Not anymore. If you can manage the costs and you have the space, build your perfect home gym, starting with one of the best investments any serious weightlifter can make: a power rack (sometimes called a power cage). This essential piece of home gym equipment is available at a variety of price points and include a range of features, from just-the-basics or all the bells and whistles. Decide which features matter the most to you and get shopping.
To start your search, we’ve rounded up six of the best home power racks on the market.
Marcy Pro Full Cage and Weight Bench
This is the ultimate power cage. The Marcy Fitness pro full cage (measures 61” W x 71.75” D x 86.75” H) offers an adjustable bench, a barbell training station, dip bar, pull-up bar, and even a lat pulldown station. As with most power racks and cages, you’ll have to buy weight plates and barbells separately, but you can score this robust training system for less than 700 bucks.
Squat Rack E-1050 E - Series
No frills here. This EVOST Fitness Squat rack stand is for the guy who’s looking for a basic piece of quality equipment that won’t break the bank or take up a ton of space. You won’t get a bench, barbell or any fancy attachments, but you’ll be able to practice squats (up to 500 pounds). Includes built-in bar and weight storage to maximize space.
Yaheetech Adjustable Squat Rack Set
Looking for a low-footprint rack that can still serve as a reliable barbell station? This set of adjustable stands can handle your weights, measuring at 21.5" (L) x 20" (W) x 44-70" (H), but still be easily maneuvered when you're not working out. You won't get the bells and whistles that come with some of these other rigs, but minimalists will appreciate the saved space.
SML-2 Rogue 90
Rogue is one of the top rack brands out there, and this 90” squat stand is a great way to score their characteristic quality and function (although you will have to buy a bench, barbell and weight plate set separately). At 49” W x 48” D x 98” H, this rack is pretty compact, so you can easily fit it in your garage. Choose between a fully-integrated fat/skinny pull-up bar or a single 1.25” pull-up bar.