Is Max Rack 3D Squat Rack bad/good? (Pic)

[TOMaHULK]

My gym only has 3 squat racks.

Out of the 3, 2 of them are these Max Rack 3D machines/racks.

The other rack is a standard rack, but does not face a mirror (just out in space) so I can't really do a good squat workout on this because (a-I can't watch my form) and (b-I think it's dangerous (i.e. reracking weights,etc) ).



My question is simple:

Is using this machine/rack bad for my workouts/squats?

While these squat racks/machine do not assist in reps, the DO offer support in case of failure/spotting.

A lot of people use these for bench/etc, but not me. Just squats, and the other night for straight leg deadlifts, because the other was being used.

Appreciate any comments/advice offered.

[GtG-Army]

First and foremost, if I see anyone benching in a power rack and I need that station, they better gtfo STAT.

I've never used that rack before but I don't see why it wouldn't be fine for squatting. Personally I prefer a rack that has just one set of BB rests that are adjustable. Judging by the picture it looks a little flimsy/cheap but I'm sure it gets the job done. My gym has several of these which I LOVE.

us.commercial.lifefitness.com/content.cfm/hdpr

[laughin_man]

is that like a smith machine? if it is and you're not injured, drop it and squat in the regular rack. Its not dangerous . . . also, you can video yourself to check your form

[TOMaHULK]

First and foremost, if I see anyone benching in a power rack and I need that station, they better gtfo STAT.

I've never used that rack before but I don't see why it wouldn't be fine for squatting. Personally I prefer a rack that has just one set of BB rests that are adjustable. Judging by the picture it looks a little flimsy/cheap but I'm sure it gets the job done. My gym has several of these which I LOVE.

us.commercial.lifefitness.com/content.cfm/hdpr

Yes, these look nice. And in my opinion would be optimal, but looks like mine has a contract with StarTrac equipment.

[The_Dear_Hunter]

I have no idea how people can squat in those things. I feel so weird trying to squat on that. I know it keeps the bar going straight up and down, but my natural squat has some play in how the bar moves on the X and Y axis.

It's basically a Smith machine right?

[GtG-Army]

is that like a smith machine? if it is and you're not injured, drop it and squat in the regular rack. Its not dangerous . . . also, you can video yourself to check your form

what the deuce, ya I didn't see that rail. You're right. ditch that machine bro.

[TOMaHULK]

is that like a smith machine? if it is and you're not injured, drop it and squat in the regular rack. Its not dangerous . . . also, you can video yourself to check your form

Not a smith machine. Has a rail system as reinforcement for guiding a re-rack though.

[MWheatley]

Does it have a guided path like a smith machine? If so i say stick to free weights. Also, doing presses on this is really bad for your shoulders its not a natural ROM.

However, doing front squats on one of those has worked well for me.

[chazzy1864]

is that like a smith machine? if it is and you're not injured, drop it and squat in the regular rack. Its not dangerous . . . also, you can video yourself to check your form

It looks like it might be a smith that allows for horizontal movement. I'm not sure.


OP, what is so petrifying about squatting without a mirror? Besides, looking directly at yourself while squatting doesn't allow you to accurately judge when you hit parallel anyways. It is actually rather deceiving. Nor can you see if your back is properly arched, or if your body is following the proper line during your descent/ascent. Just squat, and use a camera to correct form.

[TOMaHULK]

Does it have a guided path like a smith machine? If so i say stick to free weights. Also, doing presses on this is really bad for your shoulders its not a natural ROM.

However, doing front squats on one of those has worked well for me.

No-no guided path. It's "3D" which means that the bar can go 360 degree in any direction.

I'd NEVER do bench press in this thing, but squats seem about the same.

It looks like it might be a smith that allows for horizontal movement. I'm not sure.


OP, what is so petrifying about squatting without a mirror? Besides, looking directly at yourself while squatting doesn't allow you to accurately judge when you hit parallel anyways. It is actually rather deceiving. Nor can you see if your back is properly arched, or if your body is following the proper line during your descent/ascent. Just squat, and use a camera to correct form.

The reason I want (feel the need) for a mirror is because I'm coming back from a back injury (3 torn discs in my back) and haven't been doing squats for a couple of years due to this injury. Thought the mirror would help with confidence/technique and form. You disagree?

Appreciate the comments so far guys.

[TOMaHULK]

I have no idea how people can squat in those things. I feel so weird trying to squat on that. I know it keeps the bar going straight up and down, but my natural squat has some play in how the bar moves on the X and Y axis.

It's basically a Smith machine right?

No guys, it's not a Smith machine. It's 3D, so the bar can move in any direction.

[TOMaHULK]

It looks like it might be a smith that allows for horizontal movement. I'm not sure.


OP, what is so petrifying about squatting without a mirror? Besides, looking directly at yourself while squatting doesn't allow you to accurately judge when you hit parallel anyways. It is actually rather deceiving. Nor can you see if your back is properly arched, or if your body is following the proper line during your descent/ascent. Just squat, and use a camera to correct form.

LOL-rep'd for awesome avatar. Just noticed that

[MK636]

The only difference is this rack will not allow the bar to tilt side to side. In other words, if you were not directly under the center of the bar, it would not matter.

[chazzy1864]

The reason I want (feel the need) for a mirror is because I'm coming back from a back injury (3 torn discs in my back) and haven't been doing squats for a couple of years due to this injury. Thought the mirror would help with confidence/technique and form. You disagree?

Appreciate the comments so far guys.

I can understand your uneasiness. HoweverI will say, the mirror won't help. As i said, you can't see your arch or anything. THe only way you could, is if the mirror was on yoru side, then it wouldn't be smart to turn your head while doing the squat.

I'd say just start out kind of light, and just work your way up, making sure you use proper form. If you are worried, then film yourself doing some lower weight sets and put on here for critique if you are unsure.

[Jack_Lupino]

that thing is atrocious.

i tried using it once and only once because it seriously sucks that much. it's like they took the worst thing about a smith and combined it with the worst thing about free weights or something.

i understand the goal was to make it feel more natural by allowing greater range of motion while still giving you the support and safety of a smith but it just ends up feeling very strange. as stated above if they've accomplished anything in developing that machine it seems to be the opposite of their intention.

i think i actually heard my knee call me an idiot for even stepping under the bar to begin with!

gotta be the worst thing since barbell squat on top of a ball.

[TOMaHULK]

that thing is atrocious.

i tried using it once and only once because it seriously sucks that much. it's like they took the worst thing about a smith and combined it with the worst thing about free weights or something.

i understand the goal was to make it feel more natural by allowing greater range of motion while still giving you the support and safety of a smith but it just ends up feeling very strange. as stated above if they've accomplished anything in developing that machine it seems to be the opposite of their intention.

i think i actually heard my knee call me an idiot for even stepping under the bar to begin with!

gotta be the worst thing since barbell squat on top of a ball.

Wow-I didn't think anything beat the barbell squat on the top of a ball...which I thought was a myth/joke, that is...until I actually saw a personal trainer doing it a few days ago with an EZ Curl bar. I was gonna say something, but I was like "I'm gonna enjoy this..." (srs)

[chazzy1864]

Wow-I didn't think anything beat the barbell squat on the top of a ball...which I thought was a myth/joke, that is...until I actually saw a personal trainer doing it a few days ago with an EZ Curl bar. I was gonna say something, but I was like "I'm gonna enjoy this..." (srs)

There is one (count...one ) video of the barbell swiss ball squat exercises that I do respect. I'll see if i can find it.

edit: I can't find it. Maybe soemone else can. it was of a black dude with a barbell (I think he had 135lb...can't remember) and would hop on a few swiss balls with it, and squat on them. That video was actually impressive.

[JZ1986]

First and foremost, if I see anyone benching in a power rack and I need that station, they better gtfo STAT.

Sorry guy, I bench in the rack all the time, you would just have to wait your turn.

To OP, you are better off learning to squat without looking in the mirror. When you watch yourself it can be distracting as well as being somwhat deceptive as to depth and what not.

[TOMaHULK]

There is one (count...one ) video of the barbell swiss ball squat exercises that I do respect. I'll see if i can find it.

edit: I can't find it. Maybe soemone else can. it was of a black dude with a barbell (I think he had 135lb...can't remember) and would hop on a few swiss balls with it, and squat on them. That video was actually impressive.

But...why...? Just...why...?

[chazzy1864]

But...why...? Just...why...?

I dunno, but that dude was BA.

[darrenash]

My gym only has 3 squat racks.

Only 3? Try gyms in the UK - you're lucky to find one!

[SDFlip]

First and foremost, if I see anyone benching in a power rack and I need that station, they better gtfo STAT.

so you can do curls?

nothing wrong at all with benching in a power rack

[Aries21]

no way man, any guided rack is bad for the knees, squatting is a natural movement you dont want to mess with it

[bforrester]

I don't think its so bad, being able to move for and aft and all. Might be a good confidence builder. Only real problem I see is not having to balance the bar side to side will not allow for as much natural core activation, possibly leading to injury or imbalance in the long run. I don't think there is really a "good" replacement for a free squat, just a supplement.

[TOMaHULK]

Only 3? Try gyms in the UK - you're lucky to find one!

Wasn't the point I was attempting to make. Just stating that there was 3 to indicate that only one of them was a standard rack and the other 2 were the MaxRack 3D, for reference. Yes I know we're spoiled, etc...

so you can do curls?

nothing wrong at all with benching in a power rack

Was waiting on this to happen. And now..

no way man, any guided rack is bad for the knees, squatting is a natural movement you dont want to mess with it

Definetely a consideration, which is why I posted this thread.

I don't think its so bad, being able to move for and aft and all. Might be a good confidence builder. Only real problem I see is not having to balance the bar side to side will not allow for as much natural core activation, possibly leading to injury or imbalance in the long run. I don't think there is really a "good" replacement for a free squat, just a supplement.

Good points.

[BK89]

My knee just got raped on the smith machine (well not smith it is one of those 3d max racks). This happened a month ago and I thought it was bad form. I have been using the regular squat rack knee pain free. So today the regular squat rack was taken so I figured i would try the 3d rack again. Not even two sets in feel a pain in the front of my knee. Could not do any more reps. Knee is killing me now. I am never using the smith or 3d rack to squat ever again!! Free squat only from here on out!

[TOMaHULK]

My knee just got raped on the smith machine (well not smith it is one of those 3d max racks). This happened a month ago and I thought it was bad form. I have been using the regular squat rack knee pain free. So today the regular squat rack was taken so I figured i would try the 3d rack again. Not even two sets in feel a pain in the front of my knee. Could not do any more reps. Knee is killing me now. I am never using the smith or 3d rack to squat ever again!! Free squat only from here on out!

Wow, very relevant. Thanks. I appreciate the info.

[TOMaHULK]

[QUOTE=MWheatley;444747351]
[QUOTE=laughin_man;444746241]
[QUOTE=GtG-Army;444745311]
[QUOTE=chazzy1864;444747811]
[QUOTE=MK636;444753341]

REP'D

[Retardo-pex]

My gym only has 3 squat racks.

Out of the 3, 2 of them are these Max Rack 3D machines/racks.

The other rack is a standard rack, but does not face a mirror (just out in space) so I can't really do a good squat workout on this because (a-I can't watch my form) and (b-I think it's dangerous (i.e. reracking weights,etc) ).



My question is simple:

Is using this machine/rack bad for my workouts/squats?

While these squat racks/machine do not assist in reps, the DO offer support in case of failure/spotting.

A lot of people use these for bench/etc, but not me. Just squats, and the other night for straight leg deadlifts, because the other was being used.

Appreciate any comments/advice offered.

Its always better to squat freeweight when you can. If circumstances limit your ability to do so doing something is better than doing nothing.

[TOMaHULK]

[QUOTE=MWheatley;444747351]
[QUOTE=laughin_man;444746241]
[QUOTE=GtG-Army;444745311]
[QUOTE=chazzy1864;444747811]
[QUOTE=MK636;444753341]

REP'D