Are you planning to use your claustrophobic cellar as a work out room?
Or maybe you’re just worried that your new exercise equipment would look like a big Eiffel tower inside your little bedroom?
Either way, you are probably looking for a short Power Rack, engineered to fit even rooms with low ceilings.
You know what?
I’ve done all the hard work for you:
I have read through dozens of pages with specs, evaluated tons of strengths and weaknesses, and dug through hundreds of user reviews – all to find out what is the best short power rack for low ceilings.
Here’s a quick look at the top three short power rack models:
- TITAN T-2 Series Short Power Rack (EDITORS CHOICE)
- CAP Barbell Full Cage Power Rack (AFFORDABLE CHOICE)
- Rep Short Power Rack – PR-1050 (PREMIUM CHOICE)
Now, let’s dive headfirst into the meat and potatoes!
Contents
- 1 The Best Short Sized Power Racks for Low Ceiling Areas: Comparison Table
- 2 Buyers Guide to Purchasing a Short Power Rack for Low Ceilings
- 3 Power Racks for Short Ceilings FAQ
- 4 2024’s Reviews of the Best Short Power Rack for Low Ceilings
- 5 Final Words: Finding the Perfect Power Rack for Your Low Ceiling Room
- 6 Other Helpful Resources
The Best Short Sized Power Racks for Low Ceiling Areas: Comparison Table
- Smart Compact Design
- Excellent Value!
- Super-Easy Assembly
- High Stability Design
- High Quality at Affordable Price!
- Added Safety Features for Safe Use
- Extreme Durability
- High Maximum Weight Capacity
- Packed With Features Neat!
- Smart Compact Design
- Excellent Value!
- Super-Easy Assembly
- High Stability Design
- High Quality at Affordable Price!
- Added Safety Features for Safe Use
- Extreme Durability
- High Maximum Weight Capacity
- Packed With Features Neat!
Buyers Guide to Purchasing a Short Power Rack for Low Ceilings
Before we jump into my list, it’s best if you look through my buying guide. It’s smart to know what you’re looking for before you buy it, isn’t it?
Oh, by the way: If you are also considering a normal-sized rack – check out my best power rack for home gyms reviews.
Now:
You need to think about many things when buying a power rack, especially one for a low ceiling.
Some of these features include:
Your Ceiling Height
Of course, you need to measure your ceiling height before buying a power rack.
Getting one that’s too tall will only end up in a refund…
While most homes can easily accommodate standard-sized power racks, if you’ve got an unusual structure, you need a different-sized power rack.
Measuring your ceiling height is pretty easy, though:
Just make sure you measure from the absolute bottom of the floor (if you’ve got an uneven surface). Also, take into account the space you’ll need to perform full-range exercises.
I recommend leaving at least one foot of space above the equipment, so even if you’re doing pull-ups, you won’t bump your head on the ceiling.
Frame Quality
If your rack has good support, it means that you have a safe and sturdy foundation when exercising.
But here’s the question:
How do you know if a power rack has good support?
A tall height isn’t necessarily the answer…
For one, the overall construction of the equipment must be of good quality. The best rated power racks are made with premium-grade steel.
Check the thickness of the steel to make sure your equipment is safe to use. Thickness is measured in gauges, and the lesser the gauge, the thicker the steel.
This might sound confusing, but it isn’t. I recommend going for an eleven gauge steel rack, especially if you’re using the rack in a commercial gym.
Secondly, look at the racks weight capacity. The weight capacity will tell you how durable the power rack is.
And you want a rack that lasts for years, right?
Adjustability
Adjustability refers to the increments you have in a power rack.
This is a significant factor when buying a power rack!
Any expert will tell you that the more increments you have in a power rack, the more control and versatility you have.
Consequently, high adjustability also gives you good support.
If you have more increments, you can exercise more precisely as you have more room for improvement. Additionally, more increments make it easier for you to insert attachments or J-hooks.
Rack Type
The rack types are another vital feature to explore. You can choose from four basic types of power racks:
- Full cages,
- compact racks,
- squat stands,
- and collapsible racks.
Confusing?
Don’t worry, let me explain a little more…
Collapsible racks and squat stands are easy to both store and use. They’re perfect options for a small-sized home gym.
However, if you’re interested in full-range exercises, you should get one of the first two.
Moreover, if you’ve got a low ceiling, you’re better off with a compact rack than a full cage rack. The reason for this is that full cages take up the most space. Although they also provide the most versatility…
Don’t worry, though.
If you want high versatility, it’s not impossible to find a full cage power rack for low ceilings!
You’ll find some tremendous full cage racks in this list that can meet your size criteria.
Read on…
Power Racks for Short Ceilings FAQ
Are you getting impatient?
Well hold on a little bit more…
Before digging deep into the top models – let us look at some frequently asked questions:
What is The Best Power Rack to Buy?
The million dollar question…
Since you are reading this article, I suppose you are looking for rack suited low ceiling rooms. In that case the Titan T-2 Short Power Rack is absolutely one of the best out there!
On the other hand, if the height of your sealing is not an issue – the PowerLine by Body-Solid Power Rack (PPR200X) is my personal favorite.
How Tall Should my Power Rack be?
How tall your power rack should be depends on a variety of factors:
- What is the ceiling height of the room you are going to use the rack?
- What is your height?
- Are the rack going to be permanently installed, or should you be able to move it around?
For a low ceiling room, I recommend a height of a maximum of 72 inches.
Can you Deadlift in a Power Rack?
Doing deadlifts in a power rack works like a charm.
Hey!
You do not even need a power rack to do deadlifts!
As long as you own a barbell, some weights, and a thick mat to place underneath – that really is all you need.
You if you are planning to store the barbell and weights on the rack frame – be sure the maximum weight capacity is high enough to handle the weight!
Do All Power Racks Come With a Pull Up Bar?
All of the racks come with a pull up bar – or some other possibility to do your pull-ups. Either it’s a dedicated pull-up bar or just a solid top frame – they are both excellent for pull-ups.
2024’s Reviews of the Best Short Power Rack for Low Ceilings
Now that you know what features to look for, and have learned the answers to the most frequently asked questions – it’s time to move on to the review section…
Let’s get started.
Here are my reviews of the best short power racks for low ceilings:
TITAN FITNESS Short Power Rack T-2 Series (THE EDITORS CHOICE)
First off, we have the Titan T-2 Series Power Rack… Let’s take a look at the review:
If you’re not familiar with Titan, it’s a very popular and in-demand fitness brand. Started over ten years ago, the company sells and distributes high-quality strength-building equipment, including:
- Power racks,
- benches,
- weight plates,
- Pull up bars,
- and specialty machines (both for lower and upper body).
The Titan T-2 is a versatile, full-cage power rack.
It’s for those serious about their strength training, having a weight capacity of more than 700 pounds.
That should do it, right?
Moreover, it’s a very short and adjustable power rack with a height of 71.5 inches (which is the same as five feet and nine inches). Therefore, it can easily fit inside a low ceiling room while still maintaining enough stability for heavyweights!
Speaking of stability, the construction is made with 11-gauge steel, so you know it’s a pretty sturdy and durable piece of equipment.
If you need something for hardcore training sessions, this is the stand to get!
All professional trainers out there, get this:
The Titan T-2 has 21 different bar increments and extendable feet. It’s a highly versatile product, perfect for military presses, bench presses, squats, and so on.
In sum, its specifications include a maximum 700-pound weight capacity, a 71.5 inch height, a 44 inches opening, and a 48 by 58 inches floor space.
In other words, the perfect power rack for small spaces!
THE PROS
- Great value for money
- Easy to assemble
- Good footing and balance
- Made from heavy-duty steel
- Dual pull-up bar
THE CONS
- Some issues with alignment
- No warranty
- The metal frame requires frequent sanding
CAP Barbell Full Cage Power Rack (THE AFFORDABLE CHOICE)
Next up, we here’s the review of the highly affordable CAP Barbell Full Cage Power Rack.
Founded in 1994, CAP Barbell is a world-leader in gym and fitness equipment. The company, based in Houston, Texas, provides both commercial and home-based gym owners with high-performance cardio and strength-building machines and accessories.
The CAP Barbell Rack is about 43.62 inches wide, 47.5 inches deep, and 72 inches tall.
With 12-gauge steel construction, this stand easily handles a maximum weight of 500 pounds!
Therefore, it provides you with a solid foundation for doing all sorts of exercises, including squats, overhead presses, curls, shrugs, deadlifts, pullups, and many more.
This full-cage rack even takes your safety a step further with its chrome-mounted safety bars:
The bars are easy to grasp and are locked in with steel bolts. Moreover, the power rack comes with two external lock-in safety bars as an added safety measure.
Unlike cheaper racks, this one has anchor holes, which also adds a layer of stability. You can rest assured that this power rack is both high in quality and affordable.
And here is a bonus point for you:
The CAP Barbell rack has a great look as well! With its powder-coat finish and bold color combinations, you can look as well as feel good during a workout.
Nice!
THE PROS
- Solid bench pressing platform (easily handles 225)
- Great product for its price range
- Easily fits into garage or basement
- Cool looking red pull-up bar
THE CONS
- Cannot be drilled into the ground
- Assembly needs at least two persons
- Increment range is a little short
Rep Short Power Rack – PR-1050 (THE PREMIUM CHOICE)
One of the most reliable products on the market, the Rep PR-1050 Short Power Rack is a great choice for serious fitness buffs!
In this review, I’ll tell you exactly why:
It’s made by Rep Fitness, a family-run company based in Denver, Colorado. It was founded in 2012 and has been selling multi-functional, commercial gym machinery ever since.
Believe it or not, with a whopping weight capacity of 1000 pounds, the Rep PR-1050 Rack is undoubtedly one for the books.
It has 11-gauge steel construction and many safety features, including extendable j-cups, a dual pull up bar, and built-in weight storage.
Additionally, the hole spacing is two inches apart, making the increments highly sensitive. As a result, you can strength train exceptionally precisely. Like the Cap Barbell, it’s almost 72 inches tall, making it a perfect choice for low-ceiling basements.
The Rep PR-1050 is lined with a matte powder finish, which helps keep off wear and rust. Therefore, you can be sure your purchase will last you a long while…
However, be warned:
While the entire package does come with the standard dual pull up bar and fat grip, it doesn’t include the bench or dip attachment. These will have to be purchased separately…
THE PROS
- Even great for relatively tall people
- Lasts for years to come without wear
- Helpful and prompt customer service
- Built from high level materials
THE CONS
- Hard to read instructions
- The hex bolts are difficult to wrench
- Post holes are vaguely marked
Final Words: Finding the Perfect Power Rack for Your Low Ceiling Room
On the face of it, it may seem tricky to find the best short power racks…
However, after reading my list and buying guide, I hope your search has come to an end!
Make no mistake about it – the power racks on this list come highly recommended by users and even experts. The brand I’ve listed are some of the top ones on the market, so you know what you’re getting are high-quality and reliable products.
If the measurements match your low ceiling, I urge you to give these racks a shot as they fit most of the criteria I’ve listed in my buying guide:
- If you are stacked with dollars, Rep Short Rack PR-1050 should be your choice.
- Low on cash? The CAP Barbell Full Cage Power Rack is the answer to your prayers.
- Or if you are an average fitness enthusiast like me – TITAN T-2 Series Short Power Rack ticks all the boxes!
There are also tons of other excellent exercise equipment for rooms with low ceilings. Check them out by visiting my massive at-home exercise and fitness archive, LOADED with actionable tips and gym equipment reviews!
See you there.
If you have a question you would like to ask me – please feel free to reach out!