2023: How to Select a Home Gym / Squat Rack

[RJ]

I am interested in purchasing a home gym / squat rack for personal development.

I have been moderately active using weight training for about 2 years. A calculation based on the US Navy method * indicates I'm currently at 21.6% body fat. I'd like to be leaner; if I had to use a number, it would be below 20%. I'm 64.

I'm currently tracking calories and macros daily, and weight, neck size, and abdomen (waist) circumference weekly. I'm moderately active, focusing on a 1 hour weight training program every other day. I recently joined, and have yesterday cancelled, membership in Planet Fitness. I cancelling because pf did not offer what I wanted out of a gym, namely free weights and a squat rack. Prior to this I was a member of Anytime Fitness.

But now I want to look for something I can do at home. My parameters are pretty simple:

Total budget between $500 and $750 for the squat rack / assembly (Barbell, weights, and bench will be a separate expense.)
Focus is on squat, bench, press, row, dead.

I have a limited exposure to home equipment. I'm not looking for suggestions on a training program, or using kettlebells, crossfit, gyms, etc. I want to focus on classic weight training. What I would appreciate is some guidance on what to look for in selecting a home gym / squat rack. Right now I don't know what I don't know. So, if there are features with significant benefits to look out for, or construction methods, or designs that are better, I'd appreciate any input.

As an example, I went online and found this Force USA $499 rack. The problem is, I don't know how to evaluate if it's a good choice.

https://www.forceusa.com/collections...roducts/myrack

I have no problem buying used, either, but that will depend on what's available to me locally or on the typical shopping services. New is fine, but if I can save a buck by acquiring something with some mileage on it, no problem.

So:

What are the good, solid, basic home gyms / squat racks out there in this price range?
Any companies to avoid?
Any companies to look at?
Best value for money?
Tips on what to look for in rack construction?
Do home gyms / squat racks have standard fittings for accessories?
Should one look out for certain features, specifically?

Thanks. Appreciate any input.




* https://rippedbody.com/how-calculate...at-percentage/

[rd62]

I don't know Force USA but in your price range I think I'd be looking at one of the wall mount folding racks made by Rogue.

[breakingtime91]

I am interested in purchasing a home gym / squat rack for personal development.

I have been moderately active using weight training for about 2 years. A calculation based on the US Navy method * indicates I'm currently at 21.6% body fat. I'd like to be leaner; if I had to use a number, it would be below 20%. I'm 64.

I'm currently tracking calories and macros daily, and weight, neck size, and abdomen (waist) circumference weekly. I'm moderately active, focusing on a 1 hour weight training program every other day. I recently joined, and have yesterday cancelled, membership in Planet Fitness. I cancelling because pf did not offer what I wanted out of a gym, namely free weights and a squat rack. Prior to this I was a member of Anytime Fitness.

But now I want to look for something I can do at home. My parameters are pretty simple:

Total budget between $500 and $750 for the squat rack / assembly (Barbell, weights, and bench will be a separate expense.)
Focus is on squat, bench, press, row, dead.

I have a limited exposure to home equipment. I'm not looking for suggestions on a training program, or using kettlebells, crossfit, gyms, etc. I want to focus on classic weight training. What I would appreciate is some guidance on what to look for in selecting a home gym / squat rack. Right now I don't know what I don't know. So, if there are features with significant benefits to look out for, or construction methods, or designs that are better, I'd appreciate any input.

As an example, I went online and found this Force USA $499 rack. The problem is, I don't know how to evaluate if it's a good choice.

https://www.forceusa.com/collections...roducts/myrack

I have no problem buying used, either, but that will depend on what's available to me locally or on the typical shopping services. New is fine, but if I can save a buck by acquiring something with some mileage on it, no problem.

So:

What are the good, solid, basic home gyms / squat racks out there in this price range?
Any companies to avoid?
Any companies to look at?
Best value for money?
Tips on what to look for in rack construction?
Do home gyms / squat racks have standard fittings for accessories?
Should one look out for certain features, specifically?

Thanks. Appreciate any input.




* https://rippedbody.com/how-calculate...at-percentage/

I have a lot of titan fitness equipment, affordable and so far so good with durability

[Jason M]

Ok... off topic but...

https://rippedbody.com/how-calculate...at-percentage/

Hot fitness model advertising a product called MyRack with a video titled "See MyRack in action"...

I would still buy Rogue's equivalent product but that brand gets the nod for innuendo laden marketing goodness.

[RJ]

I have a lot of titan fitness equipment, affordable and so far so good with durability

Thanks. I found a T2 Series Power Rack $399. Free shipping, which is a plus.

https://www.titan.fitness/racks/powe...RIES-RACK.html

[breakingtime91]

Thanks. I found a T2 Series Power Rack $399. Free shipping, which is a plus.

https://www.titan.fitness/racks/powe...RIES-RACK.html

That is the exact same one I've had for 7 years.

[RJ]

I don't know Force USA but in your price range I think I'd be looking at one of the wall mount folding racks made by Rogue.

I looked at Rogue, thanks. A wall mount is not an option because: reasons. A low-end rack that's free standing such as the HR-2 seems to start around $810, which is probably over budget. Looks like nice stuff though.

https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-hr-2-half-rack

What are "Westside spacing" holes?

I am assuming this is in reference to Westside Barbell?

[Jason M]

The Rogue products are really sturdy. We just bought a cage for our department gym. More expensive but it will stand up to hard use. The westside spacing = more holes. That allows for greater adjustment of where you place hooks etc.

[okie john]

https://giantlifting.com/ is local to me and I've been in their showrooms several times to coon-finger the goods. Everything they have is rock solid.

I know you don't want a folder, but I bought one of these: https://giantlifting.com/products/giant-wall-rack-2-0

Burly as all get-out.


Okie John

[RJ]

https://giantlifting.com/ is local to me and I've been in their showrooms several times to coon-finger the goods. Everything they have is rock solid.

I know you don't want a folder, but I bought one of these: https://giantlifting.com/products/giant-wall-rack-2-0

Burly as all get-out.


Okie John

Thanks, that's a good lead. They have a "best seller" 2.0 2X at $329. I would guess that does not include shipping. From Seattle to Florida, phew, that's not going to be cheap. Shame we aren't headed out West this summer; before we sold the RV, we had sketched out a visit to Sequim WA.

https://giantlifting.com/products/ga...r-rack-ggpr700

EDIT: Shipping is quoted as $122, so total around $452. In the ball park.