So you’re looking at choosing a squat rack for your home gym? Great! Squat racks have a huge range of benefits and are a great all in one piece of equipment for your home gym. Choosing the right squat rack for your home gym can be a big decision to make with a lot of factors to decide on and you may be wondering where to begin. Below is a list of things that you will want to consider before diving in and choosing the right squat rack that meets your needs.
Here are some key things to look at when choosing the right squat rack for your home gym:
1. Size
When choosing the right squat rack, your rack will need to fit the space you have available. Before buying a squat rack, measure your space where you have decided it will be placed.
You will need to consider the following:
Height: How high is the ceiling space where your rack will go? If you have a low ceiling make sure you get a rack with shorter uprights so it fits.
Width: You will want to make sure there is a decent gap either side of your rack so you will be able to easily load weights onto your barbell and also if you want to add weight plate attachments onto the side of your rack you will need to allow for space to comfortably do this. Also think about what accessories you may want and need space for e.g. a dip horn attachment which may attach to the side of your rack.
Depth: Be aware of the depth to make sure you have the space you need to perform exercises.
Additional Space: If you are going to be looking at adding accessories, such as slam ball targets, battle ropes etc. you will also want to be aware of having additional space in front and around your rack.
2. Style
Squat racks come in many different shapes and forms from freestanding squat racks to wall mounted. When choosing the right squat rack, decide whether you are looking for a squat rack that will be mounted to a wall or whether you will need a free standing rack. Other options include fold away and slim racks which are great if you have limited space or for a garage that you may also need to park a car in.
Types of squat racks:
Squat stands
Half racks
Slim racks
Fold away racks
Space saving racks
Power racks
Choosing the right squat rack for your space may seem like a daunting task, slim and fold away racks are generally wall mounted. So you can decide on whether you want your rack mounted to a wall or prefer a freestanding option.
3. Budget
There is a squat rack available for every budget. Decide how much you will want to spend on a rack and whether you will invest a lot of money in a rack now or look at starting small and adding to your rack later such as building your rack out from a squat stand to a power rack or also accessories that you may want to add in the future such as safety spotters, dip horn, landmine attachments etc.
4. Quality
Not all companies, customer service and racks are equal. Make sure when choosing the right squat rack that you are purchasing a rack from a reputable company to make sure it is of high quality. When it comes to lifting weight and safety it is important to choose quality durable products that will be safe and sturdy and that are going to last. Most quality racks are built with 11 gauge steel and come with either 2×3″ or 3×3″ uprights which is suitable for most home or garage gyms. It is always best when choosing the right squat rack to pick a rack that will support you well beyond your lifting capability. Cheaper racks can have low racked weight capacities.
5. Accessories
Choose a rack that has plenty of versatility and options for future expansion in case you decide to build or add to it later on and if you plan on doing more than just the standard compound exercises within the rack. Choose a rack that won’t limit you that you can add to or add accessories for later if you desire. Rogue, Rep, Titan Fitness and many other well-known exercise equipment brands have a large range of accessories which you can add to your rack giving you a whole range beyond what a standard rack can provide. Examples of these are cable pully systems, speed bags, slam ball targets, GHD attachments and many more.
6. Rack Assembly
Some of the larger heavy duty racks such as the Force USA G20 require a longer assembly process. Make sure you are aware of how long and difficult it will be to take you to build your rack when choosing the right squat rack and it is also a great idea to get help from a friend.
7. Reviews
Make sure you read buyer reviews to ensure that you are dealing with a quality product and a company that has great customer service in case you need assistance with your purchase.
8. Warranty
Choose a rack that includes a warranty. Any good quality rack should be backed by a solid warranty.
Titan T-3 Series Folding Squat Rack
The Titan T-3 series wall mounted folding squat rack is the perfect rack for performing all your effective compound exercises. Built from solid alloy steel with a black finish, it is able to handle a total max load capacity of 1000 lbs making it a great option for your home gym that will be up for what you throw at it as well as being durable enough to last a long time. Don’t miss checking it out when choosing the right squat rack for you 🙂
