A key piece of equipment in any home or garage gym is a squat rack. Squat racks can not only be used for squats, but also any exercise, such as the shoulder press, that requires you to lift the bar from shoulder height. Commercial squat racks can be expensive to purchase and ship; make your own with little bit of wood and some concrete.
Building the Squat Rack
Step 1
Assemble the first squat rack post by laying the longest 2-inch by 6-inch board (shoulder height plus 6 inches) on a level surface. Place the shortest 2-inch by 6-inch board (shoulder height minus 2 inches) on top of the long board, aligning the bottom edges so they are flush with one another. Attach the boards to one another using three 2-1/2-inch exterior screws.
Step 2
Lay the middle-sized 2-inch by 6-inch board (shoulder height) on top of the short board, aligning the bottom edge so it is flush with the other two boards. Attach using three exterior screws. You will now have one post with a J-shaped top for receiving the bar. Repeat to assemble the second post.
Step 3
Pour one bag of fast-setting concrete in each 5-gallon bucket. Add the appropriate amount of water per the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 4
Place each post, J-hook side up, in the 5-gallon bucket filled with concrete.
Step 5
Use a level to ensure each post is perpendicular to the floor and hold in place until the concrete thickens and starts to set. Allow 24 hours for the concrete to harden before using the rack.
Tips and Warnings
- If you plan on using the posts outdoors, make sure you use an exterior paint or treat with an outdoor-specific finish such as a deck stain.
- This is a wood rack and will not be as strong as tubular steel, nor will it be as stable as a steel power cage. Accordingly, use caution when racking the barbell to prevent tipping the post. Have a spotter to help rack the bar and make sure you have a heavily loaded bar securely placed in the J-hook.
Things You'll Need
- 2 pine boards, 2-inch by 6-inch, cut to your shoulder height
- 2 pine boards, 2-inch by 6-inch, cut 2 inches below your shoulder height
- 2 pine boards, 2-inch by 6-inch, cut 6 inches above your shoulder height
- 12 exterior screws 2-1/2-inch, 10 gauge
- Screwdriver, preferably a power drill
- 2 plastic buckets, 5-gallon
- 2 bags of fast-setting concrete, 50-lbs.
- Level
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