When you’re looking for the best power racks 2021, you will likely find that most manufacturers recommend bolting their power racks to the floor, securing them in place. Many people new to home gyms will probably want to ignore this piece of advice because they do not want to damage their floors, or they want to keep their options open if they decide to move the unit in the future. It is crucial to understand that once you buy the equipment, you can do what you want, but when it comes to most racks, it is ill-advised to leave the unit unsecured.
Why You Should Always Secure Your Power Rack
Many power and squat racks weigh around 700 lbs., some even more. When you add your plates to the rack, it is not unusual for the totality of the equipment to weigh upwards of 1,000 lbs. While the overall weight might seem impossible to move, regular workouts and routines can cause the rack to shift forward or around inch by inch. To prevent any movement, you should bolt the system to the floor.
Additionally, you need to consider personal safety. While it seems unlikely, a power rack is not incapable of toppling over. If you happen to be underneath it when it comes down, you are likely in for severe injuries. Even if the machine doesn’t have any plates on it when it falls, that is still roughly 700 pounds on top of you.
How Accessories Can Lead To Problems for an Unsecured Rack
How do you plan on using your power rack? If you plan on using it for pull-ups or other exercises using accessories, you can increase the likelihood of the rack toppling over. The types of workouts and equipment you use with your rack can throw off the center of gravity. If not properly or adequately secured to the floor, the rack can begin to move or wobble. When it begins to rock or bounce, it does not take much to send it over, placing you underneath, precisely where you don’t want to be. Bolting the unit to the floor is for your safety and the safety of anyone else who might use it. There really is no good reason to avoid securing your rack to the floor.
While this article focuses on the general rule pertaining to most power racks, some manufacturers do provide some models that are freestanding and do not require bolting. However, in the majority of cases, unless otherwise suggested by the manufacturer, you should always secure your unit to the floor, reducing the risk of injury or damage.
If you are considering the purchase of a power rack, know that bolting is the standard way to secure your unit to the floor. If you are not comfortable installing the rack on your own, you might consider hiring a local installer to do the job. However, if you want someone else to handle the installation, make sure they are qualified to do so. You can reach out to your local home gym supplier for more information.