- Squat Rack

The squat rack - squat your body fat off

If you are a fan of heavy weight lifting (one of the best ways to lose body fat fast), then you also probable know that one of the best ways to do so is by lifting barbell weights. But the problem with barbell weights is that you can't only buy the barbell because you would have no place to store your weights and as the weights are quite heavy, picking them up every time you want to gym may injure your back. Luckily for you, I have the solution - the squat rack!! Let's look at what the squat rack is, why you would use one and also what exercises you can do if you own such a rack.

What is a squat rack?

A squat rack is a frame usually made out of steel that accommodates barbell weights and it has various shapes and sizes. It is mainly used to assist in weight training exercises like the squat, the lunge and the chest press.

Why use a squat rack?

Here are a few reasons why you might say "YES" to the squat rack:

  • Increase weight load - A squat rack enables you to life more weight and to burn more fat.
  • Prevent injuries - Can you just imagine what would happen if you have barbell weights lying around?
  • Organize your weights neatly - A squat rack provides a place where your weights can be stored neatly
  • Enables you to do more exercises - Squat racks also help you to perform exercises that was previously not possible to do.

What exercises can be done with squat racks?

Let's look at the different types of exercises that one can do with a squat rack:

  • Lower body exercises: A squat weight rack is mainly used to exercise and tone the muscles of the lower body - the quads, the hamstrings and the calves. You can do squats, lunges and calf rises with it, making it the perfect lower body make-over station.
  • Upper body exercises: If you use a bench and squat rack you can also perform chest exercises like chest presses. Some of the caged squat racks also offer the option to do chin ups (working the whole upper body)

The different types of squat racks?

Not that you know all about the different aspects of squat racks, lets look at the different types of squat racks to make sure you choose the right one:

The adjustable squat rack

The adjustable squat rack is adjustable in the sense that the height load can be adjusted to suite all the different lengths of people.

The squat weight rack

The normal squat weight rack includes a non-caged steel frame that holds the barbell weight.

The squat rack cage

The squat rack cage includes a closed top frame for extra stability and may include a chin up bar to do more upper body exercises with.

The bench and squat rack combo

The bench and squat rack combo is a very versatile combo to own as you can exercise your whole body on it with the help of the bench.

Most popular squat racks on the market today:

Here are looks at the squat racks that are dominating the markets today:

The power line squat rack - pss60x squat rack

http://www.amazon.com/Powerline-PSS60X-PowerLine-Squat-Rack/dp/B000VLKOB8

This squat rack is fully adjustable to suit different lengths and also to do more exercises.

Here are more about it:

  • Dimensions: 48 x 37 x 30 inches
  • Type: Squat weight rack
  • Weight: 51 pounds
  • Frame: heavy-gauge steel, extra-wide and deep base
  • Extracts of user reviews: (from Amazon.com)
  • "Very solid- easy to assemble."
  • "This rack is a decent compromise for those of us with a little space"
  • "For the price though it's definitely solid."

Deltech Fitness Power Rack / Squat Rack

http://www.amazon.com/Deltech-Fitness-Power-Rack-Squat/dp/B001LIRIJQ

This adjustable squat rack includes a chin up bar to tone the upper body as well. It includes hooks on the inside and outside of the rack for versatility.

Here are more about it:

  • Dimensions: 55 x 49 x 81 inches
  • Type: Caged squat rack
  • Extras: Chin-Up Bar
  • Frame: heavy gage steel tubing
  • Extracts of user reviews:
  • "Nice power & squat rack good quality and very sturdy, I could not have asked for more. "

Power line PSSPACK2 Squat Rack Package with Weights

http://www.amazon.com/Powerline-PSSPACK2-Squat-Package-Weights/dp/B002MVI09S

This is truly a one stop weight lifting and fat burning package as it includes an adjustable bench that also sports a leg weight training attachment to do leg curls for your quads and your hamstrings for. This would be my first choice when purchasing a squat rack.

Here are more about it:

  • Dimensions: Entire package fits comfortably in a 7' x 7' room or larger
  • Type: Combo squat rack
  • Weight: 800 pounds (to ship)
  • Frame: 2" x 2" mainframe design
  • Extras: 300 pound weight set of barbell weights, fully adjustable bench.

Conclusion

A squat rack offers a one stop solution to all your heavy weight training needs. But if you plan on lifting lighter weights, you may rather want to consider dumbell weights or adjustable dumbbell weights . And also remember with any weight lifting that you have to properly warm up and stretch afterwards to avoid injuries.