Find the perfect fitness rack
Squat rack is the centerpiece of nearly every gym. In this guide, we cover the main differences between the most common types of squat racks for home gyms or professional fitness studios.
Finding the perfect fitness rack for your gym can be a bit of a hassle and is definitely not something to take lightly, as this piece of equipment will probably stay with you the longest. Y shouldn't stress about it too much either, so we've prepared this guide to make your decision-making process a little easier.
Where to start: 3 key-factors to keep in mind
Start by thinking about the space you have available for your squat rack. The size of it should be the first factor when deciding which one to get.
The second factor you should take into account is the main type of training you'll be performing with it, because there are some racks that are a more massive structure, which means they will have higher load capacity and will be overall more sturdy when performing heavy lifts.
The third factor you should pay attention to is the quality of the structure. A squat rack, due to the nature of the build quality, is designed to last for 3, 5 or even 10 years from now. After all, it's a frame of steel. Quality is very important as it also affects your safety in the long run. When deciding on the quality of the rack, something to consider is the type and thickness of the steel profiles that the structures are made of.
Since there are various structures available, we narrowed down the selection. All of these racks have the height appropriate to use with standard ceiling heights, which is an important aspect to have in mind as well.
Here are our top 4 picks:
- STAR BEAST SQ2300
- STAR LITE FOLD BACK WALL MOUNT
- STAR BEAST POWER RACK V1.0 / V2.0
- STAR BEAST WALL MOUNT RACK C2
Let us break it down for you and explain why we chose these four structures.
This is a classic free standing squat stand, which includes two uprights, a pull up bar and a pair of J-cups to hold your barbell. Since it is a freestanding structure, you don't need to fix it to the ground and this option is especially friendly for home gym owners or professional fitness studios that don't want to interfere with the ground. As it is made from steel profiles with dimensions 80x80x3mm, it will meet the needs of a recreational user or a professional.
STAR LITE FOLD BACK WALL MOUNT
This one is definitely a rack worth mentioning! The name itself tells us that this is a wall mounted rack that can be folded up against the wall to save space in your training area when not in use. Many choose this type because they don't have much space available – for example, we've had customers put it in their garage, where the car is parked and when it's time for a workout, they easily move the car out, unfold the rack and get the training in. Once they are done, they just fold it back up, brint the car inside of the garage and that's it! The same goes with placing it in the living room or basement. It is made out of 60x60x3mm steel profiles, but is still very much appropriate for a private personal trainer fitness studio or a bigger fitness facility.
STAR BEAST POWER RACK V1.0 / V2.0
Well, this is the massive one! Power racks are known for their sturdiness, massiveness and overall strength that they offer to a user. The main difference between the classic squat rack and power rack is in the number of uprights – power racks usually have 4 that are connected with vertical connection profiles. Based on that difference alone, power racks can carry more weight and therefore usually have higher load capacities. They can also be used by 2 users at the same time, as they offer at least 2 training stations at once. There are 2 models of power racks we offer – the V1.0 which, for safer use, should be fixed to the ground, and the V2.0, which, based on the feet of the structure, doesn't need to be fixed to the ground.
Another wall mounted squat rack, made from steel profiles 80x80x3mm, which offers a wide variety of pull up options, as it comes with 3 different pull up bar attachments. It needs to be mounted to the wall and fixed into the ground for safe use, so this is definitely something to have in mind. All of our STAR BEAST racks have laser-cut numbers in the uprights and this is no different.
As these structures are mostly bought racks from our range of products, we've gone a step further in making your decision-making process easier: we've created the ALL-IN-ONE gym packages, to save you time when searching for all of the equipment you need to build yourself a gym.
Racks are one of the main parts of your or any fitness centre. We take care of quality, appearance and functionality, and our cages are available at an extremely affordable price.
Take the first step towards your dream home gym now! If you have any doubts, let us know and we'll be happy to help.
Take a look at our website and you're sure to find a kit or product you like. Get started today!