Find Hot Deals and Strength This Summer. Shop Now!

Item added to your basket.

View cart
·

What is the Difference Between a Rig and a Power Rack?

When it comes to setting up the ultimate home gym or optimizing a commercial fitness space, understanding the equipment options is crucial. Among the staple pieces for strength training are rigs and power racks. Both are fundamental in offering a safe and versatile environment for weightlifting and functional fitness exercises. However, despite their apparent similarities, there are distinct features and benefits that set them apart. This article unpacks the nuances between a rig and a power rack, helping you navigate through their functionalities to choose the one that suits your fitness journey best.

The Definition: Rig vs. Power Rack

A rig is a large, versatile structure typically used in commercial gyms and CrossFit boxes. Comprising multiple stations, it allows several individuals to work out simultaneously, making it a highly communal piece of equipment. Rigs often come with various accessories, such as pull-up bars, squat stations, and sometimes even monkey bars, making them adaptable for a wide range of exercises beyond weightlifting.

On the other hand, a power rack, also known as a power cage, is more suited for individual use, and designed to facilitate safe solo strength training. It consists of four vertical posts with adjustable horizontal bars, creating a 'cage' that a person can enter to perform squats, bench presses, and other exercises involving free weights. The power rack's design emphasizes safety, as it allows users to position safety bars at various heights to catch the weight if they cannot complete a lift.

Space Considerations

One of the critical differences between rigs and power racks revolves around the space they occupy and require for effective use. Rigs, due to their communal nature and versatility, tend to take up more floor space. They are perfect for gym environments where maximizing the variety of exercises in a single area is crucial. Conversely, power racks are more compact and ideal for home gyms or smaller spaces. Their footprint is significantly smaller, but they still offer a robust setup for heavy lifting.

Customization and Versatility

Both rigs and power racks offer various degrees of customization, though rigs generally provide more opportunities for personalization. Due to their modular design, gym owners can add or remove components based on the needs of their clientele. This feature makes rigs incredibly versatile and adaptable to evolving fitness trends. Power racks, while customizable to a degree with attachments like dip bars and landmine exercises, have fewer options to choose from than rigs due to their simpler structure.

Cost Implications

Given the larger size and versatility of rigs, they often come with a heftier price tag than power racks. Rigs are sophisticated systems designed to cater to multiple users at once, reflecting in their cost. Power racks, being more straightforward and smaller, are generally more affordable. The investment in each of them depends on the user's budget, space, and the specific needs of their training program.

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern when performing heavy lifts. Both rigs and power racks are designed with safety in mind, but their features differ slightly. Power racks, with their adjustable safety bars, offer a tailored safe environment for solo training, allowing individuals to lift heavy without a spotter. Rigs, while used often for high-traffic, instructor-led sessions, rely on the communal setting for safety, ensuring there is always someone to assist if needed. Their design, however, includes elements like J-hooks and spot arms to make solo exercises possible and safe.

Conclusion

Choosing between a rig and a power rack ultimately comes down to personal or commercial fitness goals, available space, and budget. A rig could be the centerpiece of a community-focused gym, providing a multifunctional space for various exercises and group workouts. For those focusing on strength training within confined spaces or the privacy of a home gym, a power rack offers the perfect, budget-friendly solution. The choice isn't just about selecting gym equipment; it's about picking the right partner in your fitness journey. Both options bring robust, safe, and versatile solutions to the table; understanding their differences ensures you equip your training space to meet and exceed your fitness aspirations.

Back to blog

Best sellers

MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine Spirit B2 MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine Spirit B2

MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine Spirit B2

Advanced Safety-Ultimate Protection The Smith machine prioritizes user safety with adjustable safety stops, a secure locking system, and guided range of motion for controlled exercises. Safety arms provide additional protection, while the user-friendly design ensures a comfortable and secure grip. Variety of Functions The Smith Machine combines a Cable System, Smith Barbell, Squat Rack, and landmine attachment to offer diverse exercises for multiple fitness goals. Users can conveniently switch between exercises without the need for different equipment. It's a comprehensive solution for strength training, muscle sculpting, improving physical fitness, and functional training. Attachment Ecosystem Package come with Cable Bar, Pin/Pipe Safety Set, J-Hooks, Landmine, Dip Bars, T bar, LAT Bar attachment and an extra standard barbell holder, providing with a variety of exercises such as Wide & Narrow LAT Pull-down, Landmine Movements, Seated cable row, Bench press, Squat, Deadlifts, Bicep Curl, Triceps Extensions, Pull-ups, Chin-ups, Dips and more. Dual Pulley System Two adjustable pulley systems allow independent operation of both sides, ensuring they can work individually without interference. Maximize the effectiveness of chest, back, and arm exercises. The ratio of weight to pull is very close to 2:1, Major Lutie Pulley System features durable steel-shaft nylon-coated pulleys, and high-strength steel-wrapped cables consisting of 7 strands, each composed of 19 fine iron wires. This ensures smooth and uninterrupted operation, providing a durable and resilient fitness experience.
From $1,599.99
From $1,599.99
$1,599.99
MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Power Rack PLM03 MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Power Rack PLM03

MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Power Rack PLM03

EXCELLENT QUALITY: Made of 50 X 70mm commercial steel square frame with a thickness of 2mm. The product weighs 255lbs with 16 reinforcing tabs which increase its stability during training. Cage size - 66.9”L×63”W×84.3”H | Max user weight - 220lbs. | Max capacity on safety bar - 700lbs. | Max capacity on cable 300lbs. | Max capacity on dip bar - 350lbs. | Max capacity on pull-ups bar - 400lbs. ATTACHMENT INCLUDE: The package comes with cable bar, pin/pipe safety set, j-hooks, landmine, dip bars, t bar, lat bar attachment, band pegs and an extra standard barbell holder, providing a variety of exercises for example wide & narrow lat pull-down, landmine movements, seated cable row, bench press, squat, dead-lifts, bicep curl, triceps extensions, pull-ups, chin-ups, dips and more. CABLE CROSSOVER MACHINE: With nylon-coated great quality cables, the ratio of weight to pull is very close to 2:1. 15 height-adjustable holes provide more specific training. Band Pegs on both sides can provide effective resistance training when you squat or bench press. In addition, the weight plate bracket of the cable crossover machine fits the 2" Olympic or 1" standard weight plate. OUR MISSION: The original aspiration of MAJOR Fitness brand is simple——to create multi-functional and cost-effective cages for fitness enthusiasts and provide an integrated multi-function system for people who love home fitness. If you have any questions, you can contact us through email, and we will provide you with a satisfactory solution.
From $929.99
From $929.99
$929.99
MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine SML07 MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine SML07

MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine SML07

Meet the SML07 – your great fitness ally! This innovative All-In-One Smith Machine is a revolutionary addition to home gyms, merging up to five strength training stations into one compact unit. The SML07 seamlessly integrates a power rack, Smith machine, cable pulley system, multi-grip pull-up bar, and a 360° landmine, all in one versatile piece of equipment. Constructed from 2x2” 14-gauge steel and boasting a rackable capacity of 1,000lbs, the SML07 Smith machine provides a safe, sturdy, and adaptable setting for strength training. Fed up with waiting for equipment in crowded commercial gyms? It's time to establish your own home gym, offering safety and privacy. The SML07 All-In-One Smith Machine serves as a comprehensive solution for your full-body weight and resistance workouts – ideal for everyone from beginners to fitness enthusiasts aiming to enhance their strength and muscle development!
From $1,399.99
From $1,399.99
$1,399.99
MAJOR LUTIE 7ft Barbells Chrome 20kg Home Gym - Basic 2 MAJOR LUTIE 7ft Barbells Chrome 20kg Home Gym - Basic 1

MAJOR FITNESS 7ft Barbell 20kg Home Gym - Basic

MAJOR 7ft Olympic Barbell bar built from solid alloy steel, ensure strength and durability. Silvery is finished with chrome.Black is  finished with electrophoresis. Diamond knurling for a secure grip; Rotating sleeves to reduce pressure on wrists and forearms. Get a full body workout or target specific muscle groups, great for short people to do squat, hip thrust, dead lift. Perfect fit for home gym. Measures 86.6 inches in overall length; between the sleeves length is 52 inches; 16 inches loadable sleeve length; 2-inch sleeve diameter to accommodate Olympic plate(2-inch); weights approximately 45lb and can support a weight capacity of up to 750lbs. The superior design of our Olympic Weight Bar allows for a wide variety of workouts, all designed to help you gain lean body mass, lose fat, lower your overall weight and improve your general fitness level and health condition.
$259.99
$259.99
MAJOR FITNESS Low Bounce Bumper Plates Olympic Weight Plates 10LB-55LB Set MAJOR FITNESS Low Bounce Bumper Plates Olympic Weight Plates 10LB-55LB Set

MAJOR FITNESS Low Bounce Bumper Plates Olympic Weight Plates 10LB-55LB Set

MAJOR Olympic Weight Plates Set fits all Olympic barbells with 2-inch sleeves.  A good bumper plate set is the centerpiece for modern HIT training. Perform Olympic lifts, squats, and deadlifts safely and confidently with our tough. 100% High-Density natural rubber durable with a low-bounce, withstand repeated drops. Protect any type of floor and your bars. Expertly designed stainless steel "hooked" insert that remains firmly seated, keeps balance. Color-coded for easy identification from a distance, Perfect for large training facilities, garage gyms, and school weight rooms. Please Note: Our 55LB plates, available in pairs or sets, feature the Supgym logo. This is our former sub-brand. Rest assured, these plates maintain the same exceptional standard as our Major Fitness range, making them perfectly suited for your ideal home gym setup.
From $99.99
From $99.99
Major Fitness adjustable workout bench Major Fitness adjustable weight bench

MAJOR FITNESS Adjustable Bench | 1300Lbs Capacity Weight Bench PLT01

【Commercial Weight Bench】MAJOR Adjustable Bench PLT01 was tested by most fitness experts to design a weight bench that meets most training requirements. It's called PLT01. This is your best choice if you need to equip your home gym. Its durability is beyond your imagination. 【About PLT01】17.7" comfortable height by commercial standards. Adopts a unique triangular structure design and commercial-grade square steel. After thousands of tests, the maximum load is up to 1300 pounds to ensure safety for workouts every time. 8 backrest positions and 4 seat positions allow you to adjust to the position you want at any time. 【Powerful Support from Commercial Quality】No need to adjust the position with any knobs or pin, None of these provide effective protection during training. As for the PLT01, you just lift it to adjust it to your desired position. Additionally, Our backrest support bar features a dual-track design that provides extreme stability and safety for your training. 【Commercial Quality Soft Padding】The material is the same as the gym equipment; the cushion design of PLT01 will be larger, 31.5" long, 8.3" wide, and 2.5" thick cushion meet most people's needs. The PLT01 is fully ergonomically designed. 【Easy Assemble & Move】Weight bench is almost completely assembled. You only need to spend a few minutes screwing on the screws to get a commercial-quality weight bench. The bench had an extra handle and two wheels for you quickly move it in the home gym.
From $259.99
From $259.99
$399.99
smith machine home gym spirit b52 Major Fitness smith machine home gym spirit b52

MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine Spirit B52

5-in-1 Strength Training System in a Single Machine Supports Free Weight and Smith Machine Workouts Upgraded Adjustable Foot Plate and 6 Band Pegs Premium Cable Pulley System for functional Training Independent Dual Pulley System for multiple user workouts Heavy-Duty build for safe and steady usage  
From $1,499.99
From $1,499.99
$1,499.99
home gym power rack raptor f22 black home gym power rack raptor f22 black front view

MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Power Rack F22

Ultimate Fusion of Power and Aesthetics Perfect for Intermediate to Advanced Users Enhanced Versatility with 6 Band Pegs Ultra-stable Structure Dual Independent Pulley System 17 Height Adjustable Holes 800 lbs Reinforced Safety Arms Capacity Max Capacity on Pulley System 300 lbs on Each Side
From $929.99
From $929.99
$929.99
Major Fitness home gym power rack lightning f35 black Major Fitness home gym power rack lightning f35 black front view

MAJOR FITNESS All-In-One Home Gym Folding Power Rack Lightning F35

Unique Foldable Design 4 Functional Systems Integration 7 Adjustable Folding Angles 15 Adjustable Height Options Double Pulley System Various Practical Attachments Included
From $949.99
From $949.99
$0.00

Recommended

Dad Bod Destroyer: Workouts for Busy Dads to Get Fit This Summer
Jhon Kenneth Delos Reyes·
Dad Bod Destroyer: Workouts for Busy Dads to Get Fit This Summer
Read more
Building Strength for All Athletes: Why Strength Training Matters
Jhon Kenneth Delos Reyes·
Building Strength for All Athletes: Why Strength Training Matters
Read more
Unleashing Your Inner Gymnast: Bodyweight Workouts for Strength & Flexibility
Jhon Kenneth Delos Reyes·
Unleashing Your Inner Gymnast: Bodyweight Workouts for Strength & Flexibility
Read more

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Need assistance?

You can contact us by email and we will solve your questions.

Sign up for updates and offers

Get $50 off coupon as major welcome.

SHOP
EXPLORE MAJOR
SUPPORT
MAJOR PROGRAM
POLICIES
  • Amazon
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Meta Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Venmo
  • Visa
© 2022-2024 Major Fitness. All Rights Reserved.

Item added to your basket.

View cart