Your gym equipment should be one of your top priorities when kitting out your home gym. After all, without the right gear, you won’t be able to work out effectively (or safely). But with so many products on the market, it can be tricky to know where to start – especially when it comes to big-ticket items like barbells.
A barbell is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can buy for your home gym. It can be used for a huge range of exercises, from squats and deadlifts to presses and rows. But, storing a barbell can be tricky. They’re long and unwieldy, and if you don’t have the right storage solution, they can take up a lot of space (and be a trip hazard).
That’s where good storage comes in, specifically a barbell shelf. A good barbell shelf will allow you to safely store your barbells (and other gym equipment) out of the way, so you can make the most of your workout space.
Not sure how to choose the perfect barbell rack for your home gym? Here are 9 quick tips for selecting suitable barbell storage.
1. Make Sure the Barbell Rack is the Right Size & Weight for Your Needs
The first thing you need to consider when choosing a barbell shelf is the size of your barbells. Barbells come in a variety of sizes, so you'll need to make sure that the shelf you choose can accommodate the size of your barbells. If you have a standard Olympic-sized barbell, you'll need a shelf that is approx 215cm long.
In addition, you'll need to consider the width of your barbells. Most shelves are designed to accommodate standard-sized barbells, but if you have a wider barbell (like a hex bar), you'll need to ensure that the shelf is wide enough. It is also important to make sure that the bar rack has a weight capacity to hold the weight/number of barbells you want to store.
2. Choose Between Wall-Mounted and Free-Standing Barbell Racks
When it comes to barbell shelves, you have two main product options: wall-mounted or free-standing. Wall-mounted barbell racks are great if you're short on space, as they take up far less room than free-standing shelves. They're also generally more affordable.
You may choose to use two types of storage if you have quite a few barbells to store, using a wall mounted option and a free standing unit for the others. There are also multi-purpose storage units worth considering. These store a number of different weights and different gym equipment in one unit saving space and cost on lots of separate storage solutions.
There is also the option to store your barbells either horizontally or vertically. Again, it is down to space and personal preference which one you opt for.
3. Consider the Material
Choose a material that is durable and easy to clean. Barbells can be quite heavy, so you'll want to make sure that the material you choose for your shelf is durable enough to support the weight of your barbells. Additionally, since barbells are often used in sweaty workouts, you'll want to choose a material that is easy to clean and won't retain moisture. Stainless steel is a great option because it's durable, easy to clean, and won't rust or corrode over time.
You can match the material of your shelf to the rest of your gym equipment for a cohesive look or choose a contrasting material to make your shelf pop. There are options for plain or coloured rack options that complement the rest of your gym decor.
4. Make Sure the Barbell Rack is Stable and Level
When looking at barbell shelves, it's important to ensure they're stable and level. You don't want your shelf tipping over when you're trying to use it, and a level surface is important for getting consistent results with your lifts. There are a few things to look for when assessing a shelf's stability.
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Base: The wider the base, the more stable the shelf will be. Look for a shelf that has a wide, flat base.
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Bolts: The bolts that connect the shelf to the wall should be high-quality and firmly tightened. Make sure that there are no loose bolts on the shelf before you use it.
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Weight Capacity: Be sure to check the weight capacity of the shelf. You don't want to overload it and risk having it collapse.
Customers may tend to overlook the importance of stability when choosing a barbell shelf. However, it is one of the most important factors to consider. An unstable or poorly made shelf can be dangerous and cause serious injury.
5. Look for a Shelf With Ample Storage Space
Your fitness goals will dictate how much storage space you need on your barbell shelf. If you only plan on using a few weights, you won't need a lot of storage space. However, if you're planning on lifting heavier weights or adding more weights to your collection over time, you'll want to make sure that the shelf has enough storage space to accommodate your needs.
The details of the storage space are also important to consider. Make sure that the shelf has enough weight pegs for all of your weights and that the pegs are spaced far enough apart so that your weights don't rub up against each other and get damaged.
6. Choose a Shelf With the Right Features
Depending on your needs, there are certain features that might be important to you when choosing a barbell shelf. For example, if you have limited space in your home gym, you might want to choose a wall-mounted shelf that folds up when not in use. Or, if you're looking for a more permanent solution, you might want to choose a free-standing shelf with built-in weight pegs.
Some other features to look for include:
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Built-in wheels for easy transport
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Adjustable height to accommodate different users
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A lip around the edge of the shelf to keep weights from rolling off
7. Consider the Space in Your Gym
Another thing to consider when choosing a barbell shelf is the space in your gym. If you have limited gym space, you will need to choose a smaller shelf. However, if you have plenty of space in your gym, you can choose a larger or free-standing shelf.
Think about how much space you have to work with and choose a shelf that fits well in your gym. You don't want it to be too small or too large.
8. Don't Forget About the Price
Of course, you also need to consider the price when choosing a barbell shelf. There is a wide range of prices for barbell shelves, so you'll need to find one that fits within your budget. However, it's important to remember that the price isn't everything. You also want to make sure that you're getting a high-quality shelf that will last for years.
Don't be afraid to spend a little extra on a shelf that you know is well-made and will last a long time. It's worth it to invest in a quality piece of equipment that you'll be able to use for years to come.
9. Ask for Recommendations
If you're still not sure which barbell shelf is right for you, ask for recommendations from friends or family members who are also into weightlifting. They might have some great suggestions that you haven't considered.
You can also check online forums and see what other weightlifters say about different shelves. This can be a great way to get unbiased opinions about the different options on the market.
Benefits of Using a Barbell Shelf
There are many benefits of using a barbell shelf in your home gym. Let's take a look at 10 of the most important benefits:
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Save space - A barbell shelf is a great way to save space in your home gym. You can free up valuable floor space for other equipment or activities by storing your barbells on a shelf.
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Stay organized - Storing your barbells on a shelf can help you stay organized and prevent them from becoming tangled or damaged.
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Protect your equipment - Keeping your barbells on a shelf can help protect them from being dropped or damaged.
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Easy to access - A barbell shelf makes it easy to grab the weights you need for your workout without having to search through a pile of equipment.
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Keeps your barbells clean - Storing your barbells on a shelf can help keep them clean and free of dirt and debris.
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Prevents rust - Storing your barbells on a shelf can help prevent them from rusting.
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Ideal for home gyms - A barbell shelf is a great addition to any home gym, providing a convenient place to store your weights and keeping them within easy reach.
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Perfect for small spaces - A barbell shelf is ideal for storing your weights in small spaces
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Easy to assemble - Most barbell shelves are easy to assemble, with no special tools or equipment required.
As you can see, there are many benefits of using a barbell shelf in your home gym. A barbell shelf is a great option if you are looking for a convenient and space-saving way to store your weights.
FAQs About Barbell Shelves
What is a barbell shelf?
A barbell shelf is a type of weightlifting equipment that allows you to store your barbells safely and securely. It is typically made from metal or plastic, and has slots or pegs on which you can place your barbells. These are sometimes attachments which can be added to existing Squat and Power Racks or they can come as a complete storage unit or wall mounted attachment.
Why would I need a barbell shelf?
A barbell shelf can be extremely beneficial if you are a weightlifter. It can help you keep your barbells organised and tidy and protect your floor from damage caused by the weight of the barbells.
What is the best material for a barbell shelf?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some weightlifters prefer metal shelves because they are durable and sturdy. Others prefer plastic shelves because they are lighter and easier to move around. Ultimately, the best material for a barbell shelf is the one that meets your needs and preferences.
What is the best way to clean a barbell?
A mild soap and water solution is the best way to clean a barbell. You should avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish of the barbell.
Conclusion
We hope these tips were helpful in guiding you through the process of choosing the best barbell shelf for your home or commercial gym. Investing in a quality barbell rack not only prolongs the life of your equipment and makes it more efficient to use and maintain, it also adds an attractive feature to your gym, showcasing your equipment in its best light.
You may also be interested in reading:
Why a Squat Rack is One of the Most Valuable Additions to your Home Gym