Aug 03, 2022 - Chris BillinghamIf you're looking to level up what you can achieve in your home workouts, then a squat rack should be one of your first ports of call. It enables you to perform heavy lifts and compound movements, which are two of the main reasons people visit a commercial gym.
You'll be surprised how small a footprint a squat rack can take up if you're smart with your purchase. Between folding racks and quarter racks, today's squat racks cater for all setups. Here's everything you need to know if you're thinking of pulling the trigger.
How can a squat rack help my training?
Most home gyms use a squat rack as their centrepiece since it's so versatile and is likely to take up the most space.
Not only will it improve your squats, but people also utilise squat racks for bench press and deadlifts. This is your three big lifts ticked off, though the benefits of a squat rack don't stop there. You can also use one to train...
- Close Grip Bench Press
- Pull Up
- Overhead Press
- Hanging Leg Raise
- Lunges
- Bicep Curls
- Dips
- Barbell Rows
So, with tons of exercises to choose from and a great amount of functionality, the squat rack is a no-brainer for any lifter looking to improve their home training.
Phase 3 Build It Your Way Squat Rack System
Why should I buy a squat rack?
The decision to buy a squat rack for your home gym will inevitably rest on the type of training you do. Suppose you're a lifter who focuses on heavy powerlifting or Olympic lifting. In that case, a squat rack will do wonders in your home gym to improve your routine.
On the other hand, if your workouts consist more of aerobic and cardio exercises, then a squat rack might not be essential since lighter weights and kettlebells can be utilised to achieve those goals.
If you're a lifter, you may even opt for a power rack over a squat rack for your home gym. Power racks particularly come in handy for anyone who trains a compound lift for a prolonged period of time. For instance, if you're a powerlifter who likes to build up to a working set over a 10-set period with multiple-minute breaks in between, a power rack should be a suitable option for you. This is because it will save you having to block out a rack in the gym for over an hour at a time!
Is a squat rack worth it?
The short answer is yes! Without a doubt, squat racks are worth the investment if you train regularly. It’s a mystery why gyms tend to underutilise squat racks since they’re extremely safe and comfortable for any compound lift.
So long as the safety features of the squat rack are set up correctly, you will be able to rely on a squat rack for help with any heavy lifts.
Phase 3 Functional Trainer with Cable System and Smith Bar
What squat rack should I choose for my garage gym?
If you're looking to find the perfect squat rack for your home/garage gym, then you need to consider your needs. What training are you looking to do? What are the key exercises involved? Once you've pinpointed the answers to these questions, you'll have to consider your budget and the options within it that will allow you to achieve your fitness goals. You should also think about whether any accessory exercises you wish to do will be available with the rack you are considering.
It's also always important to consider your space. Where will your rack be positioned in your home gym, and which rack will give you the most variation for the size of your room? Knowing your space limitations will allow you to be realistic with your chosen squat rack. For instance, if you have a small space, a quarter rack may allow you more space on the floor to do deadlifts and bench flies, whereas a power rack in the same room might limit your capacity for moving additional equipment around or reduce the space that you have to do lifts safely.
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