Having a home gym is usually a goal for any fitness enthusiast. You probably already have portable exercise equipment like dumbbells to set up a home gym. However, you’ll also want to get a workout cage to lift greater weights.
A power rack is another name for a workout cage. It is a strong cage that can support a heavily loaded barbell at different heights. Most exercise cages have safety measures, including safety bars, spotting arms, and J-Hooks. These security measures have all been proven to support massive loads.
Things to look out for in a workout cage
Cost
The materials used to create workout cages and any extra features and extras affect their price. Pull-up bars and other accessories are sometimes included with workout cages, which might increase their cost. However, the additional cost can be justified if you intend to use these add-ons.
It’s important to remember that accessories might add up rapidly if you select a customizable choice. You should also consider the expense of a barbell and weights if it’s your first workout cage.
Material
Steel that has been gauge-measured typically makes up exercise cages. This figure denotes the weight and thickness per square foot. The steel is thicker the lower the number. A workout cage’s most popular gauge rating is between 10 and 15.
Most exercise cages from reputable brands are robust and stable enough for a home gym. Long-term rust and corrosion resistance is possible with powder-coated steel. It is crucial to ensure that the steel has a coating as well.
J-cups are necessary if you use the cage for barbell exercises like squatting. Inserts made of UHMW protective plastic should be applied to them.
This plastic, with an extremely high molecular weight, serves as a protective liner. It prevents the knurls and bar from touching the steel directly, preventing wear.
Accessories
Many exercise cages come with extra parts for storage, functionality, safety, and further workouts. Spotter arms and safety slings are examples of accessories for safety.
Functional additions, on the other hand, comprise j-hooks or a Monolift system. For instance, the mono lift system eliminates the need to remove weight from the rack.
Plate hooks can be added to the rack to provide storage and support stability. Some workout cages come with pull-up bars and additional accessories if you want to include other routines. You might also need a bench, a barbell, weights, and flooring. The accessories you opt for depend on your goals, training schedule, and financial situation.
Weight capacity
Your required weight capacity will depend on your degree of skill and fitness objectives. 800 to 2,500 pounds is the typical weight range for workout cages, with 1,000 pounds generally the most popular. Most lifters can lift this amount of weight comfortably.
However, it’s crucial to consider your future lifting plans and your fitness objectives. The weight capacity should be greater than your maximum lift to give yourself some wiggle space.
Hole spacing
The holes in workout cages are typically one or two inches apart. Depending on your height and other conditions, you can put the bar anywhere you need it.
There are many exercise cages with Westside spacing. It inserts holes closely together in certain spots, like the bench press section. This makes it possible to set bars more precisely.
Durability and stability
The overall design and how heavy-duty the steel is significantly impact stability and durability. First, flat ground should be prepared for a workout cage.
Otherwise, there is a significant chance that it will collapse or become unstable. Be aware of your momentum when you rack and unrack weights. This is due to the possibility of instability brought on by forced barbell contact.
Some have pre-drilled holes on the feet that can be used to fasten them to the ground. A wood stringer and wall studs are used to place the foldable squat racks in a sturdy position. Sandbags or plate storage posts might help hold the cage in place if you cannot fasten it to the floor.
Conclusion
A versatile choice for a home gym is a workout cage. You may use them to carry out exercises like bench presses and squats, which are good for strengthening your muscles. These exercises are suited for the majority of home gyms because they are made to take up less space than commercial options.
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