Squats are one of those compound movements that help you strengthen and develop multiple muscle groups. Thus, irrespective of your workout goals, squats would always be an integral part of your routine.
For making some serious gains out of squats routine, you need to incorporate high rep and high-intensity sets in your schedule. And for being able to accomplish this you need to have a good squat stand or squat rack in your home gym setup.
In order to choose the right strength training equipment for your requirement between squat stand and squat rack, you need to understand the structure, uses, advantages, and limitations of both of them. In this piece, we have compiled all that you need to know about these squat assistance machines.
What is a Squat Stand?
A squat stand is basically a setting that can be used as a barbell stand to load the barbell with weights at a height that is comfortable for the user to start performing squats from. It comes in many shapes, sizes, and forms.
The squat stand can be a single stand with two uprights having a J-hook each to carry the barbell or it can be in split form with each upright having its own independent base and a J-hook to rest the barbell on.
The structure is made with heavy-duty square steel tubes. The uprights have equidistant holes on them to install the J-hooks at different heights to match the user requirement. There is a provision to add safety catcher arms to the squat stands, these can act as mechanical spotters if needed. Most of the squat stands have a solid base.The stands with height-adjustable uprights usually have welded J-hooks at the top of the uprights.
What Is A Squat Stand Used For?
These are versatile barbell stands that can be used for almost all weight training exercises. With the adjustable height and ability to insert the bench in between, the squat stand can be used to hold the barbell for all the lifting moves.
You can use the stands for performing back squats, front squats, bench press, overhead press, etc. So, in turn, the squat stands when coupled with the exercise bench and a loaded barbell can be used in the development of all muscle groups.
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Needs very little floor space | Not stable and secure as other alternatives |
Can be easily moved around, some stands even have the transport wheels | Can not be secured to the floor |
Lightweight in comparison with other options | These usually have small and weak spotter arms |
Available in split two stand design for ease of storage | Lower weight capacity |
Most of the split stands come with a support bar for stability | Not so durable under intense use |
Can support multiple exercises |
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Do I Really Need A Squat Stand?
If you are wishing for some significant muscle and strength gain, then you have to work out with the weights that you can not lift comfortably. And for being able to do bench, squats, etc. with such heavy weights you must have a weight stand in your basement gym.
Among many options that can be used a barbell stand, a squat stand is the most space saving piece of equipment. So, if you are anyone who likes to work out with light to moderately heavy weights and doesn’t have too much space to spare in your garage gym, then you do really need to go for the squat stand.
What is a Squat Rack?
It might sound similar to a squat stand but structurally a squat rack is much different than a squat stand. Unlike the stands, a squat rack is a solid, single structure made up of steel or some heavy-duty alloy.
The structure usually is welded and/or bolted together to provide maximum stability. The two vertical members at the back have weight posts that can be used to store spare plates which also act as a counterbalance.
The two vertical members in middle are angled to provide a secure catch position and have lined bar catchers at different heights. The front-most vertical members don’t go all the way up but are there to support the extended spotter arms.
What Is A Squat Rack Used For?
Though these can also be used for performing bench and overhead press, the squat racks are the type of weight racks that are specifically designed for performing squats with utmost safety and convenience.
These can be used to perform heavy back squats, front squats, bench press, shoulder press etc. These provide the safest platform to perform heavy squats.
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Safest exercise equipment to perform squats | Takes up too much space |
Provides a very stable and sturdy platform | Not foldable |
Angled to provide secure catch position | Not so easy to store and move |
Heavy-duty industrial grade structure |
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It has high-impact wear guards to protect the barbell and the stand |
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Built-in spotter arms |
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Offers no noise racking and unracking |
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Can be used with benches |
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Do I Really Need A Squat Rack?
If you have enough space to spare at your garage gym, then you shouldn’t even think twice before buying a squat rack.
The most essential lifts for your overall muscle growth, like for your legs, glutes, chest, shoulders, back, can be performed the safest way using the squats rack. If you want to perform heavy squats, benches, press, etc. without worrying about getting injured or getting caught in an accident in the process, then you do need to have a squat rack.
What Is Better The Squat Stand Or The Squat Rack?
- If you compare these two on the basis of flexibility, space requirement, ease of storage and transport, then the squats stands are better than the squat rack.
- If you are more concerned about the workout safety, platform stability, weight capacity, and durability of the equipment then the squat rack scores better than the squat stand.
So, in the case of squat stand vs. squat rack, which one is better for you depends on your requirements and resource availability. In an absolute sense, both of them are good exercise equipment to possess.
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