DIY Squat Cage Reccomendations

"Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:cfadndUVyumws9TbnZ2dnUVZ_r6vnZ2d@comcast.com...

> I have built many step racks out of wood that are simple to make.
>
> Unfortunately, all my drawings were damaged in storage and I have nothing
to
> show. I could look around a little and maybe come up with something. I
have
> written extensively about step racks in this newsgroup. You should do a
> google search with my name and "step racks". That should turn up
something.

Thank you for responding so soon, Lee.

Something like what is posted here --
http://www.shep.ca/pages/steprack.html -- Is what I had in mind. Your name
happens to be on the top of the page! If I had thought to search for
"Step-Rack", I probably would have been golden!!

I can figure out the back bracing from this picture. This is very similar to
what I had in mind. I'm wondering if this is practical for a medium-term
solution, though. I'm only interested in the upper 2 tiers -- the Squat
ones. Do you happen to know how much weight they can safely support? This
particular diagram seems to be strong enough, far stronger than I am, so I'm
sure it would last me a long while. Are there any real caveats with this
design? Nails or drilled-hole bolts?

I think I'm going to go with this basic Idea, but I'd like to gather a few
more opinions... Nevertheless, thank you for your speedy reply.

Mongolai
 >> Stay informed about: DIY Squat Cage Reccomendations 

Why is joining a gym out of the question? Even small towns have gyms.

--
Robert Schuh
"Everything that elevates an individual above the herd and
intimidates the neighbour is henceforth called evil; and
the fair, modest, submissive and conforming mentality,
the mediocrity of desires attains moral designations and honors"
- Nietzsche

http://www.hardbopdrums.com/


"Mongolai" <user.RemoveThis@example.net> wrote in message
news:98a46$46493443$4b58560a$14878@ALLTEL.NET...
> "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:cfadndUVyumws9TbnZ2dnUVZ_r6vnZ2d@comcast.com...
>
>> I have built many step racks out of wood that are simple to make.
>>
>> Unfortunately, all my drawings were damaged in storage and I have nothing
> to
>> show. I could look around a little and maybe come up with something. I
> have
>> written extensively about step racks in this newsgroup. You should do a
>> google search with my name and "step racks". That should turn up
> something.
>
> Thank you for responding so soon, Lee.
>
> Something like what is posted here --
> http://www.shep.ca/pages/steprack.html -- Is what I had in mind. Your name
> happens to be on the top of the page! If I had thought to search for
> "Step-Rack", I probably would have been golden!!
>
> I can figure out the back bracing from this picture. This is very similar
> to
> what I had in mind. I'm wondering if this is practical for a medium-term
> solution, though. I'm only interested in the upper 2 tiers -- the Squat
> ones. Do you happen to know how much weight they can safely support? This
> particular diagram seems to be strong enough, far stronger than I am, so
> I'm
> sure it would last me a long while. Are there any real caveats with this
> design? Nails or drilled-hole bolts?
>
> I think I'm going to go with this basic Idea, but I'd like to gather a few
> more opinions... Nevertheless, thank you for your speedy reply.
>
> Mongolai
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: DIY Squat Cage Reccomendations 

"Mongolai" <user.TakeThisOut@example.net> wrote in message
news:98a46$46493443$4b58560a$14878@ALLTEL.NET...
> "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:cfadndUVyumws9TbnZ2dnUVZ_r6vnZ2d@comcast.com...
>
>> I have built many step racks out of wood that are simple to make.
>>
>> Unfortunately, all my drawings were damaged in storage and I have nothing
> to
>> show. I could look around a little and maybe come up with something. I
> have
>> written extensively about step racks in this newsgroup. You should do a
>> google search with my name and "step racks". That should turn up
> something.
>
> Thank you for responding so soon, Lee.
>
> Something like what is posted here --
> http://www.shep.ca/pages/steprack.html -- Is what I had in mind. Your name
> happens to be on the top of the page! If I had thought to search for
> "Step-Rack", I probably would have been golden!!
>
> I can figure out the back bracing from this picture. This is very similar
> to
> what I had in mind. I'm wondering if this is practical for a medium-term
> solution, though. I'm only interested in the upper 2 tiers -- the Squat
> ones. Do you happen to know how much weight they can safely support? This
> particular diagram seems to be strong enough, far stronger than I am, so
> I'm
> sure it would last me a long while. Are there any real caveats with this
> design? Nails or drilled-hole bolts?
>
> I think I'm going to go with this basic Idea, but I'd like to gather a few
> more opinions... Nevertheless, thank you for your speedy reply.
>

Those are the drawings that went missing!! I forgot that somebody posted
them. I had a little talk with the guy and told him he should get permission
before posting my drawings. He apologized profusely and put my name all over
the page.

I have just nailed these things together and they were plenty strong. But
you can get fancy if you want. If you don't have to break it down later, use
plenty of construction adhesive as well. That will make it even stronger.

You can also put some additional bracing on the side and back if you want.
It is entirely up to you. I tend to overbuild things myself.

And this is much stronger than you will ever be. There was a guy on here
who builtone of these and quickly lost a bench press on it. It aved his
chest and possibly his life. He wrote about it on here.

The most important thing is to get some good measurement for the bottom of
the squat and bench press. Make it fit you. This is a personalized peice
of equipment. If you don't have a bench, make one.
 >> Stay informed about: DIY Squat Cage Reccomendations 

"Mongolai" <user.DeleteThis@example.net> wrote in message
news:2f75d$464927f3$4b58560a$15224@ALLTEL.NET...
> Hello all. Long time lurker here, second time poster (Good luck with
> your
> Lotus, Richard).
>
> I'd like to *safely* do heavier squats, but I lack a cage, and a gym
> membership is out of the question. As it is now, I can only do squats
> that I
> can press over-the-head. Although the weight is low, I cannot always
> safely
> remove the weight after a full set. Single-leg squats are an option,
> but I'd
> rather go for the real deal as overall strength is my ultimate goal.
> This
> situation is not optimal.
>
> Short of buying a pre-built metal cage, which I can't afford right
> now, what
> are my options for heavy squat support? I've investigated several DIY
> wood-built solutions, some of which seem feasible, but I'd like some
> opinions from the collective wisdom of this group first: Have any of
> you
> guys or gals built a squat station out of wood that can support heavy
> weight? Is it easy and cheap (< $100 USD) to build? Any other
> ideas/recomendations?
>
> I look forward to your replies on this matter.

Sawhorse brackets - you won't be the first or the last person to use
these for safeties.

-S-
http://www.kbnj.com

> Mongolai
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: DIY Squat Cage Reccomendations 

On May 15, 12:22 am, "Mongolai" <u....RemoveThis@example.net> wrote:
> Hello all. Long time lurker here, second time poster (Good luck with your
> Lotus, Richard).
>
> I'd like to *safely* do heavier squats, but I lack a cage, and a gym
> membership is out of the question. As it is now, I can only do squats that I
> can press over-the-head. Although the weight is low, I cannot always safely
> remove the weight after a full set. Single-leg squats are an option, but I'd
> rather go for the real deal as overall strength is my ultimate goal. This
> situation is not optimal.
>
> Short of buying a pre-built metal cage, which I can't afford right now, what
> are my options for heavy squat support? I've investigated several DIY
> wood-built solutions, some of which seem feasible, but I'd like some
> opinions from the collective wisdom of this group first: Have any of you
> guys or gals built a squat station out of wood that can support heavy
> weight? Is it easy and cheap (< $100 USD) to build? Any other
> ideas/recomendations?
>
> I look forward to your replies on this matter.
>
> Mongolai

"Pillars of poverty" might be what you are looking for:
http://www.geocities.com/fightraining/safety.html

I too was afraid of solitary squats and considered building a pillars
of povery safety stand. Within a couple weeks craigslist provided me a
real squat rack that fits in my basement for $100, with a set of
olympic weights (which I sold for $40) and a bench (which I also hope
to sell). My moral is to try craigslist and all other avenues you can
think of. I couldn't believe my luck, though I had to drive a ways to
pick it all up.

This link http://www.crossfit.com/discus/messages/26/5292.html was
inspiring too, especially the video of the failed squat.
 >> Stay informed about: DIY Squat Cage Reccomendations 

"cumin" <jkilbourne RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> "Pillars of poverty" might be what you are looking for:
> http://www.geocities.com/fightraining/safety.html
>

Thanks for the link. I can definitely use this!


> I too was afraid of solitary squats and considered building a pillars
> of povery safety stand. Within a couple weeks craigslist provided me a
> real squat rack that fits in my basement for $100, with a set of
> olympic weights (which I sold for $40) and a bench (which I also hope
> to sell). My moral is to try craigslist and all other avenues you can
> think of. I couldn't believe my luck, though I had to drive a ways to
> pick it all up.
>

I can not believe some of the deals I have seen on craigslist. If you have
the space and can move the equipment, fantastic deals can be found. I have
even seen over $800 worth of equipment if you move it in one day.
 >> Stay informed about: DIY Squat Cage Reccomendations 

"Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:XsKdnfOhGZJd_NfbnZ2dnUVZ_vqpnZ2d@comcast.com...
>
> "cumin" <jkilbourne RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote in message
>>
>> "Pillars of poverty" might be what you are looking for:
>> http://www.geocities.com/fightraining/safety.html
>>
>
> Thanks for the link. I can definitely use this!
>
>
>> I too was afraid of solitary squats and considered building a pillars
>> of povery safety stand. Within a couple weeks craigslist provided me a
>> real squat rack that fits in my basement for $100, with a set of
>> olympic weights (which I sold for $40) and a bench (which I also hope
>> to sell). My moral is to try craigslist and all other avenues you can
>> think of. I couldn't believe my luck, though I had to drive a ways to
>> pick it all up.
>>
>
> I can not believe some of the deals I have seen on craigslist. If you have
> the space and can move the equipment, fantastic deals can be found. I have
> even seen over $800 worth of equipment if you move it in one day.
>

I forgot to add FOR FREE. That is $800 worth of equipment FOR FREE, if you
move it in one day.

Folks just want clean out their garage and just want it hauled away. There
are some good deals on craigslist, particularly if you are patient and wait
for the right deal.
 >> Stay informed about: DIY Squat Cage Reccomendations 

"Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>"cumin" <jkilbourne.DeleteThis@gmail.com> wrote in message
>>
>> "Pillars of poverty" might be what you are looking for:
>> http://www.geocities.com/fightraining/safety.html
>>
>
>Thanks for the link. I can definitely use this!

Be careful. Iron pipe can be brittle, especially after years of
stress. I made a standing preacher curl platform out of similar
materials. It lasted a number of years, but the pipe eventually
snapped off at the lower flange.
 >> Stay informed about: DIY Squat Cage Reccomendations 

"JMW" wrote

> "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote:
>>
>>"cumin" <jkilbourne RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote in message
>>>
>>> "Pillars of poverty" might be what you are looking for:
>>> http://www.geocities.com/fightraining/safety.html
>>>
>>
>>Thanks for the link. I can definitely use this!
>
> Be careful. Iron pipe can be brittle, especially after years of
> stress. I made a standing preacher curl platform out of similar
> materials. It lasted a number of years, but the pipe eventually
> snapped off at the lower flange.

I know. A lot of pipe is not high quality which becomes very evident if you
try to weld it. I was more interested in the various ideas that was on the
site. I can always build something better.

Besides, most of the time, I get my materials from scrap yards. The pipe I
get from there is the high grade stuff used for gas lines in industrial
settings. It is so hard and smooth. Much better than standard water pipe.
Some of the stuff that I welded up from that stock is still going strong
after 25 years.
 >> Stay informed about: DIY Squat Cage Reccomendations 

Robert, the last few days you have a tendency to top post.

That is almost as bad as cross-posting ;-O


"Hard Bop Drums" <nospam.TakeThisOut@hardbopdrums.com> schreef in bericht
news:k%d2i.284063$115.183629@newsfe10.phx...
> Why is joining a gym out of the question? Even small towns have gyms.
>
> --
> Robert Schuh
> "Everything that elevates an individual above the herd and
> intimidates the neighbour is henceforth called evil; and
> the fair, modest, submissive and conforming mentality,
> the mediocrity of desires attains moral designations and honors"
> - Nietzsche
>
> http://www.hardbopdrums.com/
>
>
> "Mongolai" <user.TakeThisOut@example.net> wrote in message
> news:98a46$46493443$4b58560a$14878@ALLTEL.NET...
>> "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
>> news:cfadndUVyumws9TbnZ2dnUVZ_r6vnZ2d@comcast.com...
>>
>>> I have built many step racks out of wood that are simple to make.
>>>
>>> Unfortunately, all my drawings were damaged in storage and I have
>>> nothing
>> to
>>> show. I could look around a little and maybe come up with something. I
>> have
>>> written extensively about step racks in this newsgroup. You should do a
>>> google search with my name and "step racks". That should turn up
>> something.
>>
>> Thank you for responding so soon, Lee.
>>
>> Something like what is posted here --
>> http://www.shep.ca/pages/steprack.html -- Is what I had in mind. Your
>> name
>> happens to be on the top of the page! If I had thought to search for
>> "Step-Rack", I probably would have been golden!!
>>
>> I can figure out the back bracing from this picture. This is very similar
>> to
>> what I had in mind. I'm wondering if this is practical for a medium-term
>> solution, though. I'm only interested in the upper 2 tiers -- the Squat
>> ones. Do you happen to know how much weight they can safely support? This
>> particular diagram seems to be strong enough, far stronger than I am, so
>> I'm
>> sure it would last me a long while. Are there any real caveats with this
>> design? Nails or drilled-hole bolts?
>>
>> I think I'm going to go with this basic Idea, but I'd like to gather a
>> few
>> more opinions... Nevertheless, thank you for your speedy reply.
>>
>> Mongolai
>>
>>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: DIY Squat Cage Reccomendations 

"Mongolai" <user.DeleteThis@example.net> writes:

> Hello all. Long time lurker here, second time poster (Good luck with your
> Lotus, Richard).
>
> I'd like to *safely* do heavier squats, but I lack a cage, and a gym
> membership is out of the question. As it is now, I can only do squats that I
> can press over-the-head. Although the weight is low, I cannot always safely
> remove the weight after a full set. Single-leg squats are an option, but I'd
> rather go for the real deal as overall strength is my ultimate goal. This
> situation is not optimal.
>
> Short of buying a pre-built metal cage, which I can't afford right now, what
> are my options for heavy squat support? I've investigated several DIY
> wood-built solutions, some of which seem feasible, but I'd like some
> opinions from the collective wisdom of this group first: Have any of you
> guys or gals built a squat station out of wood that can support heavy
> weight? Is it easy and cheap (< $100 USD) to build? Any other
> ideas/recomendations?
>
> I look forward to your replies on this matter.

This doesn't answer your question, but you might find it interesting anyway.

http://danjohn.org/overhead.html

--
Jim Janney
 >> Stay informed about: DIY Squat Cage Reccomendations 

On May 15, 12:22 am, "Mongolai" <u....RemoveThis@example.net> wrote:
> Hello all. Long time lurker here, second time poster (Good luck with your
> Lotus, Richard).
>
> I'd like to *safely* do heavier squats, but I lack a cage, and a gym
> membership is out of the question. As it is now, I can only do squats that I
> can press over-the-head. Although the weight is low, I cannot always safely
> remove the weight after a full set. Single-leg squats are an option, but I'd
> rather go for the real deal as overall strength is my ultimate goal. This
> situation is not optimal.
>
> Short of buying a pre-built metal cage, which I can't afford right now, what
> are my options for heavy squat support? I've investigated several DIY
> wood-built solutions, some of which seem feasible, but I'd like some
> opinions from the collective wisdom of this group first: Have any of you
> guys or gals built a squat station out of wood that can support heavy
> weight? Is it easy and cheap (< $100 USD) to build? Any other
> ideas/recomendations?
>
> I look forward to your replies on this matter.
>
> Mongolai

In addition to the other replies suggesting alternative equipment,
realize that you don't HAVE to do back squats unless you need to
practice them for powerlifting competition.

For general strength and bodybuilding there are substitutes that can
work about as well.
For hams and glutes, deadlifts and stiff legged deadlifts.
For quads you can do front squats and overhead squats. Maybe hack
squats or one-legged squats too, but I never really tried them much.
For chest you can use dumbells instead of a barbell.

(Cue the flamewar of people saying you have to back squat)

Although you can't move as much weight with front squats and overhead
squats, you are forced to remain more upright, so they work the quads
as well as back squats.

For two or three years, that was all I could do and it worked fine.

Eventually I found a squat rack at a garage sale for $50 or $60 or so,
and now I can do back squats too.

Some hints if you chose to try these.

Without a rack, you may be somewhat limited for a front or overhead
squat by the amount you can clean. Instead of a disadvantage,
consider it an oppertunity to practice cleans. They are an excellent
leg exercise as well.

If you try overhead squats, practice dumping them (with low weights)
before you go heavy (you WILL dump heavy too, it could hurt if you
screw it up)
And dont put holes in your floors ... you may have to do it outside.
(Don't put divots in your driveway either ...)

If you want to try front squats but can't get the grip, try using a
tricep bar.
Hold on using the crosspieces, and rest the top/bottom bar across your
pecs/delts.
 >> Stay informed about: DIY Squat Cage Reccomendations 

"Jim Janney" <jjanney.RemoveThis@xmission.xmission.com> wrote in message
news:2p8xbne0p2.fsf@xmission.xmission.com...
> "Mongolai" <user.RemoveThis@example.net> writes:
>
> > Hello all. Long time lurker here, second time poster (Good luck with
your
> > Lotus, Richard).
> >
> > I'd like to *safely* do heavier squats, but I lack a cage, and a gym
> > membership is out of the question. As it is now, I can only do squats
that I
> > can press over-the-head. Although the weight is low, I cannot always
safely
> > remove the weight after a full set. Single-leg squats are an option, but
I'd
> > rather go for the real deal as overall strength is my ultimate goal.
This
> > situation is not optimal.
> >
> > Short of buying a pre-built metal cage, which I can't afford right now,
what
> > are my options for heavy squat support? I've investigated several DIY
> > wood-built solutions, some of which seem feasible, but I'd like some
> > opinions from the collective wisdom of this group first: Have any of you
> > guys or gals built a squat station out of wood that can support heavy
> > weight? Is it easy and cheap (< $100 USD) to build? Any other
> > ideas/recomendations?
> >
> > I look forward to your replies on this matter.
>
> This doesn't answer your question, but you might find it interesting
anyway.
>
> http://danjohn.org/overhead.html
>
> --
> Jim Janney

Thanks for the link. There's some good info on that guy's site that I did
find interesting. He wrote an article about single-arm training which I
found particularly inspiring.

As for the overhead squats, I gave this a shot yesterday and was very
impressed! I'm definitely going to practice these from now on. I can't
imagine doing 15 of these at bodyweight (as suggested in the link), so that
really gives me something to work for.
 >> Stay informed about: DIY Squat Cage Reccomendations