Best folding squat racks buying guide
So, what are folding squat racks? Simply put, they’re a piece of equipment that allows you to do squats more easily. But that’s just the surface level; there’s so much more to these racks than meets the eye. In this Best folding squat racks buying guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about folding squat racks, including what they are used for and how they can help you achieve your fitness goals.
back to menu ↑What are the best folding squat racks?
There’s no point in doing your hard work throughout an intense workout only to find out later how terrible they were because now there is time wasted; luckily, we’re here with our research so read ahead as it may save some money and effort from getting another product before finding its match.
back to menu ↑What are the types of folding squat racks?
Below are the many types of folding squat racks that our research has found….
back to menu ↑Squat Stands with Pins
The pins are used to secure the barbell in place so that you can lift it off during rest periods. These squat stands are called ‘pin-loaded’ because of this feature
back to menu ↑Squat Stands without Pins (aka Upright Lockouts)
These racks lack the pins so that you can load/unload the barbell without having to remove it. These are more commonly known as power racks or safety squat racks.
back to menu ↑Squat Stands with Integrated Pull-up Bars
These racks have an integrated chin-up bar, great for warming up the upper body before squats or accessory work.
back to menu ↑Squat Stands with Integrated Dip Bars
These squat racks have an integrated dip bar, great for warming up the upper body before squats or accessory work.
back to menu ↑Squat Stands with Storage Space
These racks are mostly used in commercial gyms where space is at a premium. They feature storage drawers that allow the user to store plates, collars, and other equipment out of the way.
back to menu ↑Squat Stands with a Platform
This is perfect for high-volume squatting because it gives you a raised padded surface to place your feet on when squatting low bar.
back to menu ↑Infinity Squat Racks
This type of rack is designed for commercial use where the unit is shared by many people.
back to menu ↑Squat Rack with Safety Straps & Spotter Bars
These racks feature safety scans be adjusted to different heights.
back to menu ↑Squat Rack with Safety Spotters
These racks have removable spotter bars that can be set at different height intervals to suit you. It’s a cost-effective way of adding adjustable safety bars to your rack.
back to menu ↑The Foldable Squat Rack
These are new concept straps and removable spotter bars which can be adjusted to different heights.
back to menu ↑What are the benefits of folding squat racks?
This Best folding squat racks guide will discuss the various benefits of having a folding squat rack by your side as outlined below:
back to menu ↑Easy Storage
The most obvious benefit is that they are easy to store away. If you ever have workout buddies over, you’ll need an equipment rack of some kind.
back to menu ↑Saving Space
They allow you to save space. While this isn’t a super important feature for everyone, some home gyms choose to go with very little space to work with.
back to menu ↑Safety
If you are someone who likes to lift alone or simply does not have workout buddies all the time, these racks allow for an extremely safe and secure experience while lifting heavy weights solo. With a folding rack, you can slowly lower the weight without any issue.
back to menu ↑Strong
They are super sturdy and can withstand just about anything
Many are made of steel which resists rusting and does not weaken over time. They are designed to hold up to 1000 pounds without any issue.
back to menu ↑What exercises can you do with folding squat racks
Folding squat racks are useful. You can use them for squats, barbell shrugs, bench presses, overhead presses, incline bench presses, decline bench presses and so on.
back to menu ↑The squat racks
The squat rack is the perfect piece of equipment for this movement. Some people prefer to use it as a pullup bar, but if you need to do deadlifts instead, you can also find folding deadlift racks. If you want to be more creative, you can use it to do pullups (with an epic variation), or even pullovers.
back to menu ↑The deadlift
The deadlift rack is perfect for this movement if you don’t want to risk dropping the weights on your toes. As always, it’s great for rows, because of its low height. You can also place plates at their ends and do step-ups.
By the way, if you want to perform squats in a very stable position, look at what we propose here: squat stands. And for deadlifts, always prefer barbells over dumbbells, to be able to use them with a neutral grip.
back to menu ↑Overhead Press
After the bar is taken from the rack, simply press it up.
back to menu ↑Pullups and chinups
Some racks can be used as a pullup/chin-up bar, but we prefer to use the Ironmaster Super Bench for this purpose.
back to menu ↑How to choose the best folding squat racks?
back to menu ↑Features
- Some of the features you want to look for when choosing a squat rack may include, but are not limited to:
- The height of the base or feet should be adjustable so that you can adjust it accordingly for your height.
- You should also look for racks with multiple hooks to fit more than one bar.
- The padding on the product should be comfortable so that it doesn’t scratch or rub your skin too much when you are using it.
Weight
Some of the best squat racks are lightweight enough to be portable, but nevertheless very sturdy. This is ideal for people who travel often or want to do it at home when they don’t have time or access to a regular gym.
back to menu ↑Size
The size of the product matters also because you may not want it to take up too much space in your home or you may not have the room. It is important to factor in the size of the product versus your need for it.
back to menu ↑Safety
It is also ideal that whatever squat rack you choose has adjustable safety catches so that when you are lifting heavy weights, they do not fall on top of you. This can cause serious injuries and should not be taken lightly.
back to menu ↑Comfort
The padding on the product should be comfortable so that it doesn’t scratch or rub your skin too much when you are using it. The comfortability of the product is important because if you don’t use it for a long time, then there is no point in buying one.
back to menu ↑Budget
If you have a tight budget, it is best to allocate your funds more towards the features of the product rather than the name brand.
back to menu ↑Conclusion
It’s not a bad idea to invest in a folding squat rack, but it will depend on the situation. If you have enough space for an I-beam or other type of free-standing equipment for your home gym, then this might be overkill and won’t provide any benefits. However, if you live in an apartment with limited storage space and really want to go heavy on squats without breaking the bank – get yourself one!
Happy training!
Rich
Rich is an avid bodybuilder who has dedicated over 20 years of his life to the sport. He has a strong passion for health and fitness, living a clean lifestyle with a commitment to helping others educate themselves and fulfil their true potential.
