Squat racks and power racks are both primarily designed for performing compound strength exercises in conjunction with a barbell and weight plates. Although they share many similarities, there are some important differences between the two, mainly: squat stands generally have an open frame, while power racks (also known as power cages) have a larger frame that the user steps into. Due to this larger frame, power racks usually offer more integrated exercise and safety features than a squat rack. Offering the user lots of variety, power cages are also ideal for heavy lifters, while squat racks are generally more space saving due to their smaller structure. Choosing one over the other should depend on space constraints, weightlifting targets, and the level of safety you require during your workouts.

No matter the type of rack you have, weightlifting racks are a step up from your simple barbell and bench workout. In their most basic form, a rack acts as a safety structure that allows you to rack your barbell safely when lifting. Larger, more versatile racks go a step further and offer not only safety features like spotter arms, J-hooks and a Smith machine, but also additional features and add-ons for dynamic compound and isolation exercises.

A Smith machine generally consists of a barbell attached to a vertical track or rails and a weight pulley system. It provides guided and controlled barbell movement in a fixed vertical path, which ensures stability and safety during lifts. Users can lock the barbell into various positions on the vertical track to perform exercises like squats, bench press, shoulder press and more with reduced risk of losing control of the weight. A Smith bar is ideal for both beginners and experienced lifters who want to perform exercises with strict form or as part of a structured training programme.

It is important to consider your strengthening goals, safety requirements, budget and workout space when choosing a multi gym or squat rack. Some important questions that you should consider before your purchase include:

• Which exercises do you need to perform to reach your training goals?
• Which features should your rack have in order for you to perform these exercises and meet your goals?
• How much space do you have available?
• Are you working out in a home or commercial setting?
• Who will be using the equipment? How many people? What are their experience levels?
• Which safety features are required?
• What is your budget?

With any power or squat rack you can perform foundational compound exercises, such as squats, deadlifts, bench press, overhead press, etc. Building upon a basic rack, many offer additional training options that are particularly great for isolation exercises. Power and squat racks with a dip station, lateral pulldown, pull-up bar, row attachment, landmine attachment and more are available from our store.

We offer a wide range of extra attachments and accessories suitable for use with our multi-gyms. These include safety features like spotter arms and J-hooks, as well as add-ons like landmine attachments, weight plate storage pegs, wall ball targets and ankle straps. You can also find a range of gym flooring and wall-mounted storage solutions that work well with our weightlifting power racks.

Both commercial and semi-commercial racks are suitable for home use. We recommend using a commercial rack in your home gym if you are a serious lifter who will be using the equipment often. Commercial and semi-commercial-grade set ups are extremely solid options — often featuring multiple add-ons and training functionalities — and are available for purchase at different price points that meet various budgets.

With the exception of our Wall-Mounted Bay Rigs, none of the RPM Power racks need to be bolted to the ground. Some racks offer bolt holes should you wish to secure them to your floor, however, this is completely optional.

RPM Power racks are straightforward to assemble. Every rack comes with a physical instruction manual and many of our products have detailed step-by-step video guides for easier set up. Should you run into any difficulty at all when setting up your equipment, please get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to talk you through it. We also offer installations for rack purchases for an additional fee depending on your Eircode. 

It’s important to regularly maintain your weightlifting rack to ensure optimal function and performance. Maintenance guidelines are outlined in equipment manuals, but in general you should inspect the rack before use, ensuring all parts and screws are tightened and functioning. Inspect any cables on a cable weight machine regularly and replace them if they ever appear frayed or damaged. Clean your rack and wipe away any dirt or dust with a damp cloth. Consistent upkeep will ensure that the equipment remains in good working condition and reduces the risk of accidents or injuries during workouts.

We offer discounts for commercial orders. Check out our commercial section and get in touch with us for a custom quote.

Our flagship RPM Power Store is located in Thurles, Co. Tipperary. If you wish to stop by and see our selection of equipment, our opening hours are Mon-Fri 9am-5pm / Sat 10am-4pm and we do not close for lunch. We’re happy to chat with you about the various options available and see what will work best with your space, budget and strengthening goals.

Products weighing over 45kg are delivered to customers on a pallet. Pallet deliveries consist of curbside delivery only, meaning the delivery driver cannot bring your item inside: see here for further detail on pallet deliveries. RPM Power can also deliver and install your item for you.