CUSTOM LAYOUT & DESIGNS

Description

WHAT TYPE OF RACK?
The primary focus of training with a Rack is to increase maximum strength with an emphasis on ground based explosive movements that load the musculature and promote functional strength. The type of exercise, intensity, and volume are adjusted to fit team and individual goals. Should you purchase the Sport Training Rack, the Half Rack, the Double Half Rack, the Power Rack, the Combo Rack, or the X-Fit Rig? With so many choices it can become confusing. Typically, rack purchases are a large investment for the school or gym, so the need to make the right choice the first time is imperative. At its most basic level a rack is essentially a simple device that holds a barbell. At its most advanced level a rack is a weight room in itself that can allow multiple athletes to perform hundreds of diverse exercises. Our most affordable line of racking is our Varsity Series Racks. These racks are good, solid, fundamental racks that have as standard feature chin bars, safety bars, holes for band attachments, and plate storage. On the other side of the scale is our Pro Series. Our Pro Series Racks are the ultimate in racking, where each rack is a weight room in itself with dual multiple grip chin bars, 4-sided lasered uprights, an unlimited band attachments, adjustable weight horn pins, and deluxe roller tappet bar catches and safeties. The Pro Series is the best money can buy.

THE DIMENSIONS OF YOUR ROOM, STYLE OF TRAINING, AND BUDGET
The type of rack you choose is generally determined by three factors, the dimensions of your room, your style of training, and your budget. Safety is always the most important factor. Of course you want as many stations as possible, but placing racks too close together is a bad idea. The standard is 10’ center to center spacing for each rack (an Olympic bar is 7’, which gives 3’ between bars). The same principal applies with miscellaneous equipment. You don’t need 10’ centers with plate loaded equipment, but you want room to move. Too much equipment will destroy the functionality of an athletic training room. Now, let’s start with the dimensions of the room. Usually the best layout is a perimeter design that has the racks placed against the walls of the room, leaving the center open for misc equipment or agility exercises. This design allows the coach(s) to teach and see all the athletes easily. Most schools and gyms don’t have the luxury of having assistant strength coaches, so being able to “see” and “teach” all the athletes simultaneously is very important. In general, long rooms with little width lend themselves to Half Racks or Double Sided Racks (in this case you would place the double sided racks down the middle). Square rooms lend themselves to Power Racks or Combo Racks. And, limited room size lends itself to Sport Training racks. You want to choose the type of rack that gives you the most functionality for the room. The second determining factor is your style of training. If your program concentrates more on high intensity cross fit type lifting, you will need more space for bodyweight exercise and lots of chinning options on your racks. This lends itself to Sport Training Racks and X-Fit Rigs. On the other hand if you are more in a power lifting mode with squat, bench, and dead lift as your cornerstones, you will do better with Power Racks. Of course many programs are a hybrid, combining many different styles. Combo Racks are great for those who want to Olympic lift and have the security of a Power Rack. The third determining factor is budget. In simple terms, Double Sided Half Racks are the most bang for your buck. On the other side, Combo Racks are the most expensive but give you the most room and options to train multiple athletes. Sport Training Racks (these bolt directly into the ground, eliminating the runner that sticks out) give you the most open room and cleanest floor space.

OTHER ISSUES
Other issues to consider: How many athletes and coaches are going to be in the room? What sports are going to be training in the room? What is your ceiling height? What type of flooring are you installing? Is your sub floor concrete? How many storage closets or access doors invade the room? Do you have posts or columns in the room? How much “wow” factor do you want; is your room going to be used as a recruiting tool for athletes or clients? We hope this helps. Of course call us for more detailed discussion in creating the best room for your needs.

“I do wonder if you have had a more pleased coach. I am very pleased with the service and product. Our new weight-room is phenomenal, and I could not be more happy.”
Guy Millington, Head Football Coach, Ridgeview High School

“We received our equipment in great shape and set it up without any problems. It is awesome! Thanks for all your help in getting this together. The team has been in all week working on squats, cleans, and benches.”
Jim Favino
Head Football Coach, Delaware County Christian School
North NC Independent Schools State Champs, ‘05, ‘06, ‘07, ‘09