Storage planning in a team training facility differs from a big-box gym, where members train independently and follow their own routines. In a well-run team facility, every minute is planned and accounted for. Athletes are often grouped by height and strength to keep sessions moving efficiently, reducing bar height adjustments and plate changes between sets of exercises like back squats.
Shown below at Jack C. Hays High School in Texas, a custom ATR storage and attachment station runs down the center of the room between two rows of racks. A central walkthrough keeps athletes moving freely through the facility. Dumbbells, medicine balls, attachments, and other implements are within 20' of every rack, making it easy to grab equipment for use in the adjacent open space or back at a rack station. Built entirely with standard ATR components, this layout delivers a custom solution without the added costs or lead times of custom fabrication.
Add Fixed DBs to Racks
Team training allows storage layouts that are less practical in gyms where everyone trains independently. Instead of dedicating a large area to a separate dumbbell rack, we can store dumbbells between racks or cable machines, putting otherwise unused space to use. This approach works well when athletes train together in groups of 2–4, coordinating access to equipment as they rotate through supersets.
Shown above at Dublin Jerome High School in Ohio, three 43" DB Trays were added to the back of an Alpha Half Rack. This allows them to store 10-50 DB's at each rack station; they also have heavier DB's stored on their ATR Lat Pulldown Unit.
Add Adjustable DBs to Racks
Shown below at Olmsted Falls High School in Ohio, PowerBlock Rack Mounts attach to the low crossmembers of their Alpha Double Half Racks. With storage for the 5 LB handles, each station provides dumbbells from 5–100 LBS in 5 LB increments without increasing the rack’s footprint or interfering with bench, barbell, and attachment use or storage. Keeping dumbbells at each station speeds up transitions and allows athletes to perform dumbbell exercises while a teammate uses the barbell.
Built-In Storage
Our equipment works as a cohesive system where every item has a home. For example, the Glute Ham Roller’s Gravity-Slit Storage Hooks let it hang directly on the rack without a separate storage attachment. During our free post-installation in-service sessions, we teach coaches proper use and storage, keeping the room organized so the next group can start training without cleaning up or searching for equipment.
Lever arms can be one of the biggest storage challenges in a weight room. Many brands require you to remove and store the handles and weight pegs to clear the uprights for bar cups and lifting. Our Alpha Arms pin up out of the way and double as Triphasic Arms, keeping them ready when you need them without interfering with everyday rack use.
Technology Storage
Our storage solutions go beyond attachments, weights, and barbells to include technology management. Technology is here to stay in the weight room, and storing, charging, and distributing it deserves the same planning as any other equipment. Our iPad Charging Tower stores and charges up to 10 iPads through a single wall plug. We have also created the first iPad Case specifically desinged for racks. The wheeled design of the Charging Tower makes it easy to transport devices between lifting stations, reducing handling and the risk of damaged screens. After training, roll it into a lockable office or closet to keep your investment secure.
Storing iPads at Rack Stations
Our fixed iPad mount bolts directly to the rack and uses a dedicated power connection, keeping the iPad charged without removing it. The case is bolted in place, and the iPad is secured with screws to help deter theft. All our racks feature pre-cut wire passthrough channels, allowing power cables to run inside the tubing for a clean installation without external Velcro straps or zip ties.
Our movable iPad mount combines magnets with locating nubs to stay secure while remaining easy to reposition. The magnets hold the case against the upright, while the nubs prevent it from sliding. Both work together to provide a stable mount that athletes and coaches can easily move between stations.
Additional Storage
Storage planning goes beyond dumbbells and attachments. Athletes need a designated place for backpacks, phones, and personal belongings to keep the weight room organized and walkways clear. If a nearby locker room is not available, our cubby storage units keep these items organized within the facility.
Shown above at Bald Eagle High School in Pennsylvania, our large cubby unit also displays trophies to reinforce a championship mentality and stores training programs and coaching paperwork. Our cubby bench, shown below at Elgin High School in Ohio, combines personal storage with seating where athletes can get ready before their session.
Conclusion
Effective storage/facility planning keeps equipment close, walkways clear, and training sessions moving. From dumbbells and attachments to technology and personal belongings, every item should have a designated home that supports how your teams train. At Stray Dog Strength, we build storage into the complete facility design, helping coaches spend less time managing equipment and more time developing athletes.
Below is an example of a custom Storage Chart we made for Wayne High School; they have these printed off and hung on the walls.
