Fitness
The Best Power Racks to Elevate Your At-Home Workouts
The core, ahem, force, of the Force USA offering is two substantial 289-pound weight stacks located at each rear pillar. These weight stacks are paired with a 2-to-1 pulley ratio, ideal for athletes seeking to perform cable crossovers, rows, and other cable movements commonly associated with high-quality functional trainers. The sturdy 11-gauge steel construction prevalent throughout the profile provides significant stability during workouts. The robust design is particularly beneficial for maintaining stability during intense training sessions. Additionally, Force USA offers a lifetime structural warranty.
For those looking to make the most of their space, the PRx Folding Squat Rack is our top pick. It provides a solid foundation for a variety of workouts and conveniently folds up toward the ceiling when not in use.
Our Tester’s Take
Our testers were huge fans of the PRx Folding Squat Rack’s small footprint and foldable design, saying that it was the ideal solution for squeezing a home gym unit into a very small space. It’s made with Westside spacing in the bench area, which allows for personalization and easy adjustment, and, in spite of its size, our testers were impressed with its stability and heavy-duty 11-gauge steel construction. When folded, the rack sits just four inches from the wall, which is unmatched in the power rack space. The multi-grip pull-up bar was a great addition, but our testers lamented the required height clearance; in order to properly set up this rack, you’ll need at least 18 inches of space above it so it can fold up properly.
The REP Fitness PR-5000 Power Rack is a fully-customizable, tough-as-nails addition to any home gym. Its huge selection of attachments make it a versatile option for a multitude of weightlifting exercises while its sturdy build and precise construction make it a confidence-inspiring unit.
Our Tester’s Take
While this rack is far from the cheapest option, home gym enthusiasts will appreciate how their dough is being put to use. Our expert noticed the small details immediately, like the extra-strength welding that reinforces the dip bar and the J-cups. These well-considered specs offer the quality and durability you’d expect from something further up the pricing scale. The last thing you want is your power rack wobbling under the weight of your barbell or your bodyweight pull-ups, and we felt 100% safe and secure every time we racked our weights.
That rock-solid craftsmanship combined with the degree of customization had us sold. You can snag extra accessories like landmines, dip stations, and extra safety bars on their own, or let REP do the decision making for you by going with one of the pre-assembled packages designed for entry-level, intermediate, or advanced lifters.
The Titan Fitness T2 Series Power Rack is the perfect pick for lifters who want to add a lightweight, easy-to-build power rack to their setup without draining their entire bank account.
Our Tester’s Take
Lightweight, pared-back, and affordable, this rack was a favorite of our testers simply because it was so easy to use. There’s really not much to it, which might be frustrating for some, but if you’re just getting into lifting, have never had a home gym before, or don’t care about having all the bells and whistles, this rack is a no-brainer—especially for just under $400. Our testing found that the rack’s walk-in design was plenty wide, making side-to-side movement safe and comfortable.
The option to choose between two different heights makes it easy to fit into workout spaces both large and small, and the overall weight and footprint of the rack is manageable for one person to move around on their own. As a heads up, while most of the racks on our list can hold up to 1,000 pounds, this one can only hold up to 700 pounds, though if you’re a 700-pound squatter, you probably already know what you’re looking for in a power rack.
When it comes to power racks, you should always pick one that you’ll actually feel comfortable putting together yourself. This is where the RitFit Power Cage comes in: It’s easy to set up, has a ton of useful attachments, and boasts a beefy 1,000-pound weight capacity.
Our Tester’s Take
Our testers, obviously, were big fans of the set-up process—it was intuitive, safe, and could be done by just one person—even though putting together any large piece of fitness equipment with more than one person is always ideal. The multitude of attachments made our testers feel like they got more of a bargain than other racks in this price range. But if you really want more attachments, more weights, or more accessories, you can get ‘em; this rack comes in five different package options, ranging from minimal to fully stocked. Overall, the combination of price, ease of use, and versatility makes it a great addition to a home gym.
The Garage Squat Cage from Fringe Sport is a versatile power rack that will be clutch for home gym beginners. It offers a comprehensive setup for beginner-friendly exercises like bench presses, squats, and dips, all at an affordable price.
Our Tester’s Take
For a beginner looking to get their home gym set up dialed in from the jump, our testers all agreed that the Fringe Sport Garage Squat Cage was the best pick. The heavy-duty 16-gauge steel is sturdy, the included accessories take the headache out of working out solo (or with your friends), and it only weighs 115 pounds total, so putting it together won’t be difficult, even if it’s your first power rack.
Fitness
Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’
Forget boring home workouts, on-demand HITT classes and cold winter runs.
The latest wellness trend bouncing around TikTok involves a workout you might not even realize you’re doing, and that’s the point. It’s called rebounding. This low-impact exercise involves jumping on a mini fitness trampoline — called a rebounder — to get your heart pumping and support lymphatic drainage.
On Amazon, this best-selling model is currently on sale for just $129. It measures in at just 40 inches, making it ideal for small spaces while still offering room for an adult to jump, squat and jog in place. Users swear it gives them a seriously effective full-body workout, and many remark that it’s “so much fun” to use.
Clinical trials also back the benefits: a 12-week rebounding program for overweight women showed significant improvements in body composition as well as a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.
Ready to jump on the rebounding trend, too? You’d better hop on this Amazon deal fast.
This sleek rebounder by BCAN is sturdy and easy to set up, thanks to pre-assembled bungees and simpel video tutorial.
Reviewers say it’s completely changed their workouts, with one remarking they “feel like a little kid again.” Others have also noted it’s much easier on their joints than higher-impact exercises.
“It absorbs impact well and allows for a nice, smooth rebound that is gentle on the joints, making it perfect for a low-impact cardio workout,” one person explained. “Whether I’m doing high-intensity intervals or simply bouncing for fun, the movement feels fluid and responsive.
The BCAN model features an upgraded handlebar for added stability. It’s 8mm premium bungee — with a durable woven outer layer and a 350-strand natural latex core — delivers smooth, quiet bounces, so you can enjoy your workout without disturbing others.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
Fitness
Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’
Exercise is often spoken about in the context of physical fitness – stronger muscles, better stamina and improved overall health. But its value, especially for children, extends far beyond the body. Regular physical activity can quietly shape character, teaching lessons about effort, patience, discipline and resilience that mirror how the real world works. From learning to cope with discomfort to understanding that progress takes time, exercise can become a powerful training ground for life itself.
Also Read | Chennai fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares 5 simple things to focus on for long-term fitness
Chennai-based fitness trainer with 18 years of experience, Raj Ganpath – founder of the Slow Burn Method, co-founder and head coach at Quad Fitness, and author of Simple, Not Easy – is shedding light on why exercise is important for kids, with the benefits going beyond health and fitness. In an Instagram video shared on February 27, he explains how the impact of exercise extends far beyond physical wellness, shaping resilience, discipline and long-term character development.
Embracing discomfort
According to Raj, exercise is one of the healthiest ways to help children learn how to sit with discomfort in a safe, structured and sustainable way. Life inevitably brings challenges and unease – something adults understand well – but many children today are shielded from situations that test their resilience.
He explains, “Exercise is a great way to experience this discomfort in a safe and sustainable manner. Lifting weights, holding a plank, doing cardio, repping till it burns, all of these things are opportunities to embrace discomfort, opportunities to put themselves in a place where they’re not comfortable and learn from it, opportunities to practice physical and mental resilience.”
Learning hardship
The fitness trainer emphasises that hardship is an inevitable part of life, and meaningful success often requires pushing through moments of difficulty. While most adults recognise this truth through lived experience, children may not always have the same exposure to challenge. Raj believes exercise can bridge that gap.
He elaborates, “It will teach them that they need to do hard things if they want to accomplish something. Getting through a very hard workout, setting a goal and achieving it, completing a task. All of these things are not just random chores. These are incredible opportunities – opportunities to experience hardship and build fortitude.”
Delayed gratification
In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for instant gratification is stronger than ever – and children are growing up at the centre of it. With technology, streaming platforms and 10-minute delivery services, almost everything is available at the tap of a screen. As a result, the ability to wait, persist and work steadily towards a long-term goal can easily take a back seat. Exercise, notes Raj, offers a powerful counterbalance.
He explains, “Everyone wants everything right away today. This is true for us adults too, but it is even more true for our kids because this is the only world they know. A world where everything happens right then and right there, whenever they want it, wherever they want it. Exercise will teach them to wait, to be patient, to trust the process, to fail and still keep going, to work towards something larger that they will get much later. This is a very important character building quality and will serve them well for many, many years to come.”
The fitness trainer concludes, “Exercise is not just about health and fitness. It is a simulation of life itself. A ready-made character building tool available to you to help prepare your kids for life, the raw and real life that they’re going to have to deal with no matter what. So make sure they build the habit and make sure they embrace it.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
Fitness
What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack
The World Health Organization says the average adult is supposed to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity five days a week, which sounds somewhat doable until it’s 9 p.m., your kids are finally in bed, and you just want to fall onto the couch and dissociate. But more and more people online are talking about “movement snacks” — little bite-sized amounts of exercise you can do throughout your day to meet your 60-minute goal without having to make special time for one big workout. Because yes, we all want to be our healthiest, but sometimes a HIIT class at the gym is just not in the schedule.
We asked personal trainers and fitness coaches for their favorite movement snacks you can do in the office, around the house, and on busy weekends when everyone’s home.
How much exercise is a person really supposed to get?
While the WHO recommends 60 minutes a day, the CDC is a little more lax, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. While it may feel like you’re the only one struggling to fit a workout into your daily routine, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s always been hard for most Americans. So, while movement snacks may be a cute new term we’re all hearing for the first time, fitness pros have been promoting bite-sized exercise forever.
“I work with busy professionals, so I’ve been integrating micro workouts of two to 10 minutes into my clients’ lifestyles for almost 20 years,” says Andrea Marcellus, certified personal trainer and CEO of AND/life.
The most important thing for your health isn’t getting all your daily movement done in one big, perfectly curated workout — it’s about being consistent, Marcellus says. Movement snacks can help you stay consistent because you don’t have to budget a big chunk of time; instead, you can fit something simple into your day when you have three minutes to spare. Hell, you don’t even have to change clothes or go anywhere.
“Most people think movement only counts if it’s a workout. That mindset is what keeps people sedentary. In reality, your body doesn’t care if steps come from a hike, a gym session, or pacing when you’re on a call,” says Lindy Royer, physical therapist and balanced body educator. “This is where you win the game — by stacking movement into things you’re already doing.”
Movement Snacks To Try Throughout Your Day
- Set an alarm on your phone to chime every hour — that’s what women’s fitness coach Allison Kalsched tells her clients. When it goes off, stand up and do 10 bodyweight squats. Then go back to work. When you get tired of squats, mix in walking lunges, push-ups (it’s fine if they’re modified!), or dead bugs. Throw on 30 seconds of jumping jacks or high knees for bone-building benefits, which is important for women in menopause, she adds.
- Take a micro walk. “Five minutes or 500 steps is my absolute favorite,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy, author of the forthcoming book Walk, and exercise physiologist at US Physical Therapy. “It changes mood, lowers blood pressure, boosts mental clarity, and can help you get your cumulative steps in.”
- Dance to your new favorite song with your kids or all by yourself. “Dance party was big with my kids after dinner,” Marcellus says. “It takes four to 10 mins and helps kids burn off dinner energy, while also giving parents a metabolic boost.”
- Stop and do 60 reps of any full-body exercise, like squats, lunges, or jumping jacks — this usually takes about two minutes, no matter which one you choose, Marcellus says. Or, hold a plank for one to two minutes.
- Pair walking with habits that already exist to get your steps in, like marching in place while brushing your teeth or doing a lap inside the house while your food is in the microwave. “This means you’re not adding time — you are upgrading your time,” says Royer.
- Count your housework. Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, general domestic labor — these things totally contribute to your total exercise time each day, says Royer.
- If you go up or down the stairs at home, just… do it two or three times. That little extra here and there adds up, according to Royer.
The best advice is to focus not on “how can I move right now?” but “how can I do something that isn’t sitting right now?” Royer says. “The real truth that most people ignore is that sedentary time is the real enemy, not a lack of workouts. Focus on breaking up your sitting time. Build in frequent movement snacks. You’re not looking for perfection, just something more than nothing. You don’t need more time; you actually just need more conscious efforts to move.”
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