How much space do you need for a power rack totally depends on 1) the size of the power rack and 2) the attachments you have on the rack.
Most squat racks‘ width ranges from 36” to 55’, and the deep ranges from 30” to 50”. If you like to add other attachments like barbells, you will need more space on the width.
Generally speaking, if you buy a compact power rack that is 30” deep with only a weight bar and have no other attachments, the space you will need is about 17.5 sq ft (84” x 30”). The width is depending solely on the barbell length.
If you want to buy a weight bench, then you need more space in deep.
So it can’t be an exact number; you need to consider having space around the rack as the bars or bench are often longer than the rack itself.
While it’s a bit tricky, you can use this formula to calculate how much space do you need for a power rack:
Space (sq ft) = [ width (inch) x deep(inch) ] / 144
What should be noticed is that the width and deep (or some people would like to say it as ‘length’) is the longest part of your fully-assembled attachment-loaded power rack (in most cases, the barbell’s and the weight bench’s).
You should also have space to put weight on the bar and not be uncomfortable; the best would be about 24” from both sides of the bar. Without enough space, you run the risk of making bad moves that can lead to injury.
For a low ceiling room, read this article to find your ideal short power rack.
Table of Contents
Why Should You Buy a Power Rack?
Because you can perform numerous exercises with a squat rack, including bench press, squats, dips, deadlifts, and pull-ups, which makes it a piece of functional and versatile equipment that could replace other training equipment.
The different range of movements allows you to perform a very versatile workout.
On the other hand, the security that a full power rack provides is indisputable.
And this is another reason why many need it when training alone at home. It has supports for the bars at different heights to adapt the exercise to your needs.
Knowing why you want to buy a power rack is essential since buying and do not give it the correct use will be a waste of space and money.
How Do I Keep My Power Rack from Moving?
A good way to keep your power rack in place is to purchase weight storage pegs. This option works very well as you can place the weight plates on either side of the rack to act as an ‘anchor.’
The installation of these pegs is straightforward, and they allow it to support a lot of weight. Remember that the more weight, the more secure and balanced the rack will be.
This is a good solution, so you don’t pierce the floor, and you can move the rack when you need it.
Read also: Do Squat Racks Need to Be Bolted Down? [4 Reasons Why You Should]
What Height Should a Power Rack Be?
As a general guideline, most power racks are about 7 feet or 90 inches tall. But if your home gym ceiling is much lower, you should not worry because you can find different options. Well, in this case, your best option is a power rack adapted to smaller heights.
You can even find customizable measurements for each user, always considering the height as the priority.
For those tight spaces and low ceilings, we can mention half racks as an example.
This is an alternative to the classic rack. As its name suggests, it is half a rack, but it does the job perfectly.
Its strong point is that it takes up less space, weighs less, and its price is usually lower compared to the classic cage. It is usually easier to move and perhaps more appropriate for training at home.
So that you take into account the space that all the elements will occupy, you can have the following considerations:
- If you already have a bench press, when you place your power rack, you will place the bench press under the rack, and the bar will go on top of the support.
- You have to take into account something critical. Most of the power racks you will find are 2.14m high. To do pull-ups comfortably, it is recommended that your room measures 2.4-2.5 m in height. If not, it is not all lost. In some racks, you can place the pull-up bars upside down so they don’t stick out.
- Always keep in mind the dimension of the Olympic bar (around 2.2 m long).
- You have to stick with the two ideas: dimensions of the home gym area (the ideal would be 2.52 m x 2.52 m) and the room’s height (2.5 m).
Final Words
Setting up a gym at home is very beneficial, although sometimes, the lack of space can play against it, especially when you want to have a power rack.
You can always make room if you value priorities, and without a doubt, a power rack can replace many fitness elements to save more space.
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