Barbells are one of the heaviest, most ungainly, most expensive items in your gym. Protect them, and the people around them.
Check Your Floor and Walls First
Remember a standard barbell weighs around 20kg, and that is before you start loading up the storage racks. Check with RICS for safe load-bearing limits in domestic buildings before fixing anything to your walls.
Choose Wall-Mounted or Freestanding
Wall-mounted holders save space and keep your bars at hand, just be sure to fix them securely to walls. A freestanding rack would be more suitable for a rented property as they are easily moved and do not require any fixing to walls. Ensure the rack has a stable base and check the ceiling height to ensure the rack does not obstruct it.
Orient Horizontal Racks Carefully
Position the bar within the horizontal rack cradles so that the centre of the bar’s knurling is between the cradles and not resting on them to avoid damaging the knurling over time.
Protect the Sleeves
Store your bars away from concrete floors to avoid damage to the barbell’s sleeves. Even brief contact can cause minor pitting and promote rust. Rubber-lined cradles cost almost nothing to implement and make a huge difference.
Keep Collars and Plates Together
Another factor to store is your collars. These should be stored on a dedicated peg or hook, right next to your barbell storage. This will prevent them from being lost or causing a trip hazard on the floor. Barbell Storage is covered in more detail at https://uk.repfitness.com/collections/barbell-storage/.
A bit of planning upfront can save a lot of stress in the long run!
