The Top Benefit of Buying a Power Rack
Introduction
Undoubtedly, free weight exercises are one of the surest ways to torch calories, strengthen one's muscles, and improve functional fitness levels. They are highly functional, super-efficient, and enable ones to hit their fitness goals in no time. But, what to do if one wants to move to the next level? It's time to give the power gym rack a go.
What Exactly is a Power Rack?
A power rack, also called a power cage or gym rack, is a rectangle cube-shaped fitness equipment that allows one to perform a series of barbell and bodyweight exercises.
Built from steel, a power rack has four to six strong vertical pillars and horizontal bars with adjustable safety pins and latches. This allows one to perform exercises like bent-over row, bench press, shoulder press, shoulder shrugs, lunges, among others, more efficiently.
Unlike other traditional machines in the gym, power cages are pretty versatile. One can go heavy on the exercises without having to compromise on safety. It has safety catches that prevent the weight from going beyond a certain point and causing fatal injury.
While some power cages are freestanding, some are bolted to the wall or the floor and are a common sight in a commercial gym across Ireland. It's also rapidly gaining traction in home gyms.
Things to Consider When Getting a Power Rack
1. Size and Shape
Thinking about adding a commercial power racks to your commercial gym? (or gym rack for your home gym?) the first thing to consider before buying is its size and shape. Power cages come in different sizes and shapes. Full power racks are about 40-50" deep, 46-52" wide, and over 80" tall. While half-power racks are about the same size in footprint, they miss the front post.
This means that though taller racks are more versatile and allow to perform different exercises effectively and efficiently, they consume more space, which is a commodity for small gyms and home gyms. Therefore, consider your requirements before going forward and choose a power rack accordingly.
2. Weight Capacity
Another critical consideration before buying a power cage is how much weight it can hold. You'll use the power cage for a long time (and trust us, you'll need it!) so consider it a long-term investment.
Generally, a gym rack can hold anywhere between 500-1200 lbs, depending on the model and construction. So, if you're a heavy lifter, go for the gym rack with weight capacity exceeding your anticipation, as frequently buying a gym rack will cost you dearly.
3. Plate Storage
If you're opting to buy a power rack, think about space. Rack configuration offers performance strength stations and weight plate storage space, for which you'll need at least 250mm of space between the wall and the rack for smoother transition in-between your reps or sets.
So, make sure to factor in clearance space while buying the power rack to be able to put the plates on the pins easily.
4. Versatility
If you're opting to buy a power rack, think about space. Rack configuration offers performance strength stations and weight plate storage space, for which you'll need at least 250mm of space between the wall and the rack for smoother transition in-between your reps or sets.
So, make sure to factor in clearance space while buying the power rack to be able to put the plates on the pins easily.
5. Price Range
6. Quality and Safety
If you're opting to buy a power rack, think about space. Rack configuration offers performance strength stations and weight plate storage space, for which you'll need at least 250mm of space between the wall and the rack for smoother transition in-between your reps or sets.
So, make sure to factor in clearance space while buying the power rack to be able to put the plates on the pins easily.
7. Hole Spacing
Another important thing (that is often overlooked!) to consider while buying a gym rack is the hole spacing in it. While close hole spacing is ideal for precise set-up and exercise thereafter, gym racks may have inconsistent hole spacing running from top to down. Irregular hole spacing could even result in injury.
So, it is critical for the power rack to have close hole spacing as it’ll help to adjust J-hooks and safety spotters for better customization of the exercise.
8. Bolted to the floor or not
Lastly, ensure the power rack is secured in place before use. The last thing you would want is to hear your power rack's metal scrapping the floor while doing kipping pull-ups, or worse, topple over during use. Therefore, if you get a taller power rack, make sure it's bolted down to the floor and have no odds of relocating it to its proper place.
Benefits of Gyming Daily with Power Racks
1. Target a Precise Range of Motion
With a power rack, you can adjust things like J-hooks and safety spotters, allowing you to do low, medium, and high lifts and precisely train any body part according to your body's dimension and workout goals.
2. Provides Convenience
One of the cornerstone benefits of gymming on a gym rack is: convenience. Gym racks have adjustable J-hook, allowing one to place the barbell in the most suitable position. As a result, it significantly reduces the extra efforts exerted during the reps while ensuring the lifter's safety, leaving them focused on their set.
3. Allows Lifting more Weight
A top-quality power cage has a weight limit of about 1500 lbs, which means you can go for progressive overload and accurately target the muscles during your workout sessions and lift the heavier weight without suffering fatal injuries.
4. More Number of Exercises
Do you aim to gain strength and muscle mass, lose weight and tone up, or do you want to include a cardiovascular exercise? If yes, a power cage is a match made in iron paradise. With the power cage, you can perform more than 23 exercises, and by adding specific equipment options, you can increase the number of activities power cage can execute.
Finishing It Off
Hopefully, this guide helped you determine an informed decision. Yes, power racks are daunting. But, if done the right way, it's one of the best gym equipment to lift heavy weights and build functional strength.
Are you looking for a power rack cage in Ireland? If yes, check out our power racks range to choose the right power cage that suits your fitness needs. What else is on the list? If you want to know more, head to our fitness equipment for sale section and get the best gym equipment in Ireland for less than the price.
