If you’re looking to purchase a squat rack for your home gym, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Not all squat racks are created equal, so it’s important to do your research and make sure you select the right one for your needs.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best squat racks for a home gym in 2022. We’ll also discuss some of the key features you should consider when making your purchase.
- RML-390F Flat Foot Monster Lite Rack Weight Training | Rogue USA
- Pull up bar included
- Pin Pipe Safeties included
- Doesn’t have to be bolted to the ground
- Numerous attachment options
- J-Cups included
- Westside spacing through the bench zone
- High quality 3″ x 3″ 11 gauge steel
- On the higher price side
- Need to purchase a few add ons to feel complete
- Power Rack System | Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack
- Great Price
- Highly Customizable
- 20 attachment options
- Available in Black, Red or Blue
- Westside spacing through the bench zone
- Two built in olympic bar holders on the base
- No attachments included except for the bar holders on the base
- Uses 12 gauge steel
- Force USA MyRack Folding Power Rack System
- Patented space saving design
- Doesn’t have to be bolted to the ground
- Pull up bar included
- 10 Attachments Available
- Westside spacing through the bench zone
- All attachments apart from chin up bar are additional
- Rogue SML-2C Squat Stand | Rogue USA
- 12 Colours to choose from
- Pull up bar included
- J-Cups included
- Doesn’t have to be bolted to the ground
- Numerous attachment options
- Westside spacing through the bench zone
- On the higher price side
- Need to purchase a few add ons to feel complete
- Rogue HR-2 Half Rack - Weight Training - Monster Lite Unit | Rogue USA
- Pull up bar included
- Saves space compared to a full rack
- J-Cups included
- Westside spacing through the bench zone
- Doesn’t have to be bolted to the ground
- High quality 3″ x 3″ 11 gauge steel
- Numerous attachment options
- Ability to add pin pipe safeties
- Ability to add plate storage
- Still at a reasonably high price point even though its a half rack
- Need to purchase a few add ons to feel complete
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
My Squat Rack and Home Gym Setup
I decided to go with the Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack due to the number of attachments I needed. So what it really came down to with me was the price. I had a budget of $3000 and wanted to get everything I needed for under that price.
So I purchased the MyRack Modular Squat Rack as a base unit and added the following extensions to make it complete –
- Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack
- MyRack Lat Pull Down and Low Row
- MyRack Knee Holder Kit for Lat Attachment
- MyRack Safety Spotter Arms*
- MyRack J-Hooks
- MyRack Globe Grip Chin-Up Bar
- MyRack Landmine
- MyRack Dip Handle
- MyRack Band Pegs (used to attach the Knee Holder Kit)
- MyRack Weight Plate Holders
*Note – this is a mistake I made purchasing spotter arms on a flat foot rack. It’s safer to go with internal pin pipe safeties when your rack isn’t bolted to the floor.
What is a Squat Rack used for?
For a lot of people a home gym or workout space would consist of a large yoga ball, a yoga mat and a couple of coloured dumbells, but if you’re interested in strength training what you need is weight.
People are now considering Squat Racks more due to the increase in popularity in weight training and that to get that athletic body type and burn more fat, you need to move the weight. And moving weight IMHO is done best with a Squat Rack.
With the increase in weight training popularity came companies that were starting to design products that were for home use. Back in the day, a squat rack would really only be seen in a commercial gym and that would be bolted onto the ground. We’re now lucky enough to have squat racks that are not only affordable for home gyms, but also designed for home gyms.
A squat rack on its own isn’t going to help you much, but what it does bring is a foundation for a complete gym setup. With the use of attachments, a squat rack can quickly go from a 3 or 4 exercise option routine to 10-plus options.
What makes a good Squat Rack?
Picking the right squat rack can be a bit of an exercise. From price to build quality and attachment options, there’s no shortage of things you have to consider when it comes to choosing one for your home gym – but don’t sweat it!
By focusing on getting bang for your buck in terms of what is included, making sure attachments are suitable and not overspending where possible, you’ll find yourself covered for your ever-changing home workout routine.
Things to consider when buying a Squat Rack –
Price – Price was definitely a factor for me when deciding on what to get for my home gym. I knew that splurging on one of those fancy high-end Power Racks wasn’t necessary – it didn’t have to cost 2 or 3 grand (or whatever amount you might consider “overspending”). A mid-range squat rack would provide plenty of coverage and accommodate most common exercises.
Attachment Options – Looking to elevate your home workout? With the attachment options available, you can create an even more diverse routine with things like a dip station and landmine attached directly to the rack. Go from basic exercises to complex routines in minutes!
Inclusions – When it comes to getting your money’s worth, you want bang for your buck. So when considering the base model of a product or service, make sure you check what’s included! That way there are no nasty surprises down the line.
Build – When building my new weight rack, I had two key considerations in mind. The first was for the option of being able to leave it freestanding with a flat foot base – no bolting required! The second point was quality assurance; though I’m not lifting crazy amounts of weight, you can guarantee that this thing won’t wobble or fold if a barbell is dropped on it.
Brand and Warranty – When it comes to making a purchase, the reputation of the company is oftentimes just as important (if not more) than whatever product they’re selling. So before I made any commitment, I did some research – from reading independent reviews to checking out what kind of brand and warranty this outfit offered. All that effort was well worth my time!
What are the Best Squat Racks for a Home Gym?
When I research products I’m about to purchase (especially large immovable objects) I go a little overboard with the research and I confess, it does go into the obsessive territory a little. I trawled through the internet for the good part of two months. I found a tonne of information on lots of different types of squat racks including – power racks, squat stands, foldable squat racks and wall-mounted squat racks.
I quickly realised that there were really only two brands that I could consider, these two brands were ticking all of my boxes, those brands were –
Rogue and Force USA.
Both brands have great reviews on their squat racks and are very well-known and trusted in the industry. They also both have an international presence.
Best Overall Squat Rack
Rogue RML-390F
- Pull up bar included
- Pin Pipe Safeties included
- Doesn’t have to be bolted to the ground
- Numerous attachment options
- J-Cups included
- Westside spacing through the bench zone
- High quality 3″ x 3″ 11 gauge steel
- On the higher price side
- Need to purchase a few add ons to feel complete
The RML-390F offers the durability and convenience of a Monster Lite Power Rack without having to secure it into concrete. This 11-gauge steel power rack leaves only a 48″ x 49″ footprint with 30″ inside depth – making sure you get maximum utility out of your workout space! The Flat Foot design is manufactured in Columbus, OH featuring Westside hole spacing plus two included J-Cups and pin pipe safeties. Don’t forget to choose between Single Skinny or Fat/Skinny Pullup Bar for added customization options.
Best For:
This rack will best suit customers with a little bit of a higher-end budget and don’t want to compromise on quality, aesthetics and brand.
The RML-390F ticks all of the Home Gym Owners boxes, great quality, it doesn’t have to be bolted to the ground and at a reasonable price.
Attachments will need to be purchased to complete this rig but once completed not only will it last for a very long time, it will look and feel great.
Key Features:
•The RML-390F is the Flat Foot version of the RML-3 Monster Lite Power Rack and is available as a stand-alone unit or by converting an existing SML-2 or SML-3 Squat Stand.
• This rack’s self-stabilizing base means you won’t need to bolt it to the ground before you use it—a major benefit for those looking to protect their floors or have more flexibility in a workout space.
• The Flat Foot Monster Lite Rack is manufactured in Columbus, OH, and features 3×3″ 11-gauge steel uprights, 2×3″ 11-gauge steel bases with Westside hole spacing and 5/8″ bolts and fasteners.
• Leaving just a 48″ x 49″ footprint, the unit still creates a substantial 30′ of inside depth.
• Customers can choose between a Single Skinny or Fat/Skinny 43” Pullup Bar, and all orders come standard with pair of Monster Lite JCupsand pin/pipe safety system
Pricing:
- Base Price with J-cups and safeties – $910.00
- Base Plus Essentials – Bar, Bench and Plates – $2017.00
Like:
- They include the necessary attachments with the squat rack as standard
- This rack has flat feet, meaning you don’t have to bolt to the ground or install. No drilling into your floor and easily moved around if required
- Rogue uses 11 gauge steel on all of their squat racks including this one
- Westside spacing through the bench zone
- Made in the USA
- Review average of 4.9 stars on roguefitness.com
- Lifetime warranty on structural welds and the frame
- Popular branding – Crossfit Games and Arnold Classic Major Sponsors
Dislike:
- When pricing up the rogue products the shipping cost was considerably more than other brands, regardless of location.
- I had some gift card issues at the time of making a few purchases, I couldn’t stack multiple gift cards onto one purchase. Hopefully, this has been resolved.
Check out the Rogue RML-390F Squat Rack
Go To Rogue Website
Best Budget Squat Rack
MyRack Modular Power Rack
- Great Price
- Highly Customizable
- 20 attachment options
- Available in Black, Red or Blue
- Westside spacing through the bench zone
- Two built in olympic bar holders on the base
- No attachments included except for the bar holders on the base
- Uses 12 gauge steel
The Force USA MyRack Power Rack is the first truly custom power rack system of its kind. Configure your modular base rack with your choice of 20 attachments—including a cable crossover and lat pulldown station—to suit the way you train now with additional options to expand into should your training needs change later. This rack has a weight rating of 2,000 lbs and features westside spacing for versatile use. With a limited lifetime structural warranty, you can be sure that this rack will last you for years to come.
Best For:
This rack is perfect for someone wanting to get a complete garage gym setup while sticking within a specific cost restraint. You can get a full setup with this rack with pretty much everything you need for around the $1000 – $1200 mark, which will of course depend on your training regime.
Key Features:
20 ATTACHMENT OPTIONS – Build the ultimate power rack system to suit your training needs. Choose from a wide range of attachments, including a lat pulldown station and cable crossover attachment.
HUNDREDS OF POSSIBILITIES – With 20 different attachment options, you can create hundreds of possible configurations—from a single barbell setup to a full bodyweight rig with chin-up bar and more.
WEST SIDE SPACING – The MyRack Power Rack’s Westside spacing allows for optimal positioning when performing squats, bench presses, deadlifts, military presses and more.
Pricing:
Base price – $499.99
You can get a full setup for under $2000 USD.
This is basically my setup –
Like:
- I love the fact that this is highly customizable
- The attachments along with the base are very affordable
- With over 20 different attachments, its pretty safe to say they have you covered for most if not all standard exercises
- Westside spacing through the bench zone
- The rack is available in 3 different colours if you were looking to inject a bit of personality into your home gym. Available in Black, Red and Blue.
- Review average of 4.9 stars on forceusa.com
- Lifetime warranty
Dislike:
- All attachments must be purchased separately. This means If you just purchase the rack on its own, its not useable, you need at least a pair of J-cups
- All the attachments needed are specific to this rack. Meaning you cant purchase other branded attachments for this rack.
Check out the MyRack Modular Power Rack Here
Go To Force USA Website
Best Half Squat Rack
Rogue HR-2 Half Rack
- Pull up bar included
- Saves space compared to a full rack
- J-Cups included
- Westside spacing through the bench zone
- Doesn’t have to be bolted to the ground
- High quality 3″ x 3″ 11 gauge steel
- Numerous attachment options
- Ability to add pin pipe safeties
- Ability to add plate storage
- Still at a reasonably high price point even though its a half rack
- Need to purchase a few add ons to feel complete
The Rogue HR-2 Half Rack is a great piece of equipment for any home gym. The rack is made from high quality 3″ x 3″ 11 gauge steel, and it doesn’t have to be bolted down to the ground. It saves space compared to a full rack because you can get all the same benefits with half the footprint. There are numerous attachment options available including J-Cups, plate storage, pin pipe safeties and more. This unit also comes with a pull-up bar which is almost a must for a home gym.
Best For:
There are a few reasons why someone would go a half rack over a full rack, the majority of the time it would be a response like “I just need something for squats and bench press” so if that’s the case a half rack would be perfect.
Other valid reasons would be someone concerned about pricing or space. A half rack takes up considerably less cubic space but will normally create the same footprint.
Key Features:
CUSTOMIZE TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS – Rogue’s Half Squat Rack is perfect for those who want a little bit of everything. With a range of customizable options, you can choose what works best for you. Whether you need more storage capacity or different heights for the uprights, Rogue has you covered.
BUILT TO LAST – Made with 3×3″ 11-gauge steel, this rack is tough and built to last. It also has a 48″ x 49″ footprint, making it perfect for any space.
PERFECT FOR ANYONE – The Half Rack is perfect for anyone from beginners to experienced athletes. With a variety of height and storage options available, it can be tailored
Pricing:
- Base Price with J-cups and safeties – $810.00
- Base Plus Essentials – Bar, Bench and Plates – $1,917.00
Like:
- Comes with J-Cups and Pull-up bar attachments
- This rack has flat feet, meaning you don’t have to bolt it to the ground or install it. No drilling into your floor and easily moved around if required
- With this half rack, you have most of the attachment options that are available with the full racks, including plate storage and a pin pipe safety set
- Rogue uses 11 gauge steel on all of their squat racks including this one
- Has two different height options – 70” and 90”
- Westside spacing through the bench zone
- Made in the USA
- Review average of 4.9 stars on roguefitness.com
- Popular branding – Crossfit Games and Arnold Classic Major Sponsors
Dislike:
- Less cage space to perform exercises in. I’d highly recommend using the Pin-Pipe safety when performing a bench press in a home gym.
- Only one pull-up bar type of attachment available
- High freight in my area
Check out the Rogue HR-2 Half Squat Rack
Go To Rogue Website
Best Folding Squat Rack
Force USA MyRack Folding Modular Power Rack
- Patented space saving design
- Doesn’t have to be bolted to the ground
- Pull up bar included
- 10 Attachments Available
- Westside spacing through the bench zone
- All attachments apart from chin up bar are additional
The Force USA Folding MyRack is the first fully folding modular power rack of its kind. Unlike competing folding half racks, their patented full rack design doesn’t need to mount to a wall, offers more interior working space, and holds twice the weight. With a Folding MyRack, your training options are endless with ten available attachments, including J-hooks, band pegs, and safeties. The Folding MyRack is a versatile power rack system to perform various exercises, including squats, bench presses, deadlifts, and more.
Best For:
This unit is essentially the same unit as the MyRack Modular system but has the additional ability to be folded away. This will come in super handy if you install it in a space that has another purpose or is small. As mentioned above with the MyRack modular, it’s at a great price point, just keep in mind if you are folding away, you will need space for all your attachments and bench.
Key Features:
INNOVATIVE FOLD-AWAY DESIGN – Patented full rack design means you don’t need to mount the MyRack to a wall like other folding racks. This gives you more interior working space and saves time when setting up.
– FAST SET-UP TIME – The MyRack is easy to set up–just unfold and secure the J-hooks. You’re ready to go!
– LIFETIME STRUCTURAL WARRANTY – Force USA offer a lifetime structural warranty on their Power Rack products.
Pricing:
- Base Price – $699.99
Like:
- Patent space-saving design
- This rack has flat feet, meaning you don’t have to bolt to the ground or install. No drilling into your floor and easily moved around if required
- Westside spacing through the bench zone
- Made in the USA
- Review average of 4.9 stars on forceusa.com and other supporting sites
- Lifetime warranty on structural welds and the frame
Dislike:
- 12 gauge steel used
- You can only use the MyRack attachments
- All attachments are to be purchased on top except for the chip-up bar
Check out the Force USA MyRack Modular Here
Go To Force USA Website
Best Basic Squat Rack
Rogue SML-2C Squat Rack
- 12 Colours to choose from
- Pull up bar included
- J-Cups included
- Doesn’t have to be bolted to the ground
- Numerous attachment options
- Westside spacing through the bench zone
- On the higher price side
- Need to purchase a few add ons to feel complete
The Rogue SML-2C is a hybrid of the popular Monster and S-2 squat stands. With 3×3″ 11 gauge steel uprights, 5/8″ holes in the Westside spacing pattern, and an adjustable fat/skinny pull up bar this rack is built to last. The American-made SML-2C is equally equipped for squats, bench, pullups, clean pulls, floor presses and more. Made with a bolt-together triangle plate base designed for maximum stability. For these exclusive features and prices, the SML-2C is an outstanding value for any home gym.
Best For:
This squat stand is best for someone that just wants to dip their toes in the water.
If you’re humming and harring about making a squat rack purchase Id recommend this one solely on the fact that it can be upgraded if you choose to become more invested in the future.
The HR-2 (reviewed above under “Best Half Rack”) conversion kit can be purchased and bolted on easily if you decided you want something a bit beefier.
Key Features:
FAT/SKINNY PULLUP BAR – The adjustable pullup bar lets you customize your workout to fit your needs.
COLOUR – Available in 11 Custom Colours
BUILT TO LAST – The Rogue SML-2C is made with 3×3″ 11 gauge steel uprights and a bolt-together triangle plate base for maximum stability.
Pricing:
- Base Price with j-cups and pull-up bar – $545.00
Like:
- They include the necessary attachments with the squat rack as standard
- The ability to upgrade this unit to turn it into an HR-2 is a huge plus.
- This rack has flat feet, meaning you don’t have to bolt it to the ground or install it. No drilling into your floor and easily moved around if required
- Rogue uses 11 gauge steel on all of their squat racks including this one
- Westside spacing through the bench zone
- Made in the USA
- Review average of 4.9 stars on roguefitness.com
- Lifetime warranty on structural welds and the frame
- Popular branding – Crossfit Games and Arnold Classic Major Sponsors
Dislike:
- For me, this one is a bit basic, I wouldn’t be able to get my full workout done. Though in saying that that’s me and everyone is different.
- Less safety features/attachment options and in a home gym safety is something to seriously consider
- No cage. Ideally a squat rack has 4 uprights/pillars so you can then attach some sort of safety system like pin-pipe safties (small rods that slot into the rack)
Check out the Rogue SML-2C Modular Here
Go To Rogue Website
Attachments
Attachments are the add-ons that change your squat rack from being one dimensional, to multi-dimensional. Instead of just being able to squat, bench and perform chin-ups, with the bolting on of a few attachments your rack is transformed into a functional gym setup.
Force USA Attachments
- Dip attachment
- Safety spotter arms
- Pin-pipe safeties
- Land mine
- Lat pulldown
- Plate holders
- Chinup bars – multigrip, straight, ball
- J-cups/J-hooks
- Band pegs
- Cable systems
Rogue Attachments
- Plate storage
- Wall ball targets
- Single bar holder
- Multi-grip pull-up bar
- Multiple J-cup options
- Matador (dip attachment)
- Squat stand wheel bracket (used with SML-2C)
- Safety spotter arms
- Adjustable mono lift
- Pin Pipe Safeties
- Strap safety system
- Climbing hold cross members
- Rack-mounted chalk bowl
- A rig mounted speed bag
- Hip Thruster Bench
- Band pegs
Summary
A squat rack can make an amazing addition to your home gym. A lot of the time it forms the foundation of your home gym, being the structure you perform most of your exercises on.
So picking the right squat rack for you is important, not only is it such a big investment, it’s also a big product…. Once it’s in and set up it’s a bit of pain if you change your mind.
To make sure you make the right selection Id map out a list of the exercises you need to do and then build a space that is going to incorporate most of those.
For some people, it’s hard to get the same motivation as in the gym. It is a different feeling training at home, some love and prefer it while others tend to struggle a bit. For whatever reason you’re building a home gym, my main advice would be to prioritise the foundational pieces. That way, you can not only grow with your setup but enjoy your workouts for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much weight can a squat rack hold?
A squat rack can typically hold up to 600 pounds of weight. However, the exact amount may vary based on the specific design and construction of your squat rack. Be sure to check with the specific manufacturer to determine the maximum weight capacity for your particular model. Additionally, it is advisable to have a spotter nearby or if working out in a home gym alone, ALWAYS use spotter arms/safeties. Lastly, be sure to regularly inspect the rack for any signs of wear or damage and replace it as necessary.
2. What is the difference between a power rack and a squat rack?
Although the terms “power rack” and “squat rack” are often used interchangeably, there are a few key differences between them. A power rack typically has adjustable spotter arms/safeties that can be set to ensure safety while performing exercises such as squats or bench presses. Squat racks, on the other hand, do not come with spotters arms and therefore require a spotter or additional equipment (like resistance bands) for assistance when completing movements like squats and bench presses. The Squat Racks mentioned above all have the option to add spotter arms and safeties.
3. How do I assemble a squat rack?
Assembling a squat rack will vary depending on the type and model of equipment you have. Generally, many squat racks come with detailed instructions and all the necessary tools for assembly. Be sure to carefully read through each step in the instruction manual and follow them precisely to ensure proper assembly. Additionally, it is always best practice to have an extra set of hands nearby if possible when putting your squat rack together.
4. What exercises can I do with a squat rack?
Squat racks are extremely versatile pieces of workout equipment that can support a variety of different exercises and movements such as barbell squats, bench presses, shoulder presses, military presses, bent-over rows, chin-ups/pull-ups and more.
5. What are the benefits of using a squat rack?
Squat racks provide users with numerous benefits including increased stability and control during free-weight movements like squats and bench presses due to their sturdy construction and design. Additionally, most squat racks feature adjustable spotter arms/safeties that allow for extra safety when performing higher-risk exercises like heavy squats or pressing movements. Finally, squat racks can increase workout efficiency by allowing users to quickly switch between exercises without having to manually adjust the weight or reset the barbell. This reduces rest periods and encourages users to keep up with their training goals.
6. What safety tips should I follow when using a squat rack?
When using a squat rack, it is important to always make sure that you are following the proper form and technique for each exercise. Additionally, it is recommended that you have a spotter nearby if possible to help assist higher-risk movements like heavy squats or bench presses. Furthermore, be sure to regularly inspect the rack for any signs of wear or damage and replace it as necessary.
7. What are some common problems with squat racks?
Common problems that can occur with squat racks include loose bolts and nuts, bent uprights or any structural damage due to improper use. Cosmetic issues can happen as well like chipped powder-coating or rust starting to form in exposed areas.
8. What accessories are available for a squat rack?
There are many accessories available for a squat rack that can add additional features and functionality such as spotter arms/safeties, resistance bands, dip bars, weight trees, landmine attachments and more. These accessories can help to increase the versatility and effectiveness of your squat rack workouts.
9. How do I use a squat rack?
Using a squat rack is fairly simple and can vary depending on the type of exercise you are performing. Generally, you will want to adjust the spotter’s arms (if available) to the appropriate height that fits your body size. Next, place the desired weight onto the barbell and secure it with clips or collars. Finally, adjust your position in front of the barbell so that it is centred between your feet for squats or over your chest for bench presses and begin pressing or squatting. Always make sure to keep proper form and technique when performing exercises with a squat rack. Start with low weight, even just the bar is a good starting point.
10. How do I maintain a squat rack?
Maintaining a squat rack can help ensure its longevity and optimal performance over time. Be sure to regularly inspect the rack for any signs of wear or damage and replace components where necessary. Additionally, it is important to keep the rack clean by wiping down the frame after each use and checking the bolts for tightness on a regular basis. Finally, make sure that your squat rack is being used as intended and never overloads beyond its weight limit.
11. What other pieces of strength training equipment might I need?
In addition to a squat rack, there are many other pieces of strength training equipment that can be used for an effective and efficient workout. Some common pieces of equipment include free weights such as dumbbells, barbells and kettlebells, resistance bands and machines like cable pulleys or leg press machines. Additionally, stability balls, ab rollers and balance boards can also help to improve overall core strength. With the right combination of these tools, you can create a comprehensive full-body workout routine.
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