This makes it suitable for workouts like Pull-ups, Lat Pull Over, Squats, Curls, Shrugs, and Flat Bench Press, among others.
Pros
- Its 1200 lbs weight capacity makes it ideal for intense bodybuilding routines.
- It has a bolt-able cage for extra safety.
- Versatile workout station for a wide range of exercises.
- The workout space in the power cage is sufficient for most routines
- The rubber base encasing makes this rack very sturdy and stable.
Cons
- For optimal performance, you will have to invest a lot in external hardware attachments.
4. Hulkfit Multi-Function Adjustable Power Rack
The HulkFit multifunctional adjustable power rack has a simple design but is built to handle a lot of weight. Its heavy-duty square steel frame has an H-shaped base. This design ensures maximum stability of the rack. In addition, it is built to handle a combined weight capacity of 800 pounds.
The dimension measures 81”L x 44”W x 46”H and has a stable frame for a wide range of exercises, including pull-ups, dips, and squats. The Hulkfit rack comes with two built-in pull-up bars for building the upper body and built-in dip bars for a core workout. It also comes with two J-Hooks and two weight plates that you can use to create a weight rack, squat rack, and bench press.
Two additional weight plate holders are included for convenience. The setup is complete with slip-resistant rubber feet for enhanced stability. The entire setup has a standing height of 81” inches. However, the height is designed to be easily adjustable to suit different users.
Pros
- Built to be sturdy and durable
- The built-in dip and pull-up bars make it a very versatile rack.
- It is height-adjustable, ensuring it suits people of different heights conveniently.
- With an 800 lb weight capacity, the Hulkman is a good start for beginners.
Cons
- It takes up a lot of room space.
- J-Hook grip peels off easily
5. Ollieroo Multi-Functional Barbell Rack
The Ollieroo multifunctional barbell rack is a highly functional and efficient rack that can be used as both a squat rack and a dip stand. It supports different types of exercises for the upper and lower body as well as the core. The height and weight are easily adjustable, which makes it possible to use the rack for different purposes and different categories of users.
The steel frame ensures this rack can handle a weight capacity of 480 pounds. This is low compared to the other products in this review but still great enough for a home gym. The rack itself weighs about 45lbs and has a dimension of 26.4”L x 30.3”W x 40.6-64.2”H. This allows it to takes very little space with its straight frame.
Designed specifically for a home gym, it weighs far less than others and, by extension has a lower weight capacity. Although the bench press lower bracket is not adjustable, it provides very efficient support for your weight bars.
The Ollieroo rack base has a unique design which makes it possible to adjust the width based on different sizes of bars and brackets that can be used on the rack. Based on manufacturer specifications, the multifunctional barbell rack can be used for 14 different exercises aimed at working on your biceps and triceps, forearm, chest, obliques, and calves.
Finally, the presence of its slip-resistant rubber feet paired with its rust resistance, wear and tear, and corrosion ensures that no damage affects your floor.
Pros
- The adjustable base of the rack gives it flexible functionality.
- The Ollieroo barbell rack can be used for 14 different exercises.
- The slip-resistant rubber feet make it very stable and safe for use.
- It is wear and rust-resistant, which makes it quite durable.
Cons
- The bench press bracket cannot be adjusted.
- The weight capacity is a little low.
Best Power Rack for Home Gym Buying Guide
There are tons of power racks available, all with different designs and specifications. Therefore, knowing what to look out for in a power rack is necessary if you make the right decision. In selecting a power rack to acquire, the following factors are considered a necessity:
- Functionality: A good power rack should be flexible in its functionality. This means a reasonable range of exercises can be performed on it. For example, well-designed power racks can be used as a squat rack, a bench press, a pull-up bar, and more.
- Adjustability: Height is an important consideration when working out with gym equipment. Different users often have varying height requirements based on their height. Varying the height is also one of the ways to change the intensity of a workout routine. An adjustable power rack ensures you can alter the rack over time to meet your strength training needs.
- Weight Capacity: This is one of the most important things you should check out on a power rack. The weight capacity is arguably the single most crucial thing that will determine the usability of the rack. So be sure to check this and confirm if it will work for your category of users.
- Guage of Steel: This is the measure of the standard thickness of a sheet of metal. If you plan on increasing your weight capacity over time, then high gauge steel is a good choice.
Power Rack Comparison Table
For an easier search, below is a comparison table highlighting some of the major features of our top 5 best home gym power racks.
| POWER RACKS | FUNCTIONALITY | WEIGHT CAPACITY | ADJUSTABILITY | DIMENSIONS | GAUGE OF STEEL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FITNESS REALITY | Lat pull down, low row bar, pull-up bars, adjustable dip handles, | 1500 lbs | 2'' x 3'' 13-gauge heavy-duty tubular steel frame | 86.5" L x 52" W x 86" H | Yes |
| RELIANCER POWER | Vertical knee raise, lower bars for pushups, Lat pull down, dip station, leg exercises, sit up bench | 800lbs | 2'' x 2'' 11-gauge heavy-duty powder-coated steel tube frame | 43.8" L x 10.6" W x 15.8" H | Yes |
| AMGYM POWER | High and low pulleys for triceps extensions, chest, shoulders, back, biceps and triceps build-up | 1200lbs | 47'' L x 47'' W x 88'' H | 2'' x 2'' 13-gauge tubular steel frame | Yes |
| OLLIEROO | Aimed at working on your triceps, biceps, calves, forearm, glutes, thighs, obliques, chest, and more. | 480lbs | 26.4''L x 30.3''W x 40.6-64.2''H | 2'' x 2'' 11-gauge heavy-duty tubular steel frame | Yes |
| HULKFIT | For building the upper body and built-in dip bars for core work, J-Hooks, two weight plates | 800 lbs | 81''L x 44''W x 46''H | 800 lbs2'' x 3'' 13-gauge heavy-duty square steel frame | Yes |
FAQS
A power rack is a sturdy piece of equipment that can act as a pull-up bar, a squat rack, and a bench press, all built into one setup. Most times, power racks tend to have a pull-up bar that connects two tall steel bars and a stable base. Other pieces of equipment, like a pulley, are sometimes attached to it.
Typically, power racks come in the form of heavy-duty steel cages designed to assist and protect people while they are lifting weight. They provide a safer way to do weight-lifting routines since they include safety bars, hooks, and other features to simplify workout sessions.
There are a wide variety of power racks available, and they all satisfy different needs and preferences. This means it will be quite challenging to choose the single best power rack. In selecting a power rack, individual preferences must be considered. You should also check other factors such as the cost and how much space you have to spare in your home gym.
However, perhaps the most important consideration with home gyms is how much space you have in your home. The best power rack or home gyms doesn't have to be the largest and most badass unit built for commercial use. Instead, look for a quality rack that is convenient for you and suits your needs perfectly.
A standard power rack enables you to perform front and back squats, shoulder press, bench press, overhead press, pull-ups, chin-ups deadlifts. More exercises can be carried out by attaching new but compatible hardware to the power rack. These may include a pulldown attachment, a 7ft Olympic bar, and a Fitness Reality Utility Bench.
While a squat rack is open at the side and on the top, a power rack has the bar enclosed inside the rack. The top may be enclosed as well to make it look more like a cage. Power racks are seen as a versatile workout station because of their features allowing safe workout sessions without a spotter.
Aside from the cost and space availability, a power rack should be selected based on some attached hardware. Some to look out for are the J-Hook, bar storage, pull-up bars, weight plate storage, safety bars, and other extra attachments.
Although the power rack is a piece of versatile workout equipment suitable for a long list of workout routines. However, it is important to note that power racks are not for everyone, and you shouldn't buy one simply because it sounds like fancy equipment you should have in your home gym.
If you tend to integrate big lift routines like squats, bench presses, deadlifts, etc., it makes sense to get a power rack for a generally more effective and safer workout. In such a case buying a good quality power rack for your home gym will be a sound investment.
A power rack is also most ideal for those doing workouts that are aimed at changing their body composition. This includes those training to lose fat or trying to bulk up on muscle. In such cases, strength training would be an integral part of your transformation program.
However, if you do less strength training and weight lifting and you do more cardio routines, then a power rack isn’t very useful for you, and purchasing one may not be necessary.
Since there are different types of power racks available, the instructions for assembling them may vary from one unit to the other. Thus, you should follow the manufacturer's guidelines for setting up and maintaining the power rack as included in the product user manual.
The ease of setup should be an important consideration when searching for the right power rack to purchase. You should also check how much space will be needed for the power rack and confirm you have enough space in your home gym for it with enough room for loading and unloading the power rack bar conveniently.
Conclusion
When shopping for the best power rack for home gym, it is okay to be overwhelmed considering the long list of options available from different manufacturers. However, this guide should give you a good idea of how to choose the right type of power rack for you. Of course, power racks are not for everyone.
But if you spend a lot of time on strength training and weight lifting routines, you should seriously consider the possibility of getting one for your home gym. There aren’t so many pieces of workout equipment that are quite as versatile as one of these. You should be able to find a unit that is just the right size for your home gym in this review and follow our buyer’s guide to narrow down your options.