If you are thinking about creating your own home gym or already have one, I ask you, have you considered purchasing, or do you currently own, a power rack? It sounds like something from a DIY program, but is actually a rather simple but hugely beneficial piece of equipment.
Of course, you don't have to have a power rack; but having one can make such a massive difference to your training prospects and progress that if you can afford one and have the space - you should get one.
I'm sure you are aware of a squat rack.
Well, a power rack is something similar, though a cage which completely surrounds the lifter - from the back, front, sides and above.
Inside the power rack, located to the left and right of the lifter are two horizontal bars which can be moved up and down through the entire height of the rack.
These bars are the primary function of the power rack - allowing for the lifter to adjust a fail safe height, so any exercise they are doing they can do so without fear of becoming trapped under the bar or dropping the bar on themselves.
Working out at home can be dangerous if you aren't careful, so power racks are a piece of equipment that allow you to push yourself as hard as you can without the fear of biting off more than you can chew.
Power racks also provide other benefits such as allowing the person to do chin ups and pull ups, and using resistance bands tied to the bottom of the rack, or even the top for different pressing and pulling resistance.
Power racks tend to be a few feet higher than the average person, so a room of adequate height is needed - particularly if you intend on using the power rack for chin ups or pull ups as your head will need to clear the height from which you are pulling.
However, there are also smaller racks, sometimes known as half racks or open top racks, which provide the functionality the power rack was originally intended for - a fail safe during heavy lifting - yet don't have the great height so fit nicely into rooms or garages with rather low roofs.