Choosing a Squat Rack

One of the best exercises for your legs is the squat. I’m not talking about squats done on an exercise machine (such as a smith machine), but a squat performed with free weights. The benefits of free weighted squats are the same with any free weight exercise: you’ll use more muscles (you’ll need them to stabilize the weight), meaning you’ll see results faster.

However, in order to perform a free weighted squat safely with a barbell, what you’ll need is a heavy duty rack. This can be either a squat rack, or a power rack.

Basically what these racks are designed for you to perform free weight exercises (usually with a barbell) while minimizing the risk of injury.

The frame on these racks is generally very sturdy which can support a barbell that is loaded with a lot of weight plates. The legs are among the strongest muscle groups, so they can handle the most weight. The squat and the dead lift can be safely loaded with a lot of weight in a squat or power racks.

The squat racks are designed mainly for squats, but you can perform many more exercises with power racks.

Tags: Articles