In three weeks, my LA Fitness membership is about to expire. So far I’ve been going there only to squat as I do most of my pressing, dead lifting and other stuff at home. Heck, not that I’m back into jiu jitsu, it is more difficult to make time to drive back and forth from the gym, from any gym.
So here I am, actually my g/f and I, contemplating a life without a squat rack. How crap, reality hits home. We need a squat rack. Trouble is that there is a distinct possibility of moving to another location, most likely to a small apartment. Having a power cage is not an option, not until we finally settle down at a condo or home with a garage or something.
As I’m looking for squat stands (the obvious choice for us), I’m completely dissatisfied by most of the choices available out there. Most of these crappy stands don’t recommend to use beyond 200lbs. What sort of a joke is this???
Anyways, looking on the crossfit forums, I think I’ve found the choice for us. Behold, the C-93132W Squat Rack by New York Barbells, which runs for $149 as of today.
This puppy can take up to 1,000lbs, not that I’m going to squat that. But if I’m going to squat at home, I’d better use something that can take a pounding way above what I will ever be able to use. Another good option is the Vulcan by Iron Mind, but that puppy costs almost $429.00, so no.
Speaking of safety, I will need a pair of safety/catch/spotter bars for squatting. Iron Mind sells a set called ‘Pillars of Power’ that can take about half a ton, but, again, they are freaking expensive. Thank the Gods of the interweebz that people have rolled their sleeves and have come up with solutions.
Behold, the Pillars of Poverty!!
The picture above is the older design. For an updated design you can visit the original page where I’m stealing this idea from (www.geocities.com/fighttraining).
Next thing I will need (and which I need to get ASAP) is an Airdyne. I need this for my tabatas as I’m tired of burpees and bw mountain climbers.
These puppies are over $500 brand new, but I’ve seen them for as low as a hundred bucks in ebay and craigslist. I hope I can find one in good shape for that price.
The funny thing about this is that a lot of people have been a bit skeptical about the idea of squat stands. With a pair of solid safety bars and a squat stand that can take a thousand pounds (when I don’t think I’ll ever squat 400lbs), I don’t see why it’s a problem. Heck, I think it’s a good idea. The crossfit people are using them ad nauseam – I think they are onto something, something really good.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjuULPqI-WY
I hope I can have the gear in place soon so that I can write a review… assuming I don’t get crushed to death 
