Installing the right power rack attachments is the best way to boost your equipment’s functionality. But with so many options to choose from, which accessory can harness its full potential?
Power cage attachments, after all, are additional investments. And it will be costly if you end up not liking or using the add-on.
So, I listed an array of rack attachments worth considering. This selection is best for safe strength training and workout variety.
Check out which of the following suits your fitness goals.
1. Power Rack Landmine
Landmines are extremely versatile power rack attachments that you can anchor at the bottom of the cage post.
To use, slide one end of the barbell into the sleeve or chute. Then use the top end for performing vertical, horizontal or combined rotational movements.
A landmine is typically a single accessory that encourages explosive full-body strength training.
But other equipment producers offer double landmine attachments for more balanced, dual rotational moves.
Traditional barbell exercises can put too much pressure on the spine. They can be risky as well, especially without proper form and positioning.
Landmines help counter that by removing the extra load on the spine and joints.
They also allow more fluid movements to build up your shoulder and core strength.
- Best for: landmine presses and rows, Russian twists, deadlifts, push presses and jerks, cleans, bent-over rows, and joint-friendly squats and lunges
2. J-Hooks
J-hooks may not be power rack attachments that promote exercise variety.
But they are equally important gym power rack accessories for safety and barbell storage.
These attachments are usually made of heavy-duty stainless steel to hold up to 227kg of weight.
Power cage owners would insert these adjustable hooks into the rack holes then secure them through metal sleeves or pads.
With these attachments, beginners can carry out power rack exercises, like the inverted rows, without worries.
Also, they double as your built-in spotters when you train alone.
And instead of storing your heavy bars on the floor, you can use the J-hooks to keep them out of the way.
- Best for: holding barbells in place, protecting your power rack and expensive Olympic bars, and ensuring safe and confident barbell lifting
3. Step-Up Platform
If you’re looking for power rack attachments that target your glutes and leg muscles, the step-up platform is an excellent add-on.
You can mount this accessory onto your power cage to perform all sorts of leg exercises.
It is a more stable, safer option than other free-standing equipment like a box or chair.
Like an adjustable aerobic stepper, the step-up plate also has variable height settings.
That way, you can gradually and continuously challenge yourself with more intense exercises.
- Best for: split and one-legged squats, lunges, regular and weighted step-ups, box jumps and other plyometric exercises
4. Strap Safety System
Safety straps work like your J-hooks or safety arms. But instead of metal, these power rack attachments come in heavy-duty nylon material.
You can attach them onto both sides of your power cage then adjust the height according to your exercise requirement.
Compared with metal hooks or pins, safety straps naturally have a lower weight capacity.
However, their limits still cover a wide variation of barbell types.
Also, standard hooks are rigid and noisy. In contrast, safety straps can catch the bar with more flexibility, allowing the weight to roll away from you.
Moreover, dropping the bar onto the sturdy strap is not as noisy.
- Best for: elevating barbells to start weight exercises, dampening the noise when you drop the bar, and ensuring safe and comfortable rack lockouts
5. Battle Rope Anchor Attachment
When you’re not too keen on weightlifting, you can use the power cage with battle ropes for training instead.
These ring-like power rack attachments make it safe and easy to perform rope conditioning exercises.
And with the proper selection of moves, this one accessory alone enables you to get a full-body HIIT workout.
The rope anchor is also the ideal accessory when you want to use your power rack for both cardio and body-building exercises.
Alternatively, you can install pegs onto your rack and work with resistance bands.
- Best for: boosting grip strength; enhancing the core; and performing exercises like jumping power slams, squats, shoulder presses, alternating wide circles and jump waves, and jumping jacks
6. Lat Attachment
Lat pulldown power rack attachments are a multipurpose pulley system for upper body exercises. Specifically, these aim for your back muscles, biceps and triceps.
With this accessory on your power cage, you can do several standing or seated movement variations. Just make sure to check the compatibility info and complete specs first.
Also, look for a pulldown attachment with nylon-coated, aircraft-quality cables for optimum durability and comfort.
- Best for: lat pulldowns, rows, bicep curls and shrugs
7. Power Rack Dip Handles
Dip stations are typical in multi-gym machines. However, you can also attach I-shaped bars to your power cage to perform dip exercises at varying heights.
These solid steel power rack attachments can typically withstand up to 136kg to accommodate a wide range of bodybuilder sizes.
Working out with power rack dip handles target your upper body muscles, particularly your triceps, deltoids and chest.
Dips are compound exercises, too, which means you’ll be hitting multiple muscles in one go, plus burning calories.
Aside from building up muscle strength and mass, dip exercises also make your wrists, elbows and shoulders more flexible.
- Best for: boosting your bench press, pumping up your triceps and pecs, strengthening joints to reduce injury risks and developing flexibility
Final Thoughts
There’s a wide assortment of power rack attachments available. But the key is to install add-ons that support your fitness training needs.
Make the most of your investment by choosing multipurpose rack accessories.
Also, pick options that target different body parts for a more balanced workout.
Of course, creating your most versatile gym equipment starts with a heavy-duty rack.
This buying guide should help you find the best power cage for your gym space.
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