Looking for a bench with squat ability

[metallicat]

Today, I decided to buy a Bowflex. I also decided today, to skip the Bowflex.

I think for me, without getting into a long winded story, free weights is the way to go...but, I want to be able to do bench press, as well as squats at home. What are my options? Is there a good bench that allows one to bench press on a track? In other words, I would like to be able to bench press without having to rely on a spotter. Or should I look for a larger home gym that allows for other excersises as well?

Any input is appreciated.

[Cort]

Look into a good power rack (with a decent amount of holes for the safety bars.)

With a good power rack and a flat bench you should have no trouble, even w/o a spotter.

[Firehawk]

Yep, every gym should have a power rack. Look on newyorkbarbells.tv

[.V.]

Here is a pic of a decent one. There are much better ones out there which cost more.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...3A4134%3A49040

It is available at WalMart for a little over 100.00

[jimmyv]

I don't think I'd squat in that thing -- I'd rather have a proper power rack. My sense of it is that even if you could dump the bar on a lower set of pins during a failure, you MIGHT screw up and end up crumpled on the floor with a heavy barbell on your back. A power rack is not that much more pricey (I got mine new for $250) and SO valuable. I actually started making better gains when I didn't have that lingering "If I screw up, I'm dead" feeling in the back of my mind -- it gave me the confidence to lift much harder.

[.V.]

A power rack is definitely better - if you have the money and the room for one. I was given one of these for a Christmas present and absolutely love it. There is that little problem when doing box squats behind it though of if the legs collapse under you where do you go. I guess just drop the bar?? But if it all you have the money for or the room for, it is a good viable option.

[threenorns]

definitely go with a decent piece of equipment - when dealing with heavy weights is not the time to skimp on quality.

[Gearloose]

If you are mechanically inclined, or have a friend who is, here's a link to a DIY squat rack.

http://www.theministryoffitness.com/.../article11.htm

You should be able to build this for under $100.00.

I've got the Golds XR5 bench. It's decent for the price, but I wouldn't want to try to do squats from it either. The bench cannot be moved out of the way.

Here's a photo of my XR5 in my gym:

http://yellowjacketsystems.com/trikes/home_gym.jpg

Gearloose

[.V.]

I have the XR5 and squats are done behind it, not over the bench. Put the back rest all the way down and squat a little wider - it works. I just unrack the weight and step back so that I'm over my squatting box.

A proper rack or cage is of course the BEST option - if possible. But for some of us, it isn't.

[jimmyv]

If you do decide to go for a power rack, do a google search for TDS and "power rack," say. I got mine for $250, and it's really been good to me.