These particular regimens can generate visible and jaw-dropping results efficiently. Your body mass and structure would be fully developed once you do these workouts religiously. Obviously, your health would get better, too.

Aside from investing in pre-workout supplements (insert any viable link here), it is also essential for you to get a bench and squat rack. Not all the time you can visit your local gym. There are some instances in where you need to these routines in your home.

Of course, even if you have the availability to go to the gym anytime, it would still be great if you have this equipment. The convenience of working out at your own pace is something that any bodybuilder would want to have.

Luckily, there are a plethora of power racks on the market today. Your options are not just limited to one or two choices. In fact, there is a teeming number of racks that are waiting for you. But on this article, I only listed all the best options for this workout equipment. Here are they.

The Best Bench and Squat Rack Review

1. Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage – Editor’s Choice

Via: Amazon.com

One of the finest bench and squat rack that you can get today is the Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage. With its innate 800-pound capacity, you can ensure that it can cater your “heavy” needs. The walk-in space that this amenity has is large, too. Therefore, you can comfortably do a lot of side-to-side movements.

When it comes to construction, the Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage is one tough equipment. Specifically, it is made from 2×2 square steel frame that has extended locks on the safety bars. Meanwhile, the safety bars are crafted from steel and have a double mounting option for maximum security and rigidity. The safety bars can be adjusted to 19 different height positions.

The Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage also have multi-position grip bars. You can use them for developing your shoulders, arms, and posterior muscles through a variety of exercises.

Pros​

• Extra rugged and durable construction
• Spacious walk-in space for convenient movement
• Chrome safety bars can be adjusted to 19 height levels
• thumbs-upStable and extra reliable workout platform
• thumbs-upCompatible with 7-inch Olympic bars

Cons​

• Assembly is quite quirky
• The bench doesn’t go low enough

2. PowerLine PPR200X Power Rack – Runner-Up

Via: Amazon.com

You can certainly power up your workout with the PowerLine PPR200X Power Rack. This one is among the first generation of gym racks that have been released on the market. It is specifically designed to enable bodybuilders and weightlifters grind their muscles effectively and safely. It comes with a generous vertical and horizontal spacing, which allows optimal mobility to its users when doing workouts.

The PowerLine PPR200X Power Rack is capable of supporting squats, calf raises, shrugs, and military presses. It is a comprehensive equipment that can accommodate a variety of workouts, once used properly. This rack comes with two safety rods and two lift-offs. With them, you can do these myriads of exercises safely and effectively.

But unlike the Fitness Reality 810XLT, this one can only support 600 pounds of weight. But such capacity is more than enough for many bodybuilders. This one doesn’t have a cheap construction, so this full-cage rack will never break on you. You can also use different benches and other workout attachments here.

Pros​

• Provides a simple yet effective platform for squats and bench press
• Can be paired with multiple workout amenities
• Sturdy and durable design
• thumbs-upSafety bars can be adjusted to different height positions

Cons​

• Not ideal for commercial applications
• Difficult assembly process

3. Body Champ BCB3780 Bench and Squat Rack Stand – Budget-Friendly Option

Via: Amazon.com

If you want something that is inexpensive yet effective, I should recommend the Body Champ BCB3780 Bench and Squat Rack Stand. Obviously, this one is a lot more affordable than the options that I have featured here because it doesn’t come with a full-cage design. But despite this, you can still guarantee that it is an effective platform for doing bench press and squats.

This one can support leg lifts, military presses, chest presses, and other routines that are commonly done on the bench. It also has a leg developer that features a dual-action capability for leg workouts. You can also guarantee that the main frame of this rack is crafted from a durable and robust tubing. It can carry the weight of 300 pounds or less, which is a pretty decent perk already, considering its design.

Furthermore, the Body Champ BCB3780 already includes the bench on its package. Most of the racks out there only offer the cage. You have to invest the bench separately. With its entry-level price, the Body Champ BCB3780 can already give you the complete set. You can start immediately after you have assembled this piece. Isn’t that nice?

Pros​

• Affordable yet robust design
• Ergonomic construction provides better workout mobility
• Bench backrest can be adjusted for multiple bench exercises
• thumbs-upExtremely safe to use (comes with non-pinch grip and safety hook)
• thumbs-upComes with decent weight capacity

Cons​

• Too small for some other users
• Not for heavyweight applications

4. Valor Fitness BD-7 Power Rack with Lat Pull Attachment – High-End Choice

Via: Amazon.com

For those who can spend freely, the Valor Fitness BD-7 Power Rack is an excellent choice. It is a sturdy piece of gym equipment, having its frame being constructed from 12-gauge steel. The working space that it has is splendidly spacious. There is always a room here for you to do those rigorous and brisky routines. There are also storage pegs for plates that have been integrated on this cage. They can cater both Olympic plates and standard plates.

The base that of this rack is extremely balanced and stable. It won’t wobble, even if you are grinding too much here. For its safety bars, the maximum weight capacity of the Valor Fitness BD-7 is around 800 pounds. That’s 100 pounds more than the Fitness Reality 810XLT. Meanwhile, the bar supports have variable positions. They can be adjusted to 17 height levels.

Even if it doesn’t come with a bench, the Valor Fitness BD-7 still comes with a lat pull station and low row curl bar. These particular features improve the versatility of the rig when handling different workouts. It can become your one-stop-shop for doing all the essential exercises that are necessary for your bodybuilding goals.

Pros​

• Solid and sturdy 2×2 steel frame
• Features different workout amenities
• Balanced and stable construction
• thumbs-upSupports heavy and burly users
• thumbs-upProvides exceptional safety features

Cons​

• The pulley system comes with plastic components
• Instructions for assembly are inadequate

5. Rep Power Rack – PR-1000 – Best Bench and Squat Rack for Extra Safety

Via: Amazon.com

You don’t want to use a gym equipment that can cause you injuries or accidents. None of us deserve a workout amenity that has a flimsy construction or cheap parts. They will just cause you trouble instead of reaping benefits. All of the racks that I have featured here are extra safe to use. But when it comes to safety features, the Rep Power Rack – PR-1000 is an outstanding option. This one is simply brimming with stability and reliability.

It comes with an extra wide base and stable base that can support any rigorous workout routines. None of the parts wobble, which is great. You can freely work your muscles here without being bothered by any annoying movements in the rig. The Rep Power Pack can support up to 700 pounds of weight when it comes to bar hooks and 400 pounds for the dip attachment and pull-up bar.

The construction of the frame is extremely rugged. It does not feel shabby at all. There are additional bar holders, too, that provides extra safety to the user. Meanwhile, the bar knurling has powder-coated J-cups for added protection. The Rep Power Rack – PR-1000 have different models, with each one featuring unique setup or equipment. The default rig does not have the bench, so it is an extra consideration that you have to take.

Pros​

• Studded with safety features such as locks
• Tough and long-lasting design
• Can support different workouts and exercises
• thumbs-upLarge frame to accommodate burly users
• thumbs-upFeatures weight horns to enhance its stability

Cons​

• The numbered uprights are quite hard to read, especially if there is not enough lighting in your room

How to Choose the Best Bench and Squat Rack

The quality of the rack can define your overall performance and mileage when working out. You cannot just expect that all gym racks can provide the same level of satisfaction and result. Not all are made to be equal. Some can optimize the intensiveness of your routines while others will just spell trouble and nuisance to you.

If you want to get the right one for you, always consider these following factors:

Size​

One of the most important aspects of a power rack or gym rack is their size. Most of the items that I have featured in this article are quite large and bulky. But it doesn’t mean that there are no portable models that you can select.

The size of the rack that you should choose must be able to cater your frame. Make sure that it has enough walk-in spacing so that you can move your body liberally when you are working out. After all, squats and presses will require large and open movements.

Also, don’t forget the space or room availability of your home. Obviously, you cannot fit a large power rage to an apartment-sized room. You have to consider if there are enough horizontal and vertical clearances on your house in where you can set up the equipment. If none of these are available, then you have to get those compact models instead. 

Safety Bar

The safety bar is an essential component of any modern power racks. Commonly known as J-hooks, the safety bars are the ones that hold the weight bar. When you are working out, these safety components prevents the weight bars from dropping to you.

Therefore, it is necessary that you should get a rack with foolproof safety bars included on it. Also, don’t forget that they should be easy to use and instal. The safety bars should have height adjustment feature, too. You should never compromise your safety when working out.

Weight Capacity

The ideal bench and squat rack for regular bodybuilders have a weight capacity of at least 700 pounds. If you want to become a pro and step-up your game, then you should get a rack that has a capacity of 1000 pounds or more. But in general, racks that can offer 300 pounds to 1000 pounds of weight capacity are decent already.

I want to emphasize that the higher the weight capacity, the sturdier the rack becomes. That’s a given already. If a rack is designed to cater absurdly large loads and volumes, then its construction should be durable, rugged, and stable.

Storage Post

It would also be great if the rack that you will get has a set of storage posts or pegs. The main purpose of these components is to act as the storage of your weight plates. Such feature is quite ergonomic because it allows you to save a lot of space. At the same time, the pegs also lower the center of gravity of the rack. When this happens, the equipment will become more stable and rooted to the base. To put it simply, they improve the stability and safety of the machine.

Final Verdict

The best bench and squat rack is a great equipment that you can invest if you are planning to mount a personalized gym in your home. This particular tool can improve your leverage by doing intense and high-octane workouts such squats and bench pressing. Some other models can even give you the freedom to install other workout amenities aside from a bench.

The ones that I have listed here are just a rundown of what the market has the offer. They are the top options that you have right now for this particular workout equipment. Although they might not be able to match full-size racks that are found in your gym, they are still effective in bulking your muscles and putting mass to your body.

Among the racks that I have featured, the Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage is the most noteworthy option. It has a durable and rugged construction, with lots of space that you can work upon. It possesses balance and stability, without compromising its performance and capacity. All the essential safety features are present in this option, too.

You can also try the rest of the racks that I reviewed here. Just make sure that they can fit your requirements before you get them. Enjoy and have a productive time on the grind!

The post 5 Best Bench and Squat Racks for Home Gyms appeared first on HeroMuscles.

With a little know-how and some power tools, you can make your own DIY exercise equipment for yourself. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at how to build your own squat rack for your home gym.

If you’ve been working out for quite some time, you know the benefits of a good squat session and the power rack is just the thing you need for your home gym.

There are plenty of benefits to building and having your own rack, but the biggest benefit here is it costs way less than buying one.

Who wants to spend $400 on a squat rack when you can spend less than half the price? On top of that, it’s just generally safer and it’ll help you go beyond your own limits. So, without further ado, here’s a quick guide on how to build your own squat rack without breaking the bank.

1. What you’ll need:

• Wood

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Wood seems like a terrible idea for holding up weights. On the contrary however, wood is an excellent material you can use for the frame of your squat rack. 

It has a lot of compression strength and it’s generally the more economical alternative to steel frames and tubes.

Enter Now, I know what you’re thinking. Wood seems like a terrible idea for holding up weights. On the contrary however, wood is an excellent material you can use for the frame of your squat rack. 

It has a lot of compression strength and it’s generally the more economical alternative to steel frames and tubes. your text here…

• Electric drill w/ standard drill bit set

You’ll need an electric drill to drill in the holes for your squat rack. A standard drill bit set should have everything you need, however, you might want to use a spade bit as well for the holes in the legs. Be sure to use the one with a cord as it’s generally more powerful and a lot easier to use.

• Table saw or Hand saw

You can use a table saw to make things way easier and faster. Another benefit of the table saw is that you’ll have more precise and cleaner cuts. If you don’t already own a table saw however, you can also use a standard hand saw to cut the wood into the appropriate length.

• Ratchet and socket set

You’ll want to have a standard ratchet and socket set as well for securing your fixtures and bolts. You can also use a standard wrench set. The important thing is all your screws and bolts are secure as this will be supporting a lot of weight.

• C-clamps & grippers

You can use grippers and clamps to lock the pieces in place for more accurate drilling. It’ll also help a lot by making it so much easier to attach the pieces.

• Steel Plumbing Pipes

Via: pinterest.com

The steel plumbing pipes will be used as the fixtures for your squat rack. You’ll need several 3/4″ for your spotter and chinning bars.

Plumbing pipes are ideal for this setup as they’re sturdy, generally rust-resistant, and easily accessible. They’re also cut in the appropriate shapes already and their rigid surface is great for preventing any slipping and damage.

• Screws and washers

To attach the pieces and fixtures, you’ll need regular wood or drywall screws and bolts. You’ll also need washers to securely fit all the parts of your frame.

2. Building your squat rack

• Cutting the wood to size

The first step is to cut the wood into the appropriate measurements depending on where you’ll be setting it up. For this project, we’ll be using 80” frames.

Make sure that your cut is perfectly flat as it will have to be rigid and secure to support the weights. Generally, you can use the pre-cut side of the wood for the base to ensure that everything is level.

After cutting them to your desired length, you’ll want to attach two of them together with some drywall screws.

As this is your main support, you’ll want this to be really strong and durable. You can use your c-clamps or any other grips for this part of the project to make sure that the two pieces of the leg are at the same length.

Any inaccuracies can make the foundation weak and may cause you injury in the long run. A good practice would be to drill pilot holes in the wood to avoid any splitting or inaccuracies.

After cutting the wood for the legs, you’ll want to cut the supporting fixtures for the top and bottom of the squat rack.

The general measurements for the braces would be anywhere between 4-6 feet for the back and front and about 3-5 for the sides, depending on how far apart you want them to be.

These braces will also serve as part of the base of your power rack.Remember that the rack will be dependent on the clearance space of your room and that the measurement provided in this guide is just an example.

• Drilling the spotting bar and pull up bar holes

Via frugalbabe.com

With your electric drill and standard drill bit set, you should have everything you need to make appropriate holes for your fixtures. First thing you have to do is to make sure you draw a pattern and mark the areas you plan on drilling.

Make sure that the adjacent holes are all equal and that they’re all centered for optimum strength. The amount of holes you drill for this part doesn’t really matter. Do what’s comfortable for you and for whomever else is going to use the rack.

You can drill pilot holes on both sides of each leg again to ensure that you don’t damage the wood and that your drilling is accurate. If you’re using a powerful drill, you’ll want to drill one side to the halfway point and then drill the rest of it from the back to prevent the wood from splitting.

After the legs are set, you should drill a hole in the top braces for your pullup bar as well (if you want one anyway). You can use the spade bit to make a large enough hole for the steel plumbing bars.

• Building the frame

Via blogspot

Now that you have the legs and the braces ready, you can start putting everything together. Positing each of the legs to your desired distance and attach them securely with the braces that you cut out earlier.

Using bolts and screws, you can fasten them tight on both sides of the frame to ensure stability. A good way to go about this is to assemble each side separately as it will be easier to attach the pieces as well as transport them if needed.

Once you’ve constructed the base of the rack, you can attach the legs at your desired measurements.

Make sure however that both legs are perfectly adjacent on each side. You can use two pieces of wood at a 45 degree angle to support the structure by attaching it to the base and the bottom of the legs.

Once the legs are attached to the base, you can put the top braces in. This will essentially be the last step of the frame’s construction to ensure that everything is strong and rigid.

Attach the supporting braces at the top by starting with the sides and adding a supporting brace at the back and front to hold both sides together. You can use any wood screws you have as long as they’re the appropriate size.

You’re done with the frame! Check if all your measurements are accurate before moving on so you won’t have to redo anything.

• Attaching your fixtures

Via HGB

After the tedious part, you can start adding the added fixtures using steel pipes or any other fixture of your choice.

You can use a 1/2″ diameter pipe for the spotter rails and you can also use curved plumbing fittings to support your weights.

Make sure that the fixtures and pipes you buy are appropriate for the drills you put in earlier. Securely fasten them bolts and washers while using your ratchet set to make sure they won’t wear down the wood too much or slip off.

You can also add an optional pull up bar at the top for versatility!

• Extras

Via HGB

You can also attach metal flat bars to the sides of the legs to prevent it from wearing out the wood. You can also coat the wood to make sure that it’s waterproof. Be careful however as too much can cause the wood’s structural integrity to diminish.

For more information, you can look at this video

Conclusion

This guide should be fairly simple to follow especially if you’ve had experience building furniture or any other kind of fixture. Overall, this project should only cost about $100-$150 which is a huge difference from buying a squat rack online or in sporting goods stores. Building your own is also great as it’s more customizable! It’s generally a better option for your home gym.

If this tutorial has helped enhance your home workouts, I encourage you to leave a comment or share this with your friends.

The post Super Easy Steps to Building your own Squat Rack appeared first on HeroMuscles.