Could I squat with a bar rack?

StevenNevets

Senior member
Jul 7, 2006
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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.
 

brikis98

Diamond Member
Jul 5, 2005
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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 :)
 

EvilYoda

Lifer
Apr 1, 2001
21,198
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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.
 

StevenNevets

Senior member
Jul 7, 2006
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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.



 

BeauJangles

Lifer
Aug 26, 2001
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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.
 

Packie

Member
Sep 25, 2008
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I wouldn't do that. Maybe you should look at maybe getting a gym membership somewhere.
 

brikis98

Diamond Member
Jul 5, 2005
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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.
 

StevenNevets

Senior member
Jul 7, 2006
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Both for $350.

I've been checking craigslist for about a week now and havn't seen a single decent rack in my area.
 

dlx22

Golden Member
Apr 19, 2006
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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