The Best Squat Racks
Squats, along with deadlifts and bench presses, constitute one of the most important weightlifting exercises, and it's easy to see why. Whether you're using weights or not, the squat is a robust exercise that works the glutes, quads, abductor muscles, and core. When your form is good enough to graduate to weighted squats, you'll need a squat rack, and our recommendations cover some of the best units to date. The ones we've included here possess a variety of features, ranging from minimalist models to the multi-functional miracles, all offered at price points that'll make you reconsider that pricey gym membership.
Yaheetech Solid Steel Squat Stands
Rack 'Em Up
Of the three primary powerlifting exercises, only squats and the bench press require additional equipment, and thankfully for us, there’s some crossover. Ranging from 45 to 70 inches in effective height, Yaheetech’s Solid Steel Squat Stands can be adjusted in length to accommodate bench presses or squats. The bases feature two welded pieces of solid steel with anti-skid corner caps, adding to the stand’s integrity. We also appreciate the bar’s bench press anchor points; the backside is a good three or four inches higher than the front lip, allowing you to easily re-rack the bar when you’re done repping it out.
Pros:
- Maximum weight capacity of 480 pounds
- Squat spotters have fourteen adjustable anchor points
- Metal pin lock keeps steel tubes in place securely
- Comes partially assembled and is easy to install
Cons:
- The rubber feet may need to be glued back on
PEXMOR Barbell Rack Squat Stand
Rack And Roll
PEXMOR’s Barbell Rack Squat Stand is another dual-purpose exercise system that can carry quite the load. Unlike many other powerlifting stations, PEXMOR has connected the two metal towers for unmatched security. Considering the exercise possibilities this one provides, as well as the two attached metal rods for barbell storage, PEXMOR is truly the full package.
Pros:
- Non-slip rubber padding
- Includes instruction manual and hardware required for setup
- Total weight of 42 pounds
- Adjustable width allows for even more exercise variation
Cons:
- Maximum height setting can be a bit wobbly with heavier weights
Topeakmart Adjustable Squat Rack and Dipping Station
A Better Barbell Base
Setting up a home gym is an admirable endeavor, but it can quickly become costly once you start looking into larger hardware. Topeakmart’s products may come in at a budget price, but the materials used are far from cheap. With the Adjustable Squat Rack and Dipping Station, working out is a breeze – especially considering its hassle-free set-up. Installation is as easy as opening up the packaging, affixing the spotters on the stand, and screwing on the included nuts and washers to the base.
Pros:
- Perfect for small apartments or constricted workout spaces
- Top-tier customer service
- Fantastic value for the price
Cons:
- Can only handle 440 pounds
Vanswe Power Rack Power Cage
Body-Building Brilliance
Usually a mainstay of fitness clubs, power cages are multi-purpose workout machines that offer unprecedented exercises and customization. Vanswe’s Power Rack Power cage is no exception. Some exercises, such as those which require a pulley system, can be cost-prohibitive because they require you to purchase absurdly expensive equipment dedicated solely to one purpose. Vanswe’s Power Cage is by no means a bargain buy, but for a system that offers countless rowing, pulling, dipping, and pressing exercises, you’ll be satisfied to experience exactly where your hard-earned cash went.
Pros:
- Astonishing 1,000-pound weight capacity
- Accessories include clip collars, a curling bar, adaptor sleeves, and so much more
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- No weight bench included
Marcy Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench and Squat Rack
A Bench For Bulking
When you want the full powerlifting package, there are few workout stations that get the job done like this one from Marcy. In addition to squats, the Adjustable Olympic Weight Bench and Squat Rack allows you to perform a series of strenuous pectoral exercises with barbells or dumbells in addition to calf and thigh workouts – all with just one unit.
While this one would be acceptable for both indoor and outdoor settings, we’d recommend keeping it under a roof if at all possible to prevent the metal from rusting or the padding from rotting. Backed by remarkable customer service and a reputation for bodybuilding excellence, Marcy’s Olympic Weight Bench and Squat Rack is in it for the long-haul. It will quickly make you wonder why you ever paid for a gym membership in the first place.
Pros:
- The barbell anchor can be extended to perform squats
- The weight bench has generous padding, protecting the entirety of your back
- The bench can be angled for various incline/decline workouts
- Extremely easy to assemble
Cons:
- The bench doesn’t incline at 90 degrees
Frequently Asked Questions
What safety precautions should I take before doing weighted squats?
Weighted squats can cause serious injury without the proper form. Before attempting this exercise, it’s always best to check with a physician if any underlying health issues will be an impediment, such as lower back or knee injuries. Once cleared, remove the bar from the rack and place it on your shoulders while standing tall. At this point, you’ll want to move slightly away from the rack to avoid collisions and lower your hips until they’re slightly below knee height. As this is a lower-body exercise, the point is to rely on your quads and core rather than slumping under the weight of the bar. Engaging your core (read: your ab muscles) will help ensure that you’re using a solid foundation.
What accessories are recommended when working out with a squat rack?
When it comes to workout stations dedicated solely to powerlifting, there is a limit to the number of accessories you’ll need, which we think is a good thing. Knee braces, weight belts, and lifting gloves will help prevent or mitigate the unintended consequences of lifting heavier weights, such as joint damage, hyperextension, and blisters. For the rack itself, accessories are mostly limited to your choice of barbell size, weight type, and spring collars that prevent the weights from shifting.
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