Since Karl I. Mullen (from Portland, Oregon, USA) patented the power rack back in 1987, this has been a constant topic in and outside the gym. To efficiently compare the names and see the differences, I must consider a lot of different opinions on this matter. I’ll do my best to comprise all of them here.

When reality comes into play naming conventions disappear while leaving the important differences amongst the names lost. In that case power rack is the same thing as squat rack, which is the same thing as power cage, which is then the same thing as squat cage. You can freely use these names interchangeably without hesitation. But, there are some slight differences amongst them, which are especially important to remember when buying one for yourself.

Where Exactly Lays the Difference?

Cage is built out of four strong vertical posts that have movable horizontal bar catchers on each side. The posts are linked at the top and at the bottom for additional strengthening of the construction. Racks in oppose to cages, usually, are comprised out of just one vertical post with additional bottom support for prevention of an accidental turn over caused by overloading and instability. Although they posses bar catchers, in difference to cages these are fixed at the average squat bottom position.

In general, such iron constructions are designed to ensure a safe and enhanced free weight workout. They can carry barbells of various kinds. In difference to usual stands, racks and cages are much safer because dropping the weight will result in it being caught by the side bar catchers. Also, there are no movement restrictions imposed by apparatus such as the Smith machine or a hack squat. Since squat racks are simpler they are considered the granddaddies of power racks.

Range of exercises that you can do on these apparatus’ is broad. Apart from full blown compound exercises like squat and military presses I like to do partial movements. Partial bench press, partial squat and partial deadlift is just some of the stuff I practice on these bad boys. Partial movements are excellent for using bigger weights in a safe way, while overloading the muscles for producing greater strength and growth.

Choose and Commit

Basically, one of these pieces of equipment will be more useful to you over the other depending on what you’re going to do with it. If you’re a full time squatting machine like I am, you don’t need anything more than a simple power rack to fit all of your needs. But in spite of my desire to have a clean single purpose machine, there are some useful non intrusive additions to the construction like built in pullups, chinups and dips bar. Unfortunately, when you try to compromise multiple machines in one the quality of each goes down the drain, which is sad but most of the time true. This is why “home gym” stuff is just a crap from beyond even if you are not that serious about getting in the zone with it.

Now you are equipped with some basic understanding of the power rack stuff. Go now and find one for yourself.