Squat racks have become essential weight training equipment for professional athletes as well as those who are seeking to be physically fit. You can use this equipment to build muscles, burn fats, strengthen your lower back and quadriceps, hamstrings, soleus and glutes. This body training equipment can deliver high powered results within a very short time.
Exercises that you can do with your squat racks
The use of this equipment expands beyond simple squats. You can use it for several exercises to strengthen and tone your entire body. Here are some of the exercises that you can do with your squat racks.
i. Squats
The most common exercise that you can do with this equipment is squats. To do this exercise, you need to position yourself in front of the equipment, hold the barbell weight close to your body and gently lower your body towards the ground as if you are going to sit on a chair. Rise up gently and repeat the procedure several times.
ii. Lunges
Photo Credit: Flickr ReActive Gym
This exercise is designed to strengthen your hamstring and buttocks muscles. Hold the barbell weight at shoulder height. While standing with your feet close together, gently lunge one feet forward while bending the other leg at the knee. Repeat this exercise on one leg before shifting to the other leg.
iii. Chest press
You need to have an exercise bench and a training partner to do this exercise. With your exercise bench, you can make your can make your squat rack a complete body weight training equipment. While lying on your bench, let you partner help you lower your barbell in order to hold it overhead with straight arms. Gently lower the weight towards your shoulder and push it back up several times.
iv. Deadlifts
This is a great exercise for the lower parts of your body. While holding your barbell at shoulder level and with straight legs, gently lower the weight towards your feet, without bending your legs.
v. Bicep curls
Barbell bicep curls are designed for those who want strong and sexy arms. While holding your barbell weight, with arms stretched out in front, curl the weight towards your shoulders. Gently lower the weight to the starting point and repeat the exercise.
What to consider when choosing the right squat rack equipment
Given the many benefits of squat racks, most people invest in this equipment for their training needs. However, choosing the right equipment can be a daunting task. You need to do a thorough scrutiny of the available options before you can narrow down on one.
One of the best ways of finding the right squat rack is to research online. These days, various manufacturers promote their products online. However, not all of them are legit; hence, you need to be sure that you are working with a genuine company. Consider reading reviews and ratings from other consumers before buying any product.
If all you want is to build muscles and have a well toned body, then you might want to invest in an equipment that has more to do with muscle and chest building. Thus, you have to go for a squat rack with more options for lifts and bench pressing.
If you are having backache problems, then you should invest in squat racks that are specially designed to exercise the lower back area. In addition, if you are having persistent leg pain, drooping backs and knee pain, then you need to invest in a rack squat that addresses these problems.
Before settling on any particular model, you need to go through the offers available in the market. The prices may vary from product to product. In addition, you need to beware of fraudsters who sell counterfeit products. To avoid buying fake equipment, you need to pay close attention to materials that are used for assembling it. You need a rack squat that is constructed using quality steel frame in order to have the assurance that your equipment will be durable and capable of serving you for a while. The most important aspect of any squat rack is its strength and durability.
Common brands of squat racks
i. Powerline PSS60X
This equipment is ideal for people who have a tight budget, or beginners looking to make an economical investment. You can adjust this squat rack to use for various exercises. Besides using it for squatting, you can also use this squat rack to rest your bar after presses, shrugs, curls or other exercises. However, do not use this equipment to rest anything more than 400lbs.
ii. Body Solid Multi Press Rack
This is a heavy-duty 14- position squat rack with each rung capable of handling 1000lbs. One noticeable feature of these squat racks is that they come with spotter bars; thus, if you are doing heavy singles or benching, then you will not need to have someone supporting your lifts. In addition, this equipment is very versatile since you will not need additional rack for benching or pressing.
iii. Pendlay Elite Squat Rack
This rack is designed for those who want to move a ton of weight without worrying about buying another squat rack. Made of solid steel, this equipment is simple, yet very versatile.
There are various models of squat racks available in the market. However, before investing on any product, you need to consult a gym instructor or an athlete who will give you an idea of what to look for in a squat rack. With a little research, you will certainly find a squat rack that suits your budget as well as your training needs.