Squat Stands

[Giacomo]

I’m a beginner to the 5x5 program. My Squat and Bench Press are both currently at 35 kg. I would like my own home gym as it’s cheaper and more convenient than commercial gym membership, but I don’t have space for a power cage/squat rack. I’ve got an Olympic barbell and 150 kg of plates, but without space for a power cage or squat rack I’m looking at these Bodymax CF310 Squat Stands: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bodymax-CF310-S ... B001QSYJ48. The maximum loading capacity of 115 kg should be sufficient for at least a year (if I’m lifting 115 kg in a year I’ll be happy!!!), but can I follow the 5x5 program safety with these stands? Will the safety bars catch the bar from the bottom squat position if I’m unable to complete the squat? Are these stands suitable for the Bench Press? Or should I invest in gym membership?

Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Thank you

[holvoetn]

Those squat stands can be used.
If unsure about the safety, look for some cheap saw horses to use as safety bars.

[again]

Have you been to a shop to look at one? Their footprint is still fairly big, Add in the bar, saw horses and the bench and you are talking a lot of floor space. A power cage may even take up less room than the other items. I bought this one http://www.gymratz.co.uk/weight-trainin ... tem455.htm of of Ebay and am very pleased with it. The other advantage is you can do chins and inverted rows inside the cage.
Go to a shop and look at them, IMHO I think you will regret not getting the power cage if you can.

[dylanamus]

Because you leave your ego at the door in a program like SL if you fail a lift, it will be only marginally, so you will be able to fail with relative control. Therefore squat stands like those linked should be sufficient for your beginner phase.

I can understand why not all people can justify the permanence of a power rack. Squat stands, bench and bar may result in a similar foot print as a rack, but it can all be neatly stored away between workouts - which might be a requirement in some cases.

Bottom line I agree with. A power rack is a must-have for ongoing strength training: alternatives should only be explored as worst case scenarios. I am in the process of moving to a new apartment and I deliberately chose one with a big enough spare room to put my power rack. I personally consider it an item worth molding your lifestyle around.

Also, I wouldn't be too happy with 115kg limits. Right now it sounds a long way off, but time will fly, my friend. If a cage or something more solid is possible now in any way and you know it, you will look back and think the money you spent could have been better invested.

Can't help but be a bit of a Devil's Advocate on this one, as I agree that starting is more important than having a cage, but neglecting forethought is also counterproductive.