Westside Barbell style spacing on lower portion of rack enables precise adjustments on bench press (top portion has 50 mm for squat positioning). This might seem minor, but if you’re lifting heavy by yourself it’s important to be able to make these small adjustments for the safety spotter arms so you can get a full-range of motion while also ensuring you don’t injure yourself if you over-estimate your own strength and reach failure on rep 5 of a heavy 6-rep set.

The J-hooks have thick neoprene rubber coat to protect your barbell. The holes are 5/8 and so you could add on other accessories from Rogue and other brands, although not Hammer Strength. The Safety-spotter arms are made of durable steel and can double as barbell holder for doing rows.

The adjustable bench is as good as other top benches I’ve used from Rep and Rogue. It’s easy to move, easy to adjust, super comfortable and very stable.

Converting from rack to bed does only take a few minutes: you fold the plate holders in, unhook the legs and pull the mattress down (It can fit all common sizes, visit Pivot’s mattress advice page for specific specs). The vertical legs of the rack serve as the central support of the bed frame. And to reverse, you push the mattress up, fold in the legs, and unfurl the racks legs, and plates holder.

I’ve used the Pivot rack for 4 months and am very satisfied and have increased my barbell bench press by 30 pounds already. Although there is some minor lateral movement, the rack feels super sturdy whether you’re doing bench press or squatting and you can slam the barbell into the J-hooks with no fear.

It’s also easy and efficient to change the height of the J-hooks and safety-spotter arms by tilting them to one side and pulling them out. The numbering on the racks makes remembering your positions easy, especially if you’re sharing the rack with your partner or kids. The included adjustable steel bench has seven positions: 12° decline, flat, and 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, ideal for when you’re you’re doing bench press variations or chest supported rows. And it folds flat so it can fit under the bed when the mattress is down.

The author working on his bench press. Note the Westside Barbell spacing on the lower part of the rack.

One minor complaint: I’m 6-2 and so the pullup bar is a little lower than I prefer, but if you lift your legs you can still get a full range of motion easily. More importantly the bar feels secure whether you’re doing pullups or knee raises. Same goes for dips: The included rods slot into holes and can be secured with a hook and wire allowing you to bang out dips.

The $5,680 price for the Full Monty is comparable to top-of-the-line racks from Rogue and Hammer Strength, and for me the durability of the materials. The quality of the workmanship, and the versatility of the design make it worth it. A friend has Rogue’s folding rack, which also helps you save space, but the Pivot’s bed-rack combo is truly unique and make the Pivot ideal for people who a) want to add a rack to their home gym and b) don’t have a ton of space and c) have lots of guests. It’s ideal in garage gyms/playroom spaces and/or basement gyms/playrooms where you want to have the equipment to train and have space to sleep. And obviously, given the price and warrantee, it’s (hopefully) a once in a lifetime purchase.

The Pivot offers a unique space saving solution for people looking to optimize a spare room, basement, or garage space for training and sleeping.

David Otey, CSCS is a fitness writer, NYC-based strength coach, and Men’s Health Advisory Board member who specializes in strength and hypertrophy protocols as well as athletic performance. For more on Otey check out www.oteyfitness.com.