If you’re in the process of building a new gym and are looking for equipment where you can perform squats, then you’re probably contemplating between two choices – a squat stand and a squat power rack. Knowing what the differences between the two are will help you ensure you get the right one for your specific needs. That being said, let’s dive right into it.
Squat Power Rack
The main advantage of the squat power rack is that it’s designed for maximum safety when lifting, as it enables free weight training without the need for a spotter. These pieces of equipment feature safety pins, which are used to catch the barbell in case it slips. Moreover, they feature built-in dip and pull-up bars, allowing you to perform many other exercises. For example, you can perform bench press, inverter rows, deadlifts, barbell curls, chin-ups and many more exercises using a power rack.
Power racks have a cage-like structure featuring 4 metal posts that are connected by a horizontal framing. The bar can be placed at several different heights on the upright posts. It’s a great investment that can provide you with awesome workouts for many years. They’re incredibly sturdy and robust, which will give you confidence in your equipment, which is important when training with heavy weights.
On the downside, power racks are bulky and large, meaning you’ll need to have a decent amount of space, not just floor space, but vertical space as well. Additionally, they can get quite pricey, and are more expensive than squat stands.
Squat Stands
Squat stands, as their name suggests, are designed for performing the squat exercise in particular. A squat stand will support your weight when performing all variations of squats, allowing you to work on your hamstrings, quads, and calves. It consists of a barbell that’s supported by 2 adjustable stands. You can perform high-intensity workouts in a limited space, and you can combine them with countless add-ons.
There’s a wide range of squat stands available, allowing you to find the right one for you regardless of your skill level and budget. Compare the features each and every one of them has and go through some reviews to decide on the right one. With a squat stand, you have a pretty mobile piece of equipment you can place almost anywhere.
On the downside, squat stands are less safe than power racks, as you’ll have to release the weight if you’re stuck on a squat unless you install safety pins to catch the bar. That being said, you’ll need higher-quality bumper plates and a decent quality bar.
