Squat Rack, Power Rack, Cable Machine, Smith Machine, or All-In-One Functional Trainer… Which Should I Get?

Millions of Americans are saying goodbye to the gym to work out at home. For strength training, your “Rack” will be the main piece of equipment in your home gym, and there are many options which can make the choice confusing!

The good news? Our world-class personal trainers are here to help you decide which one is the best fit for you. Here, at Jacked Up Brands, we are here with you on your fitness journey every step of the way.

So, What’s the Difference?

Squat Racks are simple devices made of steel with a base and two upright posts that hold your barbell in position for squats, bench press etc.  

• Small Footprint
• Cheapest Option
• Requires a Spotter
• Perform Squats, Overhead and Bench Press

Power Racks (or Power Cages) have four upright posts with horizontal crossmembers that allow the user to perform squats and bench press exercises safely without a spotter, as the horizontal safety bars will “catch” the barbell if you drop it or just need to set it down on your own after a great set.

• Inexpensive
• No Spotter Needed
• Optional Attachments
• Perform Squats, Overhead and Bench Presses

Cable Machines (aka Pulley Machines) are standalone machines similar in size to a Power Rack, but rather than supporting a barbell they are engineered with a set of cables and pulleys, and either internal weight stacks or use of external round weights.

• Supports Multiple Exercises
• Moderate Price
• No Free Weight Capability
• Perform Multiple Cable Exercises

Smith Machines are also similar to a Squat Rack, but the barbell is built in to the cage for safety and stability, and rides up and down on two fixed guide rods.

• Moderate Price
• No Spotter Required
• Perform Squats, Overhead and Bench Presses

All-In-One Functional Trainers are the best of all worlds. They include all of the features and functionality of a Squat Rack, Power Rack, Cable Machine, and Smith Machine combined in the same footprint.  You literally get the entire gym experience in your home with one piece of equipment!

• Best Value
• Stylish
• Incredibly Capable
• Perform Full Body Workout with Exercises for All Parts of the Body

Which Option is Best?

Since all of these machines share the same footprint, the obvious choice is an All-In-One Functional Trainer.

Which All-In-One Functional Trainer Should I Get?

Jacked Up Fitness offers three models to fit any budget and application:

Jacked Up Power Rack Pro

The ultimate home gym, also widely used in commercial and multi-user settings:

• Taller Frame 90.5" (vs. 86" Standard)
• Thicker, Wider Uprights 3X3 and 2X3 (vs. 2X2)
• Aluminum Pulleys (vs. High Impact ABS Plastic)
• A Counter-Balance System for the Smith Machine
• Solid Aluminum Accessory Bars (vs. Tubular Powder Coated)
• Built In Rods to add Resistance Bands for Smith Machine

See the power rack here!  

Jacked Up Power Rack Plus 

This upgraded (light commercial) model includes integrated stacked weight for the pulley system:

• Dual 200 Pound Integrated Weight Stacks for cable exercises (more weight can be added with our included Weight Extender Pin)
• 2:1 Cable Pulley System
• Squat Rack
• Main Uprights are made from Super Strong 10 and 12 Gauge Steel!
• Leg Exercise Bar with Pads
• Dip Bars
• Smith Machine (uses free weights, not included)
• Free Weight and Bar Storage
• Pull-Up Station
• Infinitely Adjustable Cable Pulley System

See the power rack here!  

Jacked Up Power Rack 

Perfect for home use, uses round Olympic weights (not included) for the pulley system:

• Dual Plate Loaded Pulley System (plates not included) for cable exercises
• 2:1 Cable Pulley Ratio for Super Smooth Operation
• Squat Rack
• Main Uprights are made from Super Strong 10 and 12 Gauge Steel!
• Leg Exercise Bar with Pads
• Dip Bars
• Smith Machine (uses free weights, not included)
• Free Weight and Bar Storage
• Pull-Up Station
• Infinitely Adjustable Cable Pulley System

See the power rack here!