13 Best Power Rack Accessories and Gear for a Complete Workout Experience in a home gym!
Let’s dive deep into the world of power rack accessories that will make your workouts efficient and safe.
With the right power rack accessories, you can transform your humble home gym into a powerhouse of strength, endurance, and muscle gains.
And a word of caution: Do not buy a rack accessory for doing a single exercise. For people with less budget, it does not make sense to buy a power rack accessory to do only one workout.
For example, you are buying landmines to do landmine presses only. I am sure you can skip landmine presses with something else.
But if you want to do ab workouts, functional training, and presses with a landmine attachment most of your workout day – then you can buy it.
| Power Rack Accessories | Exercises |
| 1. Landmines | Landmine twists, Landmine press |
| 2. Step-Up Platform | Lat pulldowns, seated rows |
| 4. Dip Station | Dips, knee raises |
| 5. Barbell Holders | All barbell workouts |
| 8. Band Pegs | Band resisted exercises |
| 9. Weight Plate Pegs | Weight plate storage |
| 10. Vertical Bar Holder | Barbell storage |
| 11. Rope Attachments | Rope climbs, face pulls |
| 12. Lever Arms | Tricep extensions, bicep curls |
| 13. Leg Curl Attachment | Leg curls, glute bridges |
The best power rack accessories and gear for a complete workout experience in a home gym
1. Landmines
Landmines are barbell holders attached to a swivel on a power rack that allows for a wide range of exercises.
They are important for home gyms as they provide a versatile and inexpensive way to upgrade a regular power rack to add strength-training exercises that target the core and shoulder muscles.
Landmines allow users to do exercises such as landmine presses, rows, deadlifts, push presses, push jerks and cleans. They are also good for single-arm overhead presses, single-leg work, and T-bar rows.
This makes them ideal for the home gym as they provide a space-saving, adjustable solution that increases the range of exercises that can be done in the confined space of a home gym.
They are also very durable, making them a great investment for anyone looking to make the most of their home gym.
I feel that landmines are good for shoulder presses with an injury.
2. Step-Up Platform
A step-up platform is a secure metal attachment that mounts to your rack with a vertical bar.
It is a great way to add variety to your workout routine and perform exercises like box jumps, step-ups, and plyometric exercises in a safe and stable way.
With the adjustable height, you can increase the intensity of the exercises to promote faster results.
Likewise, it can be used to create an effective aerobic workout routine with the combination of additional exercises.
Step-up platforms are a great way to get the most out of your home gym.
They are a safer alternative to free-standing exercises and they can be adjusted to increase the difficulty of the exercises as you progress.
Besides, they are cost-efficient and can easily be set up or removed in a short amount of time.
However, you can get metal-made pylo boxes – I am not confident attaching a step-up platform to a low-quality budget power rack.
3. Build a Wider and Thicker Back With a Lat Attachment
A lat attachment for a power rack is a great way to build a wider and thicker back, as it allows you to target the muscles of your upper back.
However, the lat attachment will make your power rack much larger.
And you have two choices.
Weight plate-based or metal or PVC square weights. Weight stack is better for space management and daily usage.
Overall the cost of the power rack will get higher as well.
I would buy the lat pull-down or lat machine separately though.
For no particular reason, I like to keep weight stack-based machines and free weight-based machines separately.
4. Dip Station
A dip station is an invaluable accessory for a home gym, as it allows you to perform one of the most effective upper body exercises.
I have tried doing dips on a bench but was not happy with the setup.
Dips are a legendary exercise for building strength and muscle in your shoulders, arms, and chest.
And you should do it regularly in your workout routine.
Dip stations, also known as Y-bars, Matador bars, etc, are l-shaped bars that can be attached to a rack at any height.
This means you can customize the dip station to your desired height and level of difficulty.
Dips engage the muscles responsible for pushing, making them an efficient and effective exercise.
Like all other power rack accessories, dip bars are very costly as well.
But being a cautious spender, I would like to invest in a dip attachment.
6. Barbell Holders
For barbells, a barbell holding attachment allows you to store a barbell vertically for convenience and as the holder is bolted (or pegged) to the rack, it should remain relatively secure.
A vertical bar holder is a useful accessory for a home gym that allows for the convenient storage of barbells.
It is typically a metal bar that is attached to the power rack, creating a secure and stable place to store barbells vertically.
This is beneficial as it helps to save space as the barbells can be stored upright while also keeping them organized and in perfect condition.
The holder also prevents damage to the barbells as it shields them from any other objects or walls.
It helps to keep the barbells from being scratched or dented as they are not being continually moved around and bumped into.
Or if you have a spare wall then you can just buy a wall-hanging barbell holder. It can easily hold up to 5-6 barbell easily.
For a home gym, 2 barbell is enough so you might not need a barbell holder then.
7. Sphere Pull-Up Bars
The sphere pull-up bar is a great accessory for a home gym as it helps to quickly build grip and forearm strength.
It is much more effective than a standard pull-up bar and offers users a range of different grip options, including pronated (overhand), supinated (underhand), and neutral grips.
This multi-function accessory can help to improve overall upper body strength and is perfect for those who want to perform pull-ups as an effective part of their home workout routine.
The features and benefits of using a sphere pull-up bar in a home gym include:
- Quickly builds grip and forearm strength
- Provides range of different grip options for improved upper body strength
- Attaches to the top of the frame like a typical bar
- Spherical grips extend out from the cage for added tension
- Allows for tennis ball pull-ups without the need for tennis balls
- Easily compatible with shackle accessories for limitless number of pull-up tools
- Lightweight, durable and affordable
This is not a must-buy accessory but I like this one to increase my grip strength. Maybe I will be able to grab a lion’s neck in the future.
9. Band Pegs
Band pegs are accessories that can be attached to the bottom and top of a power rack and used to loop resistance bands around.
Resistance bands are a great way to increase time under tension and really hammer the top end of lifts, allowing for more progressive resistance than traditional weight lifting.
Band pegs also double as a storage tool, allowing you to hang equipment like resistance bands, lifting belts, barbell clamps, etc. off the columns of the squat rack.
You can do separate exercises with bands as well if you are not into banded squats or bench presses.
10. Weight plate pegs
Weight plate pegs are essential accessories to have for a power rack, as they allow for efficient storage of weight plates.
Weight plate pegs are simple attachments that slide through the holes of your power rack and enable you to hang weight plates on them.
This keeps your weights off the ground, eliminating a tripping hazard and helping to keep your workout area tidy.
11. Rope Attachments
Rope attachments are devices or fittings used to connect ropes or cords to other objects, such as anchors, hooks, or pulleys. Common rope attachments include knots, carabiners, snap hooks, eyelets, thimbles, and cleats. The choice of attachment depends on the application and the load-bearing capacity required.
These small ring-like attachments are needed if you want to do some workout with battle ropes, tie up a resistance band or do something else.
12. Lever Arms
Lever arms are an invaluable attachment for your power rack that provides a great range of motion for push and pull exercises.
Unlike traditional machines, lever arms are sold in pairs, allowing for unilateral and bilateral movements.
By adding lever arms to your home gym, you can perform classic exercises like chest presses, unilateral presses, standing rows, RDLs, ISO seated rows, and more.
Most lever arms can also be set anywhere on the columns, giving you ultimate versatility when working out.
Do not buy low-quality power racks with preinstalled lever arms.
Lever arms should be adjustable to any extent.
With lever arms, you can enjoy all the benefits of the machines in your local gym without needing extra space.
Lever arms are generally very heavy and can take a load up to 150 kg for each arm.
I like lever arms because you can set them up at any angle or height to do single-arm/leg exercises.
For example, I want to do a shoulder press or one-arm row with a heavy load. Then if I am using a dumbbell I have to be careful about loading my back and pulling it from the ground. I should try to soften the impact on the floor as well.
I do not want a broken floor – even with 1-inch rubber mats, I would be very careful.
With a lever arm, you will be able to set the weight in such a way that it does not touch the ground at all.
It will stop at the height which you have decided early on.
You will be able to do these exercises safely. Safety is a topmost priority of mine.
13. Leg Curl Attachment
The purpose of a leg curl attachment for a power rack is to provide an efficient way to perform standing leg curls without taking up unnecessary space in your home gym.
With this attachment, you can attach it to any rack upright and perform leg curls standing up, eliminating the need for bulky leg curl machines.
By adding variable weights to the leg curl attachment, you can progressively build your hamstring strength.
To get this in India, you might have to custom order this though!
What to consider when buying power rack accessories?
Quality and durability
You should always consider the material and construction of the product, as well as its weight capacity, warranty, and any other features.
Thick steel or iron-made power rack parts are heavy and instills a sense of reliability.
Price
The price of power rack accessories can have a significant impact on the selection of a particular item.
Well-built items are costly and heavy.
Heavy parts often cost more money to get delivered.
If you have a power rack from a premium brand and you want to buy accessories from that brand then it will cost a lot more as well.
In the case of power racks and their accessories, high cost often correlates to better quality.
Variety of exercises you can do with it
A power rack is a great piece of equipment that can help you reach your fitness goals. It can be used for a variety of exercises, including presses, pull-ups, deadlifts, squats, and more.
Lever arms are also a great way to target specific muscles, as they allow you to use different settings for exercising.
People sometimes do leg presses with lever arms as well.
Sounds weird, but it’s not.
You can also use rope anchors to do rope exercises such as jumping power slams, alternating wide circles, and jumping jacks.
Generally more robust a power rack accessory is, the more useful it will be in a small home gym.
Safety and security
When buying power rack accessories, one should consider safety and security considerations carefully.
Reputed brands do a lot of stress test to ensure your safety.
If safety is your top priority then you should consider buying from brands who test their items thoroughly!
Weight capacity
Always check for the weight capacity of the attachment you are buying. You do not want to buy a power rack attachment that supports 100 kgs but you can lift 150 kgs easily.
Meaning, in this case, you would have to lift under 100 kg to lift safely.
You will never be able to lift to your true potential using a low weight capacity rack attachment.
Power Rack Attachments — What safety features should I look for in a power rack?
J-Hooks (or J-cups)
J-hooks (or J-cups) are important accessories for power racks that securely hold barbells in place in between reps.
They attach to the holes on the power rack and use a metal sleeve to wrap around the rack for a snug fit.
They come in pairs, one for each side of the power rack, and are important for helping to start a barbell squat with the barbell at the shoulders instead of having to pick up the loaded barbell, lift it over your head, and start lifting.
J-hooks also help to keep the barbell balanced while other exercises are being performed inside the power rack.
J-hooks are also equipped with a plastic lining on the insert, which helps to protect the j-cup and barbell from any damage that may happen during the racking and unracking of the barbell.
J-hooks are essential for safely and securely holding barbells in place on a power rack, and are a crucial accessory for being able to perform various exercises with the barbell.
Without coated J-hooks, we would be damaging the knurling of our barbells easily.
We would not be able to perform heavy exercises like squats and benchpress freely inside the power rack without a pair of proper, strong J-hook.
Safety pins
Safety pins are an important part of any power rack. A safety pin is a metal pin attached to the rack that extends the depth of the rack, allowing it to act as a spotter.
Safety pins are chromed and provide a last line of defense when squatting or pressing heavy.
They prevent the barbell from crashing into the floor if a rep is failed, thus preventing damage to the floor, equipment, and pride.
Safety straps are an alternative to safety pins or safety rods.
Safety straps are also an effective alternative to safety pins as they absorb the weight of the barbell quietly and reduce the shock of metal-on-metal impact.
Safety pins are invaluable when it comes to lifting heavy when training solo. They provide a sense of security and can help prevent serious injury by not allowing the barbell to crash onto the floor.
Safety straps
Safety straps are an essential safety feature for power racks, allowing users to lift heavier weights safely.
They are dual nylon straps that replace safety bars as a spotting mechanism, running from the front to the back of a cage on either side and can be adjusted to any height.
Safety straps are much more reliable and durable than safety pins, as they are rated to withstand up to 10,000 pounds of pressure per strap and can be adjusted quickly with a pull pin.
Safety straps also do not damage your barbell, at all.
They also allow for support when starting an exercise such as BB bench press, and provide users with an extra layer of security when lifting heavy weights.
Spotter’s arms
Spotter’s arms are multipurpose bars that are installed on power racks to provide support for barbells and other bars when not in use.
They are similar to J-hooks but have a different design and are much stronger, often being able to handle up to 500 lbs or more of weight.
These provide a spotter-like safety mechanism, even when working out solo.
Made of durable steel with a powder-coat finish to resist chips and rust, they allow the user to push their limits without fear of the barbell crashing down on them.
They also absorb the weight of the barbell quietly, which is perfect for those who want to lift without disturbing others.
Even if you fail a rep, the arms will catch you.
Is It Ever Okay to Use the Wrong Sized Attachment?
No, it is never okay to use the wrong-sized attachment in a power rack.
Doing so could be a major safety issue and may even void any warranties.
Though it is possible to find creative ways to retrofit accessories, it is not advised.
Components such as tube dimensions, hole sizing, and hole spacing must all match up perfectly for the attachments to be compatible.
Generally, any attachment made by the manufacturer of the rack itself will fit, but it is wise to double and triple-check the sizes before buying.
Furthermore, the thickness of the column of the squat rack must be taken into account.
Lastly, the type of attachment used will also determine compatibility, as attachments can be bolt-on, twist and lock, or pin lock. Considering these factors, it is best to purchase the correct-sized attachment for the power rack to ensure maximum safety and stability.
It is also best to buy attachments from the manufacturer or brand of your power rack only.
Why use a gym power rack?
- Safety during weightlifting exercises.
- Versatility for a wide range of compound lifts.
- Progression and incremental strength gains.
- Independence and self-sufficiency in workouts.
- Efficient use of limited space.
- Stability for heavy lifting.
- Compatibility with various accessories and attachments.
- Cost-effective compared to gym memberships or specialized equipment.
- Improved mental focus and discipline.
- Boosts confidence and motivation through measurable progress.
By having the ability to utilise free weights and accessories such as spotter arms, weight pegs, cable attachments and dip stations, it allows you to undertake a variety of core weight lifting exercises and unlock a host of strength training exercises, from squats and bench press to overhead press and pull-ups.
Power racks are a great option for those with limited space and budget, as they can provide you with a full gym set up within a very small footprint.
The added safety of having spotter arms to catch any falling weight makes power racks even more attractive for those looking to work out alone in a home gym.
Ultimately, power racks are the ideal choice for those wanting to take strength training seriously and maintain their safety.
FAQ
How do I set up a power rack in my home gym?
Setting up a power rack in your home gym is a great way to increase the volume and types of exercises you can perform. With a power rack, you can lift heavy weights without the need for a training partner and maintain a compact, efficient workout space. To ensure that you get it right the first time, here’s a step-by-step guide for setting up your power rack:
- Choose the right spot – You should ideally place the power rack in an open, well-ventilated space so you can move around and perform exercises without any obstructions.
- Assemble the rack – Carefully assemble the power rack according to the instructions in the guide. This usually involves connecting the uprights and the horizontal bars, and then installing the pull-up bars at the top of the uprights.
- Secure the rack – Make sure that you secure the power rack to the floor with the bolts provided with it. This will prevent any accidents from happening due to the weight of the rack or the weight you will be lifting.
- Add power rack accessories – To maximize the use of your power rack, add accessories such as j-cups, spotter arms, weight storage, and barbell holders.
- Start your workout routine – Once you have secured the power rack and added the necessary accessories, you are ready to start your workout routine.
With the right power rack and accessories, you can create a safe and efficient home gym. Follow these steps and start building the body of your dreams!
What is the difference between a power rack and a squat rack?
| Power Rack | Squat Rack |
| Provides safety features such as adjustable safety pins or bars to catch the barbell during failed lifts. | May not have built-in safety features, requiring the use of spotter arms or a separate safety system. |
| Offers a wider range of exercise options, including squats, bench presses, pull-ups, and more. | Primarily designed for squatting exercises, with limited options for other exercises. |
| Allows for independent training without the need for a spotter. | Often requires a spotter for heavy squatting exercises. |
| Typically has a larger footprint and occupies more space. | Occupies less space and has a smaller footprint. |
| Offers more versatility with various accessories and attachments, such as dip bars and pull-up bars. | Generally lacks additional accessories and attachments. |
| Suitable for individuals pursuing strength training, functional fitness, or those who prefer a comprehensive workout setup. | Ideal for individuals primarily focused on squatting exercises or with limited space. |
The main difference between a power rack and a squat rack is that a power rack is generally more versatile and allows the user to perform more exercises and activities, while a squat rack is typically used for more basic strength and conditioning movements.
Power racks often include a range of attachments and accessories, while squat stands are typically more economical and can be upgraded with additional features.
Power racks feature j-cups and spotter arms, which allow users to hold barbell weight from almost any position, making it easier to undertake key lifts such as squats, bench presses, and overhead presses.
Squat racks, on the other hand, are designed to be simpler and easier to use, and can be used for basic lifts such as squats and deadlifts.
Both power racks and squat racks can be found in a variety of sizes and shapes, so it is important to select one that is appropriate for the space you have available.
What are the benefits of using a power rack?
- Power racks allow you to utilize free weights, which are the most effective way to build overall strength.
- Racks come with many accessories, such as spotter arms, weight pegs, cable attachments, and dip stations. These accessories allow for a variety of core weight lifting exercises, such as squats, bench press, overhead press, and pull-ups.
- Power Racks are incredibly versatile, allowing you to engage in a wider range of exercises than with Smith machine.
- They are made of durable and strong stainless steel, making them a long-term investment.
What exercises can I do with a power rack?
A power rack can be used for a wide range of exercises, from barbell exercises such as squats, bench press, overhead presses and pull-ups, to more dynamic exercises using attachments such as spotter arms, weight pegs, cable attachments, and dip stations.
These attachments allow for a greater range of movement, enabling you to perform a variety of exercises that target different body parts.
For instance, you can use the spotter arms to do tricep dips, bicep curls and ab exercises.
You can also use the cable attachments to do rows, lateral raises, and pull-downs.
More attachments will open doors for doing more exercises but the overall cost and space requirement will get very high.
Are power racks compatible with other gym equipment?
Yes, power racks are compatible with other gym equipment.
You will pair a power rack with a bench, barbell and weight plates all the time.
Although the dimensions of power racks vary, they still use standard sizes for their holes.
This means that certain power rack attachments, such as spotter arms, weight pegs, cable attachments, and dip stations, may be compatible with different types and brands of racks.
However, some accessories may not be cross-compatible, so it is best to check with the manufacturer before purchasing.
