The home gym is the dream of every iron addict, and one can shop through the website of PRx Performance like fashionistas might a clothing store. Made famous on the February 21, 2016 episode of ABC’s Shark Tank, the company was actually created by two CrossFit enthusiasts who wanted to make wall-mounted folding squat racks for those lacking large garages. And from that simple idea was born a small company that has grown to now offer strength training equipment ranging from folding squat racks to entire home gym packages, bars and plates to boot.Very much now a rival to companies like Rogue Fitness and French Fitness, the PRx Performance team not only offers equipment but home gym planning and calculators, blogs and pictures.
See our review below with some of the best equipment packages offered by the PRx Performance team, complete with specs and pricing.
Specifications
Rating:
Our Rating
96/100
If one wants to build a home gym, there’s great reason to check into the PRx Performance community. What started out as a CrossFit outfitter has grown into much more, and whether one needs barbells, plates, a folding squat rack, or a full-blown gym, the group has much to offer. Another big plus for this group is the consultation offered. From construction and structural needs to blogs and a social media community, the PRx Performance group is quite thorough. All of these types of items can be purchased online individually, but where this provider really stands out in the construction-related advice. That said, as young a group as it is, it’s making for a good match-up to other niche providers of strength training equipment, like Rogue Fitness.
Pros:
- High-quality, Made-in-the-USA products with satisfaction guarantee
- Products designed to accommodate smaller spaces and budgets
- Prices are reasonable across the catalogue
- Solid, informative consultation regarding construction and assembly
- Full scale of offerings within this market, from single racks to gym sets
Cons:
- Catalogue is deep in offerings, but narrow in categories (Mostly rack-based)
The Packages
From the very basics up to entire packages, we’ve picked five representative units offered by PRx Performance. Whether one is seeking a simple folding squat rack for their apartment, or an entire garage full of gear suited for either a men’s or women’s high-level CrossFit competitor, these are our picks.
PRx Wall-Mounted Fold-In Murphy Squat Rack
A very basic model for those seeking solid engineering in tight places, the Murphy actually brings a whopping 1,000-pound weight capacity to the iron game. And let’s face it, if someone is repping out more than 1,000 pounds on their squats, they’re Powerlifting Hall of Famers with pro sponsorships. The big question customers with this model will have revolve around the flooring and walls they plan to use. To that extent, the purchase comes with solid advice on installation requirements, and 16- or 24-inch on-center studs are needed.
Built around two, 90-inch tall uprights made of 2×3-inch 14-gauge steel, the unit features front-side, 5/8-inch hole spacing at 2 inches. Folded, the rack measures 49- x 90- x 6.75-inches, expanding out from 6.75- to 27.5 inches. Included in the purchase is a 1.25-inch in diameter pull-up bar, two J-Cups, and all necessary mounting equipment. At $499, this is a competitive buy.
Pros
- Priced right
- Fits in small locations
- Great weight capacity
- Easy installation
Cons
- No frills
- Users will need some kind of carpet to protect floor from feet
Profile Squat Rack with Multi-Grip Bar
A next-step model of squat rack, which does not fold into the wall, is the Profile with a multi-grip pull-up bar. With a 1,000-pound weight capacity, this unit has a more permanent feel as it doesn’t fold into the wall, and could double as a barbell storage rack.
Also built around two 90-inch uprights, one big difference in this model from the Murph that it’s constructed from 2×3-inch 11-gauge steel as opposed to 14-gauge. The heavier gauge of steel adds a bit more certainty to the game in terms of using the pull-up bar for weighted moves. Also sporting front-side, 2-inch spaced, 5/8-inch holes, the unit comes with two 2×3-inch J-Cups and all mounting equipment.
The biggest benefit to full-body workout fans would be the 42-inch pull-up bar with a 7-inch handle, and four grip options: Narrow neutral, 4.75 inches; angled, 13 inches; wide neutral, 24 inches; and wide, 35 inches. This, coupled with the heavier steel, means weighted pull-ups with either chains or vests would be most doable. The $999 price is primarily reflective of the heavier gauge steel.
Pros
- Heavier gauge steel
- Fits in small locations
- Great pull-up bar
- Great weight capacity
- Easy installation
Cons
- We’d still like to see some kind of floor protection
Profile PRO Squat Rack with Multi-Grip Bar
Next up the ladder is the Profile PRO Squat Rack with Multi-Grip Bar, offered in either 90-inch or 96-inch height options. The unit also comes in 10 different colors, including orange, gray, red, blue, and green. Built around two, 3×3-inch, 11-gauge steel uprights, the rack features front-side, 1-inch holes with 2-inch spacing, and then 5/8-inch holes spaced six inches on the sides. With a 1,000-pound weight rating, the rack comes with two heavy-duty J-Cups and all mounting equipment and hardware.
The rack’s multi-grip bar measures 42 inches in length, 1.25 inches in diameter, and 7 inches at the handle. Grip options include: Narrow neutral, 4.75 inches; angled, 13 inches; wide neutral, 24 inches; and wide, 35 inches.
With bigger uprights measuring 3×3-inch, the 11-gauge steel can support more weight and options in terms of pull-ups, rack pulls, deadlifts, and overhead presses. The extra spacing holes on the sides offer more options here. Definitely designed for a more permanent location, it still requires very little space relative to its 1,000-pound weight rating, hence the $1,299 price.
Pros
- Great steel quality and sizing
- Fits in small locations
- Added placement holes on the side increase options
- Easy installation
Cons
- A little pricier
- Will require some floor considerations
Women’s Elite Home Gym Package
Ever bearing in mind that the PRx Performance founders were CrossFit competitors, it’s great to see the nod they give to women’s fitness here as there some different sizes offered in terms of barbells. Female competitors in that sport, as well as various Strongwoman/Strongman Games, do in fact use different sized bars for the games. To get good at any sport, one must practice with the tools in question, making this a great set-up which would in fact challenge any man as well.
The rack itself is built from two, 3×3-inch, 11-gauge steel uprights, at either 90- or 96-inches in height. Ten color options are also offered with this package. Basically a Profile PRO Squat Rack with the same multi-grip pull-up bar, the uprights feature front-side, 1-inch holes spaced at 2 inches, with 5/8-inch holes spaced 6 inches on the sides. The rack includes two heavy-duty J-Cups and all the mounting equipment and hardware needed for a 1,000-pound weight rating.
The real deal comes in the goodies, which include a:
- PRx Profile® Flat Folding Bench
- Profile® PRO Squat Rack with Multi-Grip Bar & J-Cups
- Women’s Olympic Elite Bar – Black Zinc (15 kg)
- 160lb Crumb Rubber Plates – (2) 45lb, (2) 25lb, (2) 10lb
- PRO Dip Station with Storage
- PRO Spotter Arms with Storage
- Hanging Single Bar Storage
- 3-Peg Weight Storage w/ Weight Wing Extension
- AbMat with Storage
- 14lb PRx Medicine Ball with Storage
- 16kg PRx Kettlebell with Storage
- Landmine Attachment
- Soft-Sided Plyo Box
- Mobility Band Bundle with Storage
- RPM Session Jump Rope
- (1) Pair Lock Jaw Olympic 2 Collars
Men’s Elite Home Gym Package
Very similar to the women’s package, this set-up also brings with it a Profile PRO Squat Rack with Multi-Grip Bar. Again, with the founders of the brand very CrossFit conscious, the individual pieces make great matches for athletes in that sport, all the while giving anyone a thorough session.
The Men’s Elite Home Gym Package includes:
- PRx Profile® Flat Folding Bench
- Profile® PRO Squat Rack with Multi-Grip Bar & J-Cups
- Men’s Olympic Elite Bar – Black Zinc (20 kg)
- 230lb Crumb Rubber Plates – (2) 45lb, (2) 35lb, (2) 25lb, (2) 10lb
- PRO Dip Station with Storage
- PRO Spotter Arms with Storage
- Hanging Single Bar Storage
- 4-Peg Weight Storage w/ Weight Wing Extension
- AbMat with Storage
- 20lb Medicine Ball with Storage
- 24kg PRx Kettlebell with Storage
- Landmine Attachment
- Soft-Sided Plyo Box
- Mobility Band Bundle with Storage
- RPM Session Jump Rope
- (1) Pair Lock Jaw Oly 2 Collars
As with the women’s package, customers can mix and match the offerings to change the base price of $3,892.82.
Pros
- Great for CrossFit or any other training
- Fits well in small space
- Fair pricing considering one can mix and match
- Solid gear
Cons
- Assembly and construction costs will be a consideration
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does PRx Performance just sell racks?
No, actually the group sells conditioning, strength, and other related fitness equipment as well. - How long does shipping take for PRx Performance equipment?
Built to order, most products are out the door in two to three days. - Where can I buy these units?
Purchases can either be made online, or at select retail locations. - If I want to build out my own gym, where do I start?
A consultation can be scheduled, or one can follow the guides offered online in terms of space measurement and construction planning. - What should I know before I buy a folding squat rack?
Probably the first consideration is the type of wall and floor involved. What kind of stud spacing does one have, and what kind of ground support. - Is this equipment easy to install?
That all depends on what one calls easy and what units they buy. That said, written instructions with pictures are available, as well as videos to help.
Warranty & Guarantee
All PRx Performance equipment carries with it a limited lifetime warranty and customer satisfaction guarantees.
Conclusion
All in all, the PRx Performance teams brings a great catalogue of gear and equipment well suited to be shopped against Rogue Fitness and French Fitness. We’d give the edge to PRx Performance when it comes to fitting a gym into smaller, less traditional spaces, as that’s what the group was born to do. That said, as a young company their catalogue doesn’t have all the bells and whistles as other online competitors, but there’s no questioning the quality of the materials.