Squat Rack Tips

Posts Tagged ‘squat stands’

Are Safety Squat Stands Good Alternative to Squat Rack?

December 20th, 2009

I know we are all used to having a good, reliable and strong squat rack at our gym, but let’s look at some of the alternatives, like squat stands. Maybe you would ask why searching for alternatives when you can just use a squat rack? OK, fair enough, but most of the gyms are not commercial and don’t have expensive leg workout equipment or any other related fitness equipment, for that matter. Some people have modest gym environment in their home or garage and having such big rack or cage construction simply won’t fit.

The reason why I’m considering such alternatives is because I was forced to find a temp gym since my old gym’s building was being reconstructed. Since new gym had no rack, but just a squat stand, I was presented with two options. Suck it up and neglect my heavy squat workout or actually be creative and do something to bridge this “rackless” period.

I thought of using squat stands that were already available in the gym but there was a problem. Since I almost always max on my squats they were not a good choice because they don’t have safety side catchers or holders or grabbers, if you will. So I was reluctant to try squatting with 500lbs without such security. So I browsed the web hoping for some ideas and reliable solutions. And behold the miracle, I found one and I wanted to share it with you guys. It’s nice, clean, cheap, and damn good solution!

C-93015W New York Barbells Safety Squat Stands ($99)

Buy New York Barbells Safety Stands

Height of the stands is adjustable, which can be useful not just for squats but also for bench press and deadlift. You can put them on either sides of bench to increase safety and prevent any possible disasters. Partial deadlifts can be done at any height since the stands are adjustable.

Top catch surface is 16″ (40.5cm) wide. Dimensions of the squat stands are 17″ x 20″ x 23.5″ to 35″ H. Weight is 39 pounds.

I haven’t used these stands myself, but I did order them. I have very good experience with New York Barbells and their products, so I have no doubt that this one will be just what the doctor ordered.

Valor Fitness BD-3 Squat Stands ($147)

Buy Valor Fitness Squat Stands

I also found this product to be very interesting for this purpose and also pretty cheap when compared to other similar solutions.

Main characteristic is a solid base with each base covering 400 square inches of surface, which is great if you have a limited workout space. Height of the posts as well as safety spotters on each of the posts is adjustable.

Both stands weigh just 48 pounds. Dimensions are 43 x 18 x 8 inches and 2.5 inches mouth opening for bar support. Upright posts are 36 inches and chrome back plates that catch the bar as lifter maneuvers back to stand are 5 inches.

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Category:Squat Stand

Tags:new york barbells safety spotters squat stands weight catchers

Squat Racks in a Nutshell

August 1st, 2009

I know that usually some introduction should precede the explanation of the topic. Unfortunately, today I’m just feeling eager to dip into the subject right away. Heading right to the point – are there any squatters in da house?

If you are reading this, chances are that you either need some useful tip on where to buy cheap squat racks or you need some leg workout information, professional or for beginners. Lately I had a lot of people asking questions on both matters. Well, the good news is that you all are going to find something to your benefit.

For those of you, who are not new to this topic, please bare with me, while I explain some basics about squat racks because we have a lot of beginners reading this.

You Gotta Squat!

Since I have promised to devote most of the time and space of this site to talk about leg exercises and training machines I will begin with the squat. Well, not literally, at last not right now. Squat is, hands down, the king of all compound movements and strength builders. If done properly, it can make wonders for your overall physical performance, regardless of the goals. There are a lot of different techniques used, one being more useful than the other, depending on what did you set to achieve. I will try to explain each and every one in detail on this site.

To harness the power and strength that comes with squatting you need to use strong and reliable training equipment. Otherwise, you’ll be just shooting blanks. In oppose to squat stands, which are preferred standard for doing squats in almost every gym, you should use a squat rack or a power rack. Why? Believe me when I say that it has many benefits. For the sake of shortness, I’ll try to state just the obvious ones. First of all, safety is improved by far! Cage like construction of the rack will always take the hit in case your legs go mellow on you during exercise. Second, I always find myself emitting much more raw power than usually when using racks. Wanna know why? Because there is no fear of falling down with the loaded bar and possibility of an injury is reduced to a minimum. Without that worry in mind you can truly set the inner beast loose when doing your thing. Third benefit is definitely versatility. You can easily do dozens of additional exercises on it.

Shopping For One

Now let’s talk little about what prices to expect when buying squat racks online. Stands are usually cheaper than racks, that is a fact, but if you opt for them, you sacrifice a whole bunch of benefits and raise the need for much better exercise performing technique. Also, the truth is that quality ones make you dive into your wallet much deeper, and none of us want that. Then what to do? I promise you that it is possible to search and buy cheap squat racks online and this site is aimed to provide you with help in doing that.