Benefits of a Squat Rack | MuscleSquad

icon Aug 03, 2022 - Chris Billingham

Benefits of a Squat Rack

If you're looking to perform simple and efficient workouts at home, then a squat rack should be one of your first calls to action. The squat rack is a piece of kit that has complimented home gyms since their inception, and for a good reason, hardly anything matches the squat rack when it comes to improving strength through a variety of exercises. 

For anyone whose primary focus is lifting, a squat rack will make a perfect addition to your home gym. However, if you're interested in getting a squat rack but need a few more details as to how it will improve your workouts, we've got you covered. Here's everything you need to know about the benefits of a squat rack:

How Can a Squat Rack Help My Training?

Most home gyms use a squat rack as the centrepiece since it's so versatile and will get plenty of use. First and foremost, you're going to be able to perform a stronger squat and improve your strength using a squat rack; after all, it's what it's intended to do!

Not only will it improve your squats, but lifters can also utilise it for a bench press. That means that the squat rack knocks off two of the big 3 lifts that any good lifting workout should involve, leaving you with only the deadlift to worry about.

The uses of a squat rack don’t just stop at bench presses and squats either. Squat racks can be used as a platform for weight and bar storage for deadlifts, as well as being used for a host of other exercises. Exercises that can be performed on a squat rack include:

  • Close Grip Tricep Press
  • Pull Up
  • Overhead Press
  • Hanging Leg Raise
  • Lunges
  • Bicep Curls
  • Dips
  • Barbell Rows
  • Squats
  • Bench Press

Check out in further detail on how to do our favourite 10 exercises

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.

bench pressing in a home gym studio with a squat rack and olympic bar

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. For example, suppose you're primarily a lifter who focuses on heavy powerlifting or Olympic lifting training. 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 usually be utilised to achieve your fitness 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 will be worth your time and money if you’re a lifter. It’s a mystery why gyms tend to underutilise squat racks since they’re extremely safe and comfortable for any compound lifter.

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, and you’ll be able to achieve your compound lifts efficiently.

women strength training with a functional trainer in a home gym studio

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.  

Check out our full range of squat racks here.

 

 

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