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Using a 2 post Lift as Squat Rack

EAG8999

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Oct 10, 2015
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Does anyone have an ideas on how to use a two post lift as a squat rack?

I’ve got a few ideas, but would like to hear other people’s input.

I am limited on space, so this may be my best solution.
 
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Moosefire

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I suppose you could use it in 2 different manners. One is have the arms close enough to get under the bar, then raise it to a comfortable height so you could get under the bar, then do your squats away from the lift, returning the weights when you're done.

Second way is to use it as your lower limit stop. You would have to get the weight on your shoulders yourself, but could use the arms to catch the bar if you're trying to exercise to failure.

Seems interesting enough, post pics if you do this!

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lis2323

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I would use the post lift arms for your lower limit and fab up a set of saddles to sit on the arms to support the bar at loading (shoulder) height.
 

matt_i

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Take out the pads and drop in a couple of saddles that hold the bar.

The arms can go way out. Could use two on the same column. That idea does off-center load it but for a couple hundred pounds I'd not worry.

If you're training at a world class level for the 2021 Olympics then maybe it needs a bit of rethinking.
 

mmb617

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I would use the post lift arms for your lower limit and fab up a set of saddles to sit on the arms to support the bar at loading (shoulder) height.

That's what I'm thinking as well. You could fab something up out of iron pipe that would slip into the holes on the end of the lift arms. Then when not in use the two sides could be stored leaned up against a wall without taking up much room. If the part that goes into the lift arm holes is a decent fit it should be sturdy enough to not need a brace between the two sides unless you are lifting really heavy weight.

I have a picture in my mind but it's kind of hard to convey what I mean.
 

3rdgendslmech

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That's what I started doing with mine. I mean i dont do it all the time but with everything going on now days and some time on my hands....I even use it as a pull up bar.
 

lis2323

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That's what I started doing with mine. I mean i dont do it all the time but with everything going on now days and some time on my hands....I even use it as a pull up bar.


Does anyone have an ideas on how to use a two post lift as a squat rack?



I’ve got a few ideas, but would like to hear other people’s input.



I am limited on space, so this may be my best solution.



Since you guys have a bit of time on your hands why not build something a bit more permanent. This is what I did half a dozen years ago.

I used pallet racking....
2775d279972f9bde574f5f7c70f85d4d.jpg

to build my own rack

dfb3d29e2046b13eb865d0baff6df594.jpg



260093cf1a55388d31aab247278404f7.plist
 

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mmb617

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While it's pretty easy to build something permanent I think most of us are trying to come up with suggestions that keep this comment from the OP in mind:

I am limited on space, so this may be my best solution.

I have a squat rack in my basement. It's not real shiny and painted up like it's never been used but a friend and I have used it twice a week for almost 40 years. I didn't post a pic because while reasonably compact I assume the OP wants something that can be taken apart and stored away after use and it doesn't fit those requirements.
 

Moosefire

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While it's pretty easy to build something permanent I think most of us are trying to come up with suggestions that keep this comment from the OP in mind:



I have a squat rack in my basement. It's not real shiny and painted up like it's never been used but a friend and I have used it twice a week for almost 40 years. I didn't post a pic because while reasonably compact I assume the OP wants something that can be taken apart and stored away after use and it doesn't fit those requirements.
Well, even if it's not what the OP was asking about, let me be the first to say good job. That looks amazing!

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lis2323

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Well, even if it's not what the OP was asking about, let me be the first to say good job. That looks amazing!

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Thank you Moosefire. While mmb IS correct about the OP’s request the point of my post that I should have elaborated on was that used and discarded pallet rack (or other materials) can be utilized to make a safe and functional squat rack. For use temporarily or otherwise.

I don’t know EAG’s (OP) location but if he was nearby I would be more than happy to offer advice or help him build something suitable. Heck, I could even leave it unpainted if that was the level of finish he preferred. [emoji3]
 
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mmb617

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I know it's not using your lift, but I just ordered one of these. It folds flat to the wall.

https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-...3BPIo0MPNhyIjO7DKk6nMl2giohI2m2BoC2tYQAvD_BwE

That certainly does look like a well made unit, and an interesting answer to the limited space problem.

As shown in the pictures I don't see any provision for a safety stand. What happens if you drop down into a squat and are unable to recover? If you are pushing max weights that's going to happen eventually. I would probably modify it so the bar was to the inside of the rack and move the bottom cross brace up to where I felt was the right height to dump the bar if necessary without injury to the lifter. I often lift by myself so I make sure to have provisions for safely dumping the bar on both the squat and bench if it comes to that.

Looking at the pics posted by lis2323 it would appear that what I'm talking about is the way he has his set up. The lifter is actually inside the cage and has a crossbar at the proper height to catch the bar if needed.
 
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lis2323

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An adjustable height safety or spotter bar something like this is what mmb would be referring to.

a8793990a68a3226942a0fbbb45c79bb.plist
 
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