Squat Racks

BossArky

My gym has a squat rack with no back catch (or whatever the rear frame is called), like this:



In my experience I am more likely to topple over backwards doing a squat, rather than falling forwards (I have not yet fallen over backwards with a bar on my back in the gym, just a few times at home when doing bodyweight stuff... and hope to keep it that way).

So, why don't they make squat racks as standard with safety catches at the back like the next one below?



I reckon I would feel a lot more confident squatting heavier weights if I know that I will not fall over backwards and flatten anyone in the 10 metre space behind.

Thoughts?

sharkDawg

If your going to be squatting a weight that you think might cause you to fall backwards then you need to get a few spotters regardless of the type of rack. I have the same type of rack (bottom one) at home but I would never try lift as heavy on my own as I would in a gym with a couple of guys keeping an eye out.

Macha

The 2nd one you're referring to is called a power cage. The only thing I can think of is turning around when you're doing your squats? That way the squat rack will be behind you. But then again the location of mirrors in your gym may be an issue.

That's what they do down in Wicklow, where they don't have a power cage

Mickk

If you were to fall backwards would you prefer to let the bar fall naturally or have an upright (of the power cage) there to stop the bar while your body keeps falling? It could basically snap your neck...

BossArky

Ok cheers for the input. I suppose it is a good idea to have no back on the rack.