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.
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02-03-2010, 07:56 AM #1
- Join Date: Mar 2009
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Is Max Rack 3D Squat Rack bad/good? (Pic)
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02-03-2010, 08:25 AM #2
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.
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02-03-2010, 08:28 AM #3
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02-03-2010, 08:30 AM #4
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02-03-2010, 08:30 AM #5
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02-03-2010, 08:30 AM #6
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02-03-2010, 08:31 AM #7
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02-03-2010, 08:31 AM #8
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02-03-2010, 08:32 AM #9
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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.-
Alchemist of Alcohol
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Journal: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=126418493
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02-03-2010, 08:41 AM #10
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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.
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.
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02-03-2010, 08:42 AM #11
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02-03-2010, 08:43 AM #12
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02-03-2010, 08:48 AM #13
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02-03-2010, 08:49 AM #14
- Join Date: Jan 2006
- Location: Lakeland, Florida, United States
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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.-
Alchemist of Alcohol
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Journal: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=126418493
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02-03-2010, 08:50 AM #15
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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.Last edited by Jack_Lupino; 02-03-2010 at 08:52 AM.
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02-03-2010, 09:17 AM #16
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02-03-2010, 09:21 AM #17
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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.Last edited by chazzy1864; 02-03-2010 at 09:27 AM.
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Alchemist of Alcohol
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Journal: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=126418493
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02-03-2010, 09:31 AM #18
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02-03-2010, 09:37 AM #19
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02-03-2010, 10:18 AM #20
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02-03-2010, 11:14 AM #21
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02-03-2010, 11:55 AM #22
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02-03-2010, 12:06 PM #23
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02-03-2010, 12:54 PM #24
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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.
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02-03-2010, 01:56 PM #25
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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...
Was waiting on this to happen. And now..
Definetely a consideration, which is why I posted this thread.
Good points.Last edited by TOMaHULK; 02-03-2010 at 02:01 PM.
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02-03-2010, 02:02 PM #26
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!
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02-03-2010, 02:10 PM #27
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02-03-2010, 02:18 PM #28
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02-03-2010, 02:19 PM #29
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02-03-2010, 02:23 PM #30
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