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Could I squat with a bar rack?

StevenNevets

Senior member
http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/spo/931624012.html


teen/working out in basement/limited space/limited money




I know this isn't the same as a power rack but at 5'10" the top rack would be about 10 inches shorter than me which I think is plenty tall enough and it does look strong enough for around the 200-300 pounds I'd be doing.



Yay or nay?




Would probabaly also get an adjustable bench and use it for benchpressing too.
 
I'm not sure how much weight those things are designed to hold, but I doubt it would do well with several hundred pounds on the top and might break or tip over. However, it's also worth noting that one of the main advantages of a power rack is that you can set safety pins in it. If you are squatting and can't finish a rep, with safety pins at the proper height, you just lower down at the bottom of your squat and easily unload the weight onto the bars. Without a power rack, you'd have to find a way to dump the weight, which can be tricky and dangerous. You don't want to end up like this guy 🙂
 
Originally posted by: brikis98
I'm not sure how much weight those things are designed to hold, but I doubt it would do well with several hundred pounds on the top and might break or tip over. However, it's also worth noting that one of the main advantages of a power rack is that you can set safety pins in it. If you are squatting and can't finish a rep, with safety pins at the proper height, you just lower down at the bottom of your squat and easily unload the weight onto the bars. Without a power rack, you'd have to find a way to dump the weight, which can be tricky and dangerous. You don't want to end up like this guy 🙂

LOL, that video is great!!!

As for the OP's question, you also have to take into consideration the dropping of a loaded bar onto the stops. It's not simply just a matter of whether or not it can hold the static weight, but dropping a bar onto a stop from 2-3" would stress the stop and the frame a lot.
 
Originally posted by: brikis98
I'm not sure how much weight those things are designed to hold, but I doubt it would do well with several hundred pounds on the top and might break or tip over. However, it's also worth noting that one of the main advantages of a power rack is that you can set safety pins in it. If you are squatting and can't finish a rep, with safety pins at the proper height, you just lower down at the bottom of your squat and easily unload the weight onto the bars. Without a power rack, you'd have to find a way to dump the weight, which can be tricky and dangerous. You don't want to end up like this guy 🙂
AHHHHH
No thanks.

I'll just stick to dumbbell, jump, and hack squats.


Unless I can find a cheap "half rack/half bench" deal.



 
I wouldn't worry about getting caught like that idiot in the video. It isn't too hard to dump a barbell when you're down in the squat, you just need to practice it a few times.
 
Originally posted by: StevenNevets
Instead I'm looking to get this with an olympic set for $350.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000W...-delta-20&linkCode=asn




Do it?

Are you getting both of those for $350 or are you getting the rack for $600 and the olympic set for $350? I think you've got the right idea with a bench + olympic set, but I'd recommend an actual power rack along the lines of:

link 1
link 2
link 3
link 4
link 5
link 6

I also highly recommend keeping your eye on craigslist. People are constantly selling power racks, benches and olympic sets for dirt cheap.
 
the rack doesn't look too sturdy to me but if you knew someone capable of welding you could always put some rails on there/added support, safety first always with squatting, i found out the hard way when i first started lifting and had 275 pounds roll over my head when my right leg gave out, i lucked out and only got a scrape on the back of my head
 
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