Power Rack
Equipment
A power rack — also called a power cage or squat cage — is a four-post steel frame with adjustable safety bars that allow athletes to perform heavy barbell lifts without a spotter. It’s the most versatile and essential piece of equipment in a strength and conditioning facility. If you only have budget for one thing, this is it.
What Coaches Should Know
Not all racks are created equal. For a high school or collegiate program, commercial-grade racks — 11-gauge steel, welded construction, weight capacity of 1,000+ lbs — are worth the investment. Consumer-grade racks sold at big-box retailers look similar but won’t hold up under daily team use.
Space planning matters too. A rack needs clearance front and back for barbell loading plus athlete movement — plan for at least 8 feet of depth and 5 feet between units side to side. And confirm your ceiling height before ordering anything with a pull-up bar attachment. Nothing worse than buying a 90-inch rack for a 90-inch ceiling.
Also related to: Squat Rack, Weightlifting Platform, Weight Room Zoning