All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack

If you’re looking for a way to organize your gym, this is it.

The gym bar rack is the perfect solution to store all of your weights and equipment in one place. It also helps you to keep them off the floor so they don’t get damaged or dirty. Plus, it’s easy to assemble and install.

In this article you will also find our recommendation gym bar rack that has been tested by professionals and designed by experts. You won’t find anything better on the market today.

Keep reading to know all about Gym Bar Rack.

What is a Gym Bar Rack?

A gym rack is a storage system for equipment that consists of tiers or rows. There have been many variations of design throughout the years but all share one common purpose: to store heavy weights safely to prevent accidents and minimizing clutter.

Gym enthusiasts understand how beneficial it is when having these items within arm’s reach while exercising.

The idea behind gym rack designs is that people should be able to quickly grab what they need from it so there isn’t wasted energy looking around in between sets or exercises

Do you need a new set of gym bar racks? We have the best ones in stock at yanrefitness.com.

6 Main Types of Gym Bar Rack to Choose

There are seven main types of weight lifting racks to cover. Each one might suit your gym differently.

Here are the seven list types;

Squat Rack

The squat rack is the most affordable and portable option to keep your barbells off the ground. They have a small footprint, so they are perfect for any space. The arms can be easily adjusted up and down to accommodate different heights of bars.

Also, if you need it taller than shoulder height, there are always J-hook adjustments. These racks come with either fixed sleeves with UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight) material.

It works excellent on carpeting, or rubber-coated plates, which excel when used on hardwood floors without severely scratching them.

All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack 1

Figure 1. Squat Rack (Source: yanrefitness.com)

Half Rack

A Half Rack is commonly used for squats and bench presses. It does have an overhead bar for pull-ups or band attachments compared to the full power rack, which has two sets of uprights forming an enclosed cage.

It offers more support than a squat stand but more minor safety features. Also, it can be helpful in terms of storage space too since there won’t be so much equipment taking up floor space compared with power racks.

This type of rack is perfect for small gyms with a limited amount of space. The increments on the front columns allow you to position J-hooks and safety bars precisely.

A standard half rack is a safe option for novice and experienced lifters alike. Most safety arms are designed to withstand heavyweights, but an individual’s weight will alter how much stability it provides.

All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack 2

Figure 2. Half Rack (Source: yanrefitness.com)

Power Rack

The power rack is an excellent investment for your gym. It is a much more robust and safer alternative to the half-rack.

It also provides stability and safety due to its cage design which has a dual column at the front and back. It is supported by horizontal bars on top and bottom that handle weights heavier than half racks.

The increased weight capacity also means you are less likely for your barbells to escape out onto the floor when released from their grip inside this piece of equipment.

The easy-to-use Power Rack is not only a space saver but can also be used by more than one person (one on the inside and another outside the rack).

Typically, it is for heavier exercises such as squats or bench presses that need spotters. Many racks won’t come with enough J-Hooks and safety bars to accommodate this feature, so make sure you’re buying one with a good quality steel build.

All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack 3

Figure 3. Power Rack (Source: yanrefitness.com)

Multi-Racks

The multi-rack offers an easy way to get in a heavy workout without the hassle of having overhead bars.

It enables people to do their traditional exercises inside the cage, like an incline bench press or barbell row, which they couldn’t have done before in that space.

Your client can now efficiently complete these movements because there’s no headroom for them at all.

All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack 4

Figure 4. Multi Rack (Source: originfitness.com)

Functional Rigs

Functional rig setups are perfect for cross-training spaces. These rigs take up less space and allow for more exercises by combining stretching, mobilizing, and exercising together.

It also provides an all-inclusive workout without restricting your movements or forcing you into any particular exercise that doesn’t fit your goals well enough.

Functional rigs are custom-made to order and offer a high level of customization. It can include up to 8, 9, 10, or even more weight lifting stations within their configuration.

All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack 5

Figure 5. Functional Rigs (Source: obralimpa.com)

Wall Mounted Racks

When you have a space problem, wall-mounted racks are the way to go. They take up less room and secure right to your walls for stability under heavy loads.

Wall mounting ensures that your equipment is close by maximizing available floor space instead of bulky items taking up valuable room on top of benches.

Wall mounting also provides stability for heavy loads. So you can maximize performance and not worry about the equipment breaking down during an intense workout.

All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack 6

Figure 6. Wall Mounted Rack (Source: roguefitness.com)

10 Things to Consider When Buying Gym Bar Rack

Numbered Increments

The more increments you have, the easier it is. It allows you to isolate and train with precision. Make sure that your rack has its increments numbered.

So next time you want a precise start point, all you need to do is count up or down until you find precisely what number best suits your needs.

Further, this will eliminate trial-and-error because using J-hooks on either side of attachment points should be easy now. You are saving not only tons of time but also lots of frustration in training sessions.

All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack 7

Figure 7. Numbered Increments (Source: roguefitness.com)

Weight Plate Storage

Weight plate storage is a necessity for any commercial gym. You will find it on the inside of your power rack or half-rack. It is often standard to have an arm specially designed for storing plates and weights on each side.

But if you’re looking into adding one separately according to manufacturer preference, make sure there is enough space available so that all equipment can fit properly. It means including barbells as well.

It is essential to consider the angle of your storage space when you’re looking for a way to store multiple lifting racks.

If all you have is straight horizontal spaces, it will be much more complex and time-consuming if there are two rows with rack-to-rack spacing in between them.

The outward angled plate storage means that users don’t have to squeeze through each row as they load or unload their equipment. However, keep in mind that these setups require an increased amount of floor space per rack (due to the extra room needed).

Sometimes using additional areas might not work out so well depending upon how many racks you need to be stored at any given moment.

All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack 8

Figure 8. Weight Plate Storage (Source: bodysolid.com)

Bar Storage

You will have a safe and accessible place to store all of your bars if you plan on having them in the future.

The vertical shafts around the back rack make it easy for customers to grab whichever one they need without having to take up space at other stations.

All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack 9

Figure 9. Bar Storage (Source: dienlanhsapa.com)

Band Pegs

With the help of small pegs at the top and bottom, you can attach power bands to your rack. It means that when you come up from a squat, there will be more resistance near the barbell than further away.

If you otherwise hang them down on one side of where they are attached to your barbell, it is easier to pull or push with just using free weights, which never move out-of-place.

All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack 10

Figure 10. Band Pegs (Source: roguefitness.com)

Pull-Up Bars

You can get the best workout when you buy a lifting rack with pull-up bars and handles. There are many options regarding grip positions, so don’t worry about not finding one perfect for you.

If your gym doesn’t have enough room for this, then it’s unlikely that your client will be able to complete full push-ups or chin-ups on their own without all of them crashing into each other.

All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack 11

Figure 11. Pull Up Bar (Source: menshealth.com)

J-Hooks

When it comes to selecting the right rack for you, don’t overlook J-Hooks. They are an essential part of your purchase and should be high quality enough to support a heavy bar weight with ease.

It’s also crucial that they stay on tightly so no one can mess up their expensive bars when loading them onto the hooks or taking them off as well.

If you have plans of ever having two people use this power rack at once, then make sure not only does it come equipped with J Hooks, but there is plenty of it for both athletes to utilize simultaneously without hassle.

All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack 12

Figure 12. J-Hooks (Source: bodysolid.com)

Safety Bars

When figuring out what kind of safety bar to buy, you want one that’s sturdy enough for a heavyweight.

Make sure the steel is thick, and consider getting an insert on top made from plastic or rubber, so your weights don’t scratch up the metal when they drop onto it.

All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack 13

Figure 13. Safety Bar (Source: sorinex.com)

Extra Attachments

The three most common accessories are a step platform, core plate, and dip attachment that let you work out in many different ways without needing any additional equipment or place.

Other popular additions include flat row benches, grappler attachments, and medicine ball storage for making these spaces even more useful.

All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack 14

Figure 14. Extra Attachments (Source: facebook.com)

Benches

When buying a new rack, consider the bench you will be using with it. If you do not have any benches yet, multi-adjustable ones are worth considering for training options inside your rack and on the free-weight floor.

Some benches can attach to racks so that they may remain in a perfect position at all times. It is recommended that this bench must come from the same manufacturer.

All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack 15

Figure 15. Benches (Source: menshealth.com)

Platforms

Integrated platforms are a cost-effective and efficient way to add strength training space. These stationary pieces slide into your lifting rack independently so that you can buy them at any time after the purchase of the stand-alone racks.

Shock-absorbing wings help prevent injuries from dropping weights on hard surfaces when using integrated platforms with standalone frames with no flooring underneath them for protection purposes like weightlifting competitions have.

Sizing considerations include choosing enough room around your rack before installing these items because they need to sit flush without being too close together.

All You Need To Know About The Gym Bar Rack 16

Figure 16. Platforms (Source: originfitness.com)

4 Things Needed Before Gym Bar Rack Installation

Space

Strength and conditioning weight rooms are an integral part of today’s fitness facilities across the nation. Any gym has to provide its clients with space for training and equipment, and staffing to ensure a safe environment.

You must have space for strength and conditioning weight from small 900 square feet spaces up to 37,000 sqft. But it also depends on the type and quantity of equipment you want to incorporate and the coaching style.

Position

The top priority when it comes to weight room equipment installation is proper placement. The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) recommends that tall machines be placed in the gym’s perimeter along the walls.

This way will give you more space to don’t feel crowded while exercising. You also will not get injured if taller items are around them or reduce possible harm from any accidental contact with these heavier tools.

Machines, such as squat racks or power racks, should be set up before placing other pieces of equipment like free weights. Where should dumbbells and barbells go? Along the walls too or in front of mirrors.

Barbells need a clear space from other equipment such as squat racks or bench presses because they are heavy and could be awkward when stacked next to each other.

Dumbbells should also have at least three feet around them for safe lifting without catching on any other piece of equipment nearby, like an Olympic platform or circuit training machine.

Height

There are a few different height standards for installing a Gym Bar Rack. The Height Standard USA is 7 feet (2,1 meters), with some exceptions.

The typical height standards of the commercial gym are from 5 (1,5 meters) to 9 feet (2,7 meters). If you are unsure where to start, it is best to go with a Height Standard of 6′ because this is the most common Height Standard available.

Lighting

With light, weight rooms and facilities can feel more spacious and modern. Natural lighting is excellent because it helps create a welcoming environment while also providing enough brightness to be comfortable on the eyes.

Additionally, mirrors help reflect natural or artificial light into areas where there isn’t any available. It also creates an atmosphere that feels cozy despite not being as bright as what’s outside of the room.

Instead of using traditional incandescent or fluorescent, getting high-efficiency bulbs for your gym can provide a massive benefit like taking less time to turn on and off.

But if some light bulbs were turned off in an area such as a weight room, it might not be possible for them ever to resume their former status until cooled down with air conditioning after 30 minutes have passed.

It could lead you to use electricity all day long, which is expensive. Its effects on our environment should also be considered when making this decision.

3 Benefits of Having Gym Bar Rack

Neater Place

With all your gym equipment neatly arranged on the Gym Bar Rack, you will have a neat gym. Indirectly, it would raise the mood of your clients in their practice. Also, you could easily clean it because it is well organized.

Regular Customer

Some people may feel uncomfortable with a gym with its equipment that is not well organized. It leads to unhappy patrons, and the final output is that the gym owner will not make a significant income.

Of course, there are many ways to make the customer happy to workout at your gym but having a Gym Bar Rack is an effortless way. Why? Because you buy it, install it, and organize all of your equipment into it.

The result is people will come again and again to your gym just because you have a neater gym. Maybe they will sign up as VIP members (if you have it at your gym, of course).

Top Workout Results

Big achievements sometimes come from small things. This philosophy also applies if you buy a Gym Bar Rack.

Your patrons will have top results if you do a small act with having a Gym Bar Rack. They will not waste time during their workout because they can easily find the equipment.

With efficient time during their exercises, they will get maximum results in no time than usual.