Best squat rack | The Ultimate Strength Training Tool [Top 4]

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  December 7 2020

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More than ever before, the avid athletes among us are becoming more and more interested in a so-called 'home gym'.

That's not crazy either; Gyms have been heavily affected by the corona crisis this year and have therefore been closed for a large part of the time.

For those who always want to keep their sporty body in shape, a squat rack comes in handy.

Best squat racks

That's why we're dedicating this article to the best squat racks on the market right now.

We can imagine that you are now curious about our number one squat rack.

We'll tell you that right away, it's this Domyos squat rack for strength training, which you can also find at the top of our table (see below).

Why this is our favourite?

Because this is a super complete squat rack, with which you can not only squat, but also perform pulling exercises and possibly bench press if you buy an additional bench.

We realize that the price tag is not for everyone, but nevertheless thought it was worth discussing this fantastic squat rack.

In addition to this squat rack, there are of course other good squat racks to be found.

In this article we will give examples of various decent squat racks, divided into different categories.

The exact details of each option can be found below the table.

Keep in mind that the majority of squat racks do not come with weight plates, bar/dumbbell and closing pieces.

This is only the case if it is explicitly stated.

Type of squat rack Images
Best Multifunctional Squat Rack: Domyos Best Multi-Purpose Squat Rack: Domyos

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Overall best squat rack: Body Solid Multi Press Rack GPR370 Overall Best Squat Rack: Body-Solid Multi Press Rack GPR370

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Best Cheap Squat Rack: Domyos Stand Alone Best Cheap Squat Rack: Domyos Stand-Alone

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Best Squat Rack Including Dumbbell Set: Gorilla Sports Best squat rack including barbell set Gorilla Sports

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What are squats good for?

First of all… Why is 'squatting' so good for you?

Squats belong to the so-called 'compound' exercises. With a compound exercise you train multiple muscle groups at the same time over multiple joints.

In addition to your thigh muscles, you also train your glutes and abs, but you also build up strength and endurance. The squat will also help you progress in other exercises.

Other examples of compound exercises are push-ups, pull-ups and lunges.

Also read: Best chin-up pull-up bars | From ceiling and wall to freestanding.

The opposite of compound exercises are isolation exercises, where you only train over one joint.

Examples of isolation exercises are chest press, leg extension and bicep curls.

The back squat and the front squat

The squat is a very intense exercise.

While squatting, your chest expands, so you also work on your breathing capacity.

The most common variants of the squat are the back and front squat, which we will briefly explain for you.

back squat

The back squat rests the barbell on the trapezius muscles and partly also on the deltoid muscles.

In this variant you mainly train your thigh muscles, your hamstrings and your glutes.

Front squat

In this case, the barbell rests on the upper part of the pectoral muscles, as well as the proposing part of the deltoid muscles.

You want to keep your elbows as high as possible. Many squatters like the variant with crossed arms the best, so that the barbell can not move from its place.

In this exercise you mainly train your quadriceps, or thigh muscles.

Best squat racks reviewed

We will now discuss the favorites from our list in detail. What makes these squat racks the best for your workout?

Best Multi-Purpose Squat Rack: Domyos

Best Multi-Purpose Squat Rack: Domyos

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In case you're not just looking for a squat rack but something even more complete, then this might be the perfect solution for you!

We'll tell you right away that it won't be a bargain; you have lost no less than 500 euros with this squat rack.

However, as a fanatic weightlifter you are guaranteed to have a lot of fun with this squat rack.

With this product you have, as it were, a complete fitness room in one.

So you can't just squat with this rack; You can also do pulling exercises (with or without a pulley; high or low) and even bench press if you choose to buy an additional bench.

The product has been tested with weights up to 200 kg and the pull-up bar can lift as much as 150 kg.

The handy thing about this rack is that you can adjust the bar holders to your exercises (adjustable between 55 and 180 cm, per 5 cm). The rack is further compatible with the bank 900 Adapter diameter weights (from 28-50 mm).

With this rack you can perform a lot of different exercises with weights, guided weights and of course just with your own body weight. The possibilities are countless!

This squat rack is an absolute must.

Watch it here at Decathlon

Overall Best Squat Rack: Body-Solid Multi Press Rack GPR370

Overall Best Squat Rack: Body-Solid Multi Press Rack GPR370

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This squat rack is of high quality and not exactly cheap, but in our opinion worth considering.

If you train hard, you know how important it is to be able to train to the limit for the best results.

That is possible with this high-quality squat rack. The rack has 14 lift-off points and four attachments for Olympic weight storage.

This rock-solid device has a 4-point wide base for extra stability. In addition, it is under an inclination of 7 degrees, for more results and safety.

The lift-off / safety points are positioned in such a way that you can safely replace the barbell during the performance of your exercises (such as squats, deadlifts, lunges, upright rows).

To expand the workout options, you can add a bench.

The rack allows heavy use, up to a maximum of 450 kilos!

It may also be useful to know that the squat rack can be used with a 220 cm long barbell.

A rack for the real powerhouses! With this multi press rack you keep yourself very fit at all times.

Check prices and availability here

Best Cheap Squat Rack: Domyos Stand-Alone

Best Cheap Squat Rack: Domyos Stand-Alone

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We can imagine that not everyone has a few hundred euros to buy an expensive squat rack.

Fortunately, there are also cheap, yet solid options, such as this squat rack from Domyos.

With this squat rack you can just as easily perform a complete strength training: with your own body weight (pull exercises) as well as with weights.

In addition to squats, you can also do pull-ups and if you buy another bench, you can also bench press (or do the bench press).

The rack has an H-shaped support (tube 50 mm) and floor mounting is possible. It comes with anti-slip caps so that the rack cannot damage your floor.

The rack has two rod holders and is equipped with two vertical 'pins' on which you can store your discs.

The rod holders can be loaded up to a maximum of 175 kg and the drawbar up to 110 kg (body weight + weighting). The rack can only be used with bars of 1,75 meters, 2 meters and a barbell of 20 kg.

Not suitable for barbell bars of 15 kg!

Check out the latest prices here

Best Squat Rack Including Dumbbell Set: Gorilla Sports

Best squat rack including barbell set Gorilla Sports

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As you may have noticed, most squat racks come without barbells and weights. That's the standard.

However, you can also choose to take a squat rack that includes a dumbbell set and bench press supports!

And to top it off, you even get floor mats to ensure that your floor remains intact and will not be damaged.

The multifunctional squat and bench press supports of this unique set are loadable up to 180 kg and adjustable in 16 positions.

The dumbbells (discs) are made of plastic and have a bore of 30/21 mm. The plastic discs will damage your floor less quickly.

However, with this set you get handy floor mats, made of high-quality foam and with a 'wood' look, so you don't have to worry about floor damage at all.

The mats slide together very easily. In addition to protecting your floor, these mats also absorb sound and heat.

Now you know for sure that you can go all out in your new home gym without your neighbors or neighbors being bothered by it!

Watch it here at Gorilla Sports

What is a squat rack for?

The squat rack helps you to place the bar on your shoulders from a comfortable height and also to put it back in a handy way after squatting.

A squat rack eliminates the need to bend over and lift the weight. With a squat rack you will master the squat exercise better and better, and you will also be able to add more weight in a safe way.

Should I buy a squat rack?

This really depends on your commitment level and your current gym situation (fitness level).

A pull-up bar is a cheap, pleasant tool, but a squat rack is generally much more useful, although of course it costs considerably more (taking into account the cost of a barbell and weights).

Especially if you buy a good one!

Is it safe to squat without a squat rack?

In general, this is dangerous and can lead to shoulder injuries.

If you want to train the squat without a squat rack, it is best to become somewhat proficient so that you can safely bring the bar or barbell up to the shoulders.

When you get started with bars and weights, good fitness gloves are indispensable. read our review of the best fitness glove | Top 5 rated for grip & wrist.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of referees.eu is a content marketer, father and loves to write about all kinds of sports, and has also played a lot of sports himself for most of his life. Now since 2016, he and his team have been creating helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with their sports activities.