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Sorry that we have to start the article with a tired cliché, but always remember that the best 2x2 power rack attachment is the one that you will actually use.
Got it? Good!
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s briefly discuss this topic in a more…useful manner.
The best rack attachments are undoubtedly those that add the most functionality to your training. If a sub-$200 accessory can replicate what an entire (expensive) standalone machine can do, all the better.
We’re going to assume that you already have a capable 2x2 power rack with a pull-up bar and a cable pulley system. We’re also going to assume you‘re interested in the attachments that would help you maximize the major movement patterns that comprise the most popular lifting regimens (upper body pulling and pushing, lower body variety).
With these assumptions and priorities in mind, let’s jump into the 5 best 2x2 power rack attachments to accelerate your home training gains.
The Hack Squat Attachment
Having access to even the most basic squat rack allows you to perform the undisputed “king” of lower body lifts.
The barbell back squat.
You can really improve your leg strength by squatting alone. However, as functional and beneficial as this movement is, it’s pretty much where a power rack’s lower body capabilities end.
The hack squat attachment solves this problem.
Key Exercises it Facilitates
- Hack Squats (Traditional and Single leg)
- Calf Raises (Traditional and Single leg)
What it Does
Besides simply facilitating “another leg exercise”, a hack squat attachment provides a guided lower body pressing movement that is more stable than free weight exercises. This allows you to focus more on pressing the weight as opposed to worrying about stabilizing it (Schwanbeck, Chilibeck, & Binsted, 2009).
Hack squat attachments also allow you to perform multiple variations of calf raises, only requiring slight set-up adjustments and a different movement pattern.
The Weight Stack
A weight stack attachment, whether a dual stack or a single one, doesn’t provide any additional specific exercise functionality. Instead, it significantly accentuates a number of existing power rack movements.
Arguably the most ambitious 2x2 power rack attachment, a weight stack instantly makes workouts more convenient and can greatly increase the available resistance for pulley system exercises.
What it Does
Linking your rack’s cable pulley system to a weight stack attachment allows you to immediately access the stack’s numerous resistance levels. If you opt for a stack with weight horns/carriages, plates can be stacked on to add even more resistance to each exercise.
A weight stack attachment makes changing resistance really easy. A quick pin adjustment can add (or subtract) over 100 pounds, making it the ideal accessory for drop set work and for group training with lifters of different experience levels.
The Lat Pulldown Attachment
In the previous section, we discussed how power racks facilitate the best lower body exercise (squat). The same can be said for upper body pulling movements as most racks are equipped with a pull-up bar.
The cable pulley system that many racks are equipped with can facilitate several effective pulling movements, but all of these are a bit of a drop off when compared to most pull-up variations.
A lat pulldown attachment opens up a host of pulling movements…with some added extras thrown in for good measure.
Key Exercises it Facilitates
- Lat pulldowns (wide, narrow, and V-Bar)
- Straight-arm pulldowns
- Face pulls
- Kneeling cable crunches
What it Does
The lat pulldown attachment promotes some of the most effective pulling movements (ex. lat pulldown, straight-arm pulldowns, face pulls) and even core movements like kneeling cable crunches.
Most lat pulldown attachments are equipped with a leg holder attachment. This provides the requisite stability for heavier pulldown sets that basic cable pulley systems are unable to replicate.
Rotary Cable Arms
The last of the attachments designed to expand power racks’ pulley systems, rotary cable arms significantly increase these cables’ range of motion.
The height and angles of “tornado-style” rotary cable arms allow for almost complete freedom of movement in comparison to fixed pulley systems.
Key Exercises they Facilitate
- Rotational core work
- Bayesian curls
- Angled triceps pushdowns
What they Do
Rotary cable arms transform the more “two-dimensional” capabilities of cable pulley systems into a “three-dimensional” lifting experience. They allow each cable to move at 360-degree angles, significantly expanding the possible movement patterns for every cable exercise (Behm & Anderson, 2006).
Lever Arms
Lever arms are the most “replacing an entire machine” attachments on this list, facilitating a multitude of heavy pressing movements.
Each arm is independently loaded, effectively removing the need for a barbell for numerous variations of the most effective chest and shoulder exercises.
Key Exercises they Facilitate
- Jammer Press
- Chest Press
- Shoulder Press
What they Do
Lever arms allow you to perform pressing movements without having to balance a barbell or dumbbells. This makes them ideal for facilitating high intensity sets (close to or at failure) and for solo workout sessions.
Because each lever arm moves independently, they are effective tools for single arm work or when rehabbing an injured or recovering arm.
What to Look for in 2x2 Power Rack Attachments
It probably goes without saying, but the first and most important thing to confirm with any rack attachment is compatibility. Check and double-check your own rack as well as the attachments you’ve got your eye on to ensure they will fit each other.
(You clicked on an article specifically discussing 2x2 power rack attachments so…you’re likely already on the right track!)
You also need to carefully consider the size of each attachment. Items like weight stack attachments are heavy, but take up very little space. In contrast, a hack squat attachment sticks out far from the rack, effectively doubling its footprint when in use. If you’re lifting with limited space, larger pieces may not be practical, if even possible.
Finally, consider “nice-to-have” items vs. “necessities”. For example, if you need to expand your “leg day” horizons beyond barbell training, a hack squat attachment (or even a vertical leg press attachment, an “honorable mention” item) is a non-negotiable purchase.
5 Best 2x2 Power Rack Attachments
With the power rack attachments we’ve discussed today, you’ve got a lot of bases covered:
- Upper body pulling: Lat pulldown Attachment
- Upper body pressing: Lever Arms
- Upper body variety: Rotary Cable Arms
- Lower body variety: Hack Squat Attachment
- All-around Convenience: Weight Stack(s)
Arguably, this “stack” is sufficient for creating a commercial gym training experience in your home gym.
Of course, you may not want or need all five of these options. However, starting with even one or two of them can completely transform your training experience.
(In a good way!)
References
- Behm, D. G., & Anderson, K. G. (2006). The role of instability with resistance training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 20(3), 716–722.
- Schwanbeck, S., Chilibeck, P. D., & Binsted, G. (2009). A comparison of free weight squat to Smith machine squat using electromyography. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(9), 2588–2591.
