Finding a Squat Rack For Sale For Your Home Gym

If you are in the process of picking equipment for your home gym, you most likely know that there are a few must-haves.  One of these items is a good squat rack.  While some people simply choose the cheapest option available, it is a good idea to do a little research beforehand, since you can often combine squat racks with other equipment and save money.  Here are the different types of squat racks available and their strenghts and weaknesses.

If you don't have much money to spend, the cheapest squat racks are usually of the free standing variety.  What this means is that they come as a set with two individual stands that you place on either side of you to hold the bar up.  The most popular manufacturer of the free standing squat rack is a company called Valor Athletics.  They have a couple of different models available.  While many people use racks like this and are happy with them, their drawback is that they aren't the most stable.  The reason is because each stand is separate, which gives it instability.  Nonetheless, a Valor squat rack or one from another company will usually work fine and are completely adjustable to account for variations in the user's height.  Expect to pay around $150 for a set like this.

If you can afford to spend a little more money, it is a good idea to get what are called step through squat racks.  These are different from the ones above because the two stands are attached by horizontal support bars on the bottom and the middle.  The result is a much sturdier rack.  Even if you accidentally drop heavy weights on one side of the rack, it is stable enough to stay upright.  There are a couple of different types of step through squat racks to choose from.

The first type is connected on the bottom and sides, but open on the top.  The advantage here is that when you are doing squat reps and you reach your limit, all you have to do is set the bar down in front of you on the bar.  No fumbling around to make sure you get the bar in the right place, which is what can happen with free standing racks.  There are a lot of manufacturers of this type of cheap squat rack, and some of the best ones are Powerline, Valor Athletics, and Champion.  Those on the cheaper end of the price range tend to be open on the top. 

The second type is what is known as a cage squat rack. This differs from the type mentioned above in that it is connected by 3 sides and the top as well. The fourth side is open, allowing access inside. A squat rack like this works great because you can put lift offs wherever you need them, as well as a safety bars that act as a backup. If you are going to be working out alone, a good squat rack is essential because of the safety features it provides.

One of the best models is a Powerline squat rack. Their PPR200X Power Rack does a whole lot more than just holding a squat bar. It is completely adjustable and accessorizable, which means that when combined with a bench, you can do pretty much any weight routine that you want. From bench presses to incline presses to calf raises, a few quick adjustments are all that are needed to change exercises. In addition, you can also purchase add ons like the Powerline lat attachment that fits right onto the rack. One of the best places to find a squat rack for sale is at Amazon.com. The reason why is because you can see and compare all of the different models quickly. In addition, most of these squat racks for sale online come with free shipping, even though they are big and bulky.