Plate racks are used to store weights for barbells. They are generally tree-like and made of steel. There is nothing more annoying at home or at the gym than items strewn about in a haphazard way. Plate racks provide a means of organizing your weightlifting accessories. Not to mention that lifting plates from the floor can be dangerous. When they are lying flat, plates are awkward to lift, putting unnecessary strain on the lower back. If you have a home gym, loose plates can be dangerous, especially to children and/or pets. Upright, floor-based and tree-style are all variations of the common plate rack. Sturdiness, safety, size and weight capacity are all factors to be considered when purchasing plate racks.
What to Look for
Some plate racks must be properly balanced to avoid the effects of good old gravity. This is why sturdiness is an important factor to consider when purchasing plate racks. Imagine hundreds of pounds unbalanced in your basement home gym. All it would take is a gentle nudge from a child or pet to create a disastrous accident. Broad or triangular-based plate racks provide the most stability. Safety is the most important factor when purchasing any exercise equipment or accessories. Weight capacities should fit the extensiveness of your home gym. Plate racks can provide 500, 900 or even in excess of 1500 lbs. worth of stability. Make sure that you have enough storage space for all of your weighted plates. They vary significantly in size, so it is important to make sure that the plate rack will fit in your home. There are models designed to fit against the wall and in corners to accommodate your space needs. Floor-based models can be mobile and eliminate most of the threat of injury due to imbalance. Some plate racks come with bar holders which can store two or more weightlifting bars of various sizes. Sporting goods stores and online retailers are good places to look. Plate racks are typically priced between $50 and $500, depending on the size and weight capacity.
Common Pitfalls
Make sure to match the plate rack to the home gym. Plate racks should be able to hold all the weights that you have in your gym. Overloading the capacity can quickly become a safety issue and can also damage your home. Bars and plates are usually not included with plate racks, so it is important to make sure to purchase them separately if needed. Safety is the most important part. Keep children away from exercise equipment unless supervised by an adult. Plate racks are an essential addition to any home gym. Keeping our lives organized keeps us sane and ensures safety. With the proper equipment, including plate racks, many of the potential dangers of a home gym can be avoided.
Member Comments