Power Cages, Their Role in Your Home Gym

You've probably seen power cages at your local gym. They are typically 4 steel rods connecting from a steel base (on the floor) to a steel top that is 6 feet or more from the base. The primary function of the power cage is to act as a spotter for barbell exercises. Think of a power cage as your insurance policy in case something goes wrong.

When you stand in the cage, there will be 2 adjustable steel bars to the left and right of you. Before you start your exercise, you set these 2 bars to the proper height for your exercise. If you can't handle the weight while in the power cage, maneuver your body in a way so you can safely let go of the weight. The idea is that the weight will fall and be caught by the bars you set on the power cage. This is a great way to avoid being crushed to death by your weights.

Many people like to use the power cages to reach exercise failure. Even if you're not big on exercise failure, something could happen during your exercise causing you to let go of the weight (ie, maybe a tendon or rotator cuff doesn't feel right during the exercise or you get a muscle cramp).

If you workout with heavy barbells and have no spotter in your home gym, you should seriously consider a power cage. It will make your home gym safer and give you the confidence to train with heavy weights.

Have Fun, Be Fit!
"Functional Marc"