Entry Level Power Rack Vs. Semi and Commercial Power Racks

 What is a power rack?

A power rack (also known as a squat rack, squat cage, and a power cage) is one of the most fundamental pieces of gym equipment today. It has four steel supports (uprights) that hold up your bar and catch it or stop it using the safety bars. 

Power racks were first invented in the 1900s when lifters realized that squatting without a rack is pretty difficult, especially with heavy weights. Thus, a squat rack was born. Today, it also assists as a bench rack and a spotter, plus you can do pull-ups, overhead presses and countless other exercises using the steel supports. Power racks not only provide exercise flexibility but also much-needed safety to protect the lifters from the weights falling on them.

Why do I need a power rack for my home gym?

A squat is one of your most fundamental exercises, that builds amazing strength in your core muscle groups. A power rack will enable you to squat, bench, and lift comfortably, safely, and with more weight!

What’s the difference between an entry level power rack, a semi/half rack and a commercial power rack?

If you are a beginner just starting to outfit your home gym, you may be tempted to buy a cheaper adjustable rack or forego the safety bars altogether, but the best thing you can do is get a power rack. You won’t ever need a spotter because of the safety bars, it will last a long time, and give you a great range of motion with the amount of exercises you can do on it. You can get a home power rack for entry level. 

A half rack only has two steel uprights so it’s narrower than a full rack and it still has safety bars that will catch your barbell if you drop it. It’s great if you are tight on floor space but it does limit the amount of exercises you can do and sometimes half racks are not very stable. 

A home rack is lighter and can often support less weight than a commercial power rack. Commercial racks are heavy and strong and can withstand daily use by multiple people with a lot of weight. They also take a lot of floor space and cost more.

What you buy depends on your budget, your lifting goals, and how much room you have in your home gym or garage! Either way, you can’t go wrong with a power rack because of its versatility and safety.