CrossFit Rig and Power Rack: Professional Buying Guide 2026

Installing a CrossFit rig or a power rack is one of the larger single capital decisions a gym makes. The structure is versatile enough to carry a whole programme of movements, and in most boxes and training halls it ends up being the physical centre of the room. This guide sets out how to choose the system that actually fits your floor, your ceiling and your class sizes.

The main types of rig and rack

Squat cage (power rack): a closed structure on four uprights, designed for heavy strength work – squat, bench press and pull-ups. Best suited to individual use or small-group training.

Wall-mounted rig: fixed to the wall, this layout saves floor space while still offering a wide range of exercises. The right answer for small facilities and coaching studios.

Freestanding rig: an independent structure allowing training on all four sides. Depending on its configuration it can take several athletes at once.

Modular rig: a scalable system that accepts added elements over time – pull-up bars, ring hangers, platforms – as the programme grows. It allows the investment to be staged across several budget years.

In practice, most commercial projects come down to a choice between a compact station and a full structure. Our squat racks and power racks cover the first case, the CrossFit rigs range the second, and wall-mounted CrossFit rigs are the option when floor area is the binding constraint.

The selection criteria that matter

Steel quality: specify a minimum section of 60 x 60 mm with a 3 mm wall thickness for professional structures. Resistance under heavy loading depends directly on it.

Surface treatment: shot blasting followed by epoxy paint or galvanising gives lasting protection against corrosion and against the scratching that loaded barbells inflict daily.

Fixings: for wall-mounted rigs, check compatibility with your wall build-up before ordering. Chemical anchors are the recommended solution in concrete, and the substrate should be confirmed on site rather than assumed from the drawings.

Modularity: choose a system with standardised hole spacing so that accessories – J-hooks, safety bars, resistance band pegs – can be added later without replacing the frame.

Indoor training equipment for commercial premises falls under EN ISO 20957-1 class S, the class intended for supervised professional use. Ask for the declaration alongside the technical drawing when you compare offers.

Frequently asked questions

Wall-mounted or freestanding?

It depends on the available floor area and on the wall. A wall-mounted rig frees up circulation space but requires a structurally sound wall and suitable anchors; a freestanding rig imposes no wall constraint and allows 360-degree training.

What steel section should be specified?

A minimum of 60 x 60 mm in 3 mm thickness for professional structures, as set out above.

Can a rig be extended later?

Yes, provided you start with a modular system with standardised perforations. That is the main reason to check hole spacing before signing.

Does the rig need a specific floor underneath?

Loaded barbell zones and drop areas need a floor specified for impact, which is decided together with the rig rather than after it.

Equip your facility with professional-grade structures

The choice of rig or rack deserves the time it takes: this equipment sits at the heart of your activity for many years. Investing in a professional-grade structure is what guarantees user safety and the long-term viability of the installation.

Light In Fitness supplies a full range of CrossFit rigs, power racks and modular structures, and works with operators on the layout and configuration of the training area.