Rack and multi-press

Racks and multi presses are both fitness machines used in strength training routines. They offer different ways to train different muscle groups in the body.

Rack (also known as power rack or squat rack)
A rack is a sturdy metal frame with adjustable safety bars or J-hooks that are used to hold a barbell during exercise. It is mainly used for exercises such as squats, bench presses, shoulder presses and deadlifts. The rack provides a safe environment to train with heavy weights as the safety bars prevent the barbell from falling to the floor if the strength of the trainee decreases.

Multi press
A multi press is a device that looks similar to a rack, but has a fixed guide rail. The barbell is mounted in the rail and can only be moved vertically up or down. With 3D racks such as the Hoist Mi7 multi press, the bar can also be moved forwards and backwards. Unlike the rack, there is no lateral freedom of movement. The multi press is mainly used for exercises such as bench presses, shoulder presses and sometimes squats. It offers a more stable and guided movement compared to the free barbell, which can be particularly beneficial for beginners or people with injuries.

The rack allows greater freedom of movement and requires more stability and body control as there is no guide bar. It is well suited to building functional strength and training the stabilising muscles. The multi press, on the other hand, offers a controlled movement and can be useful for people who are new to strength training or have specific injuries. It isolates specific muscle groups better and reduces the risk of injury from uncontrolled movements.

The choice between a rack and a multi press depends on personal goals, experience level and individual preference. It is also possible to combine exercises with free weights and a multi press to benefit from the advantages of both training methods.