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To rack or not to rack....

T0M_K
T0M_K Posts: 7,526 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So I have some weights and a bench just collecting dust. I want to get started "again" into lifting. What I know is very important is squats. The problem is , not squat rack or cage. I'd like to do strong lifts 5x5 from home.

What are your thoughts on the need or not to invest in a open rack or a cage rack...are there alternatives? The bar and plates I have are not the Olympic style larger bar. Would the lower diameter bar work on these racks/cages?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Replies

  • pondee629
    pondee629 Posts: 2,469 Member
    I failed once doing squats and was damn glad I was in the rack to get out from under with NO ill effects. Just had the weights rest on the safety bar (set slightly below where I was squatting to) and I got out. I wouldn't squat heavy without being in a rack or cage.
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
    You're going to want a rack if you're using a barbell with StrongLifts. Failing a heavy squat or bench without safety rails can be very, very bad.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    I do not have a rack or cage. Instead, I have a pair of squat stands and for safeties I use two sawhorses. I also use a standard, as opposed to Olympic, bar. The bar I use on the stands is 6', though I have a 7' that I can use too.

    For me, the stands and sawhorses work fine, as do the lighter bars. I don't see myself ever aiming to lift more than what my bars can handle (225 for one, 250 for the other.) It's been a good and budget friendly setup for me for a couple of years now (got the stands for $50 off Craigslist.) I think that racks and cages are nice and wouldn't turn one down if somebody gave me one but it really comes down to personal preference.
  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    edited May 2017
    You should at least get a pair of squat stands with some form of "safeties." See jemhh's suggestion above.

    Relatively cheap and easy to store in a corner. Could save your back squatting and your life benching.
  • Vanguard1
    Vanguard1 Posts: 395 Member
    Keep an eye on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace. I got a full cage for a really good price, really all I need in my basement.
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    I was able to get everything I needed for my basement for about $800 from Amazon.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HDVZJ9A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M5G2PND/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RNU280/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  • CipherZero
    CipherZero Posts: 1,418 Member
    If price is a consideration (and when isn't it?) take a look at gear from Titan Fitness. They've been copying the designs from Rogue at a better price point.

    As far as whether you should get a rack, YES. A powercage or rack with spotter arms is safety equipment. You don't skimp on safety equipment.
This discussion has been closed.

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