The Power Rack

The Power Rack

I have been writing about some of my favorite pieces of gym equipment that are also amoung the most useful as well as most versatile and usually pretty simple.  As usual I like simple and I like easy and this piece of equipment fulfills both of those niches.

I am talking about the power rack which has become uncommon in some gyms which remains a mystery to me.  I guess they get pushed aside to make room for snazzier sexier new equipment.  I am still amazed at times when I do a workout that consists of at least 4 or 5 exercises and I never leave the power rack.  I am able to work upper and lower body, and everything in between.  The power rack also has the added benefit of being able to set up as a make shift spot for heavier lifts when no spotter is available.  As any power lifter or body builder will tell you, a power rack is an essential piece of equipment for pushing your limits.

The only problem with a power rack is that they require dedicated space and they are not all that attractive, but like most other usefull equipment your great grandchildren may inherit this and marvel over how much great gramps could pull.   A good power rack is virtually indestructible and can also be used for many other things besides just exercise.  Just to list a few, it could be used as an engine hoist, to gut a deer, or as the all popular clothes hanger.

When looking to find a good power rack I would suggest a few things.  First, avoid the slider types that have a built in bar on tracks, these require more maintance and are less useful.  Check the stability, make sure that it has a big enough foot print that it will not rock when you do pull up or drop heavy weight on the squat hooks.  Check for lots of adjustabilty, you want to be able to change the lover of the cross bars and well as the catches.  Look for a rack with a couple different pull up configurations and a good sturdy pull up bar.  Solid construction is always a plus.  And, if you can find one that comes with extras like weights, benches or bars you will save a couple of bucks.

Prices on power racks are all over the place.  I would expect to spend at least $500 on a new one.  Check used sporting goods stores or any other resale options.  In this case used equipment is normally just as good as new, sometimes better and most certainly cheaper.  Happy lifting.