Updated Garage Gym Power Rack

[Shock6050]

I’ve never actually have done belt squats but have been interested in doing them as it seems to be another way to help take the load on your lower back. That’s a nice setup that you made! I saw that REP belt squat attachment and it definitely peaked my interest, though it seems reviews online are kind of mixed with that particular attachment.

Thanks for sharing all those pics!

 

[Shock6050]

I see you have what appears to be a band peg at the bottom of the rack. My lower uprights have holes all across to add band pegs or attaching a landmine. Do you regularly do band work attached to the barbell to emphasize increasing resistance at various sticking points? If so what is your opinion of incorporating bands with the barbell for various lifts like squats, deadlifts, bench press?

 

[NeuroRN]

Belt squats are the best. Obviously not as much core engagement but the best squat variation out there in my opinion.

 

[Shock6050]

Well coming from you, I definitely will be looking for a way to set up a belt squat system in the future!

 

[NeuroRN]

It will be worth your effort. All the loading of bar squat without any of the load on the spine.

 

[Poppy]

I’ve always wanted to try belt squats for deloading the spine while still overloading the movement. Chatting with @NeuroRN about his personal home gym and belt squat machine put me over the top.

I would have a whole machine if I had the room.

What I have works just fine and YES it was a game changer. It does everything it’s supposed to and more. Wished I would have pulled the trigger decades ago.

 

[Poppy]

Yes i love bands and chains for accommodating resistance. For me that worked the best for my speed and strength (way back when). I still use them to maintain what little I got left and to break up the monotony.

I also use the bands on the band pegs for low pulley type exercises… pulling “up”.

 

[Poppy]

I also use the top band pegs for reverse band stuff. It’s very useful for deloading the bottom half of a lift. It simulates a bench shirt without the hassle.

Louie Simmons was genius when it came to all this.

 

[Shock6050]

Thanks! I never have used the upper part of a rack to put bands but definitely makes sense why it may be beneficial to do at times. Plan to try out both methods periodically to see what works best and to add a little variety. Ultimately imo king will always just be your standard barbell work, but using bands can be very complementary depending on your own personal goals.

 

[Poppy]

I get so bored with all this stuff at times. I have to mix it up to keep interested.

I did tricep extensions and overheard extensions with a band attached at the top. My tris are still soar from a couple of days ago. I rotate them in and out every so often.