How to choose your frame or rack for your home box

Choosing the best equipment for training at home is not always easy, and one of the biggest dilemmas for all home gym owners is undoubtedly choosing a structure that will help them in their training.

There are dozens of things to consider before deciding on this equipment, which will also be one of the largest investments in our home gym, and I sincerely believe that this article can be of great help, so sit back, enjoy and take note!

The keys to choosing a CrossFit, weightlifting, calisthenics or powerlifting rack vary from one to another but they have common aspects, such as location, available space, or the amount of use that will be given to it, for example.

When choosing your ideal structure, it would be best to answer the following questions honestly and based on reality and not on what you expect to happen.

What space do you have available and where is it located?

It is not the same to say, I am going to install my gym in the garage, than to say, I can use 9 square meters of the 36 that make up the garage.

If your gym is going to share space with other activities, whether it be a parking lot, a common family area such as a terrace or patio, a laundry room, or similar, there is a great option.

There are folding racks that will allow you to practice your sport with a minimal spatial footprint. These racks are anchored to the wall and fold in on themselves.

Its robustness and stability are more than proven and allow any exercise with an Olympic bar as well as gymnastics since it has a pull-up bar.

Where and how do you want to install it?

A basement is not the same as a garage, a room in an apartment is not the same as an open-air terrace.

The location should first of all allow you to work safely. This does not mean the size of the rack or cage, but the size you need to move a loaded bar around it.

If it is outdoors, let the brand know. There are currently different treatments that will turn your structure into an element resistant to any inclement weather.

The location will also affect the size of the structure. In the typical kitchen terrace, which is like a hallway, it is not advisable to buy something too bulky. And don't forget that you have to transport it to that place. I mean that if the access to the basement, a room on a floor or an attic is narrow or has very sharp angles... you may not be able to take the structure even when disassembled to install it! Measure everything several times and you will avoid many problems.

If I have little space and anchoring to the wall is not an option, what do I do?

This may occur because the previous division of the space has placed elements in the anchoring area, or the structure of the walls themselves does not favor the folding or wall-mounted rack, as in some rooms with "plasterboard" type walls.

In this case, you can opt for squat racks. These elements are 2 columns with sturdy bases that will allow you to do squats and bench presses without any problem. But since they are independent columns with no connection between them, you will not be able to do gymnastic exercises, such as pull-ups or triceps dips.

You can also opt for simple racks, that is, the two columns from before joined together by the base and by a pull-up bar.

The good thing about these 2 options is that you can move them around the room with relative ease (the rack is better between 2) in case you need the space.

Do you want a cage or do you need a cage?

The power rack is made up of 4 columns joined together at the top and also at the base. This gives them maximum strength and safety when working with high loads. But they are much more bulky and expensive.

They are a great option but you have to think about whether you want or need it.

If you don't have enough money or space, you can always add safety arms or supports to your rack to perform heavier movements more safely.

Do you use an Olympic bar?

If the answer is no, and you are more into calisthenics, a pull-up bar would be the best option for you.

They are anchored to the wall taking up very little space, they are very easy to install and offer a large number of options for gymnastic movements, in addition to the possibility of adding rings, TRX or suspension training systems or pulleys for strength exercises.

How much are you going to use it?

This question is key to deciding on location and investment. If you train sporadically, look for something cheaper and easier to store or transport.

If you are consistent in your training and have a long-term plan, a good investment will pay off big.

In the case of "portable" items such as squat racks, or foldable ones such as some racks, I recommend that you keep them handy and in place as much as possible to increase their use. Sometimes laziness gets the better of us before we even start and setting up the equipment can be a burden that we don't want, but if everything is ready, it's time to get there and "play".

Finally, entrust your structure to a company that can advise you throughout the entire purchasing process and that also has accessories that, even if you don't want or can't afford now, you might want in the future, since not all brand accessories are compatible with other brands' racks.