Valor BD Squat Stands ~ Tip

[NancyAZ]

I had planned all along to use the squat stands for bench presses, but did not have the opportunity until today when I started Meso 2. I was really distressed to discover that the risers for the club step were just enough too wide to fit between the long "feet" that make up the base of the stands. I pondered and moved things around and tried to come up with different configurations and was nearly to the conclusion that it just wasn't going to work. It finally hit me to try removing the rubber ends from the feet. That worked perfectly, adding just enough room for the risers to fit flat on the floor between the feet.

Just thought I would share in case that is helpful to anyone else.

 

[maddiesmum]

Thanks for the tip Nancy, I shall need it at some point. Just hope I remember!

Clare

 

[llp]

I had planned all along to use the squat stands for bench presses, but did not have the opportunity until today when I started Meso 2. I was really distressed to discover that the risers for the club step were just enough too wide to fit between the long "feet" that make up the base of the stands. I pondered and moved things around and tried to come up with different configurations and was nearly to the conclusion that it just wasn't going to work. It finally hit me to try removing the rubber ends from the feet. That worked perfectly, adding just enough room for the risers to fit flat on the floor between the feet.

Just thought I would share in case that is helpful to anyone else.

Hi Nancy!
That sounds like a pretty good tip to remember when I get the stands. I haven't ordered them yet, but, hope to soon when they are in stock somewhere.
So, do you squat by yourself or with a spotter? On the various websites it mentions to use a spotter. I think I probably won't, because my husband said he won't get up at 5:30 in the morning to help me! I don't plan on lifting so heavy that I lose control, though. I hope I will be safe!

So, you use these stands for bench press and squats, right? How about for pullups? Seems pretty versatile for ~$159(which would include shipping)!!

Thanks again for the tip.

 

[NancyAZ]

Hi Nancy!
That sounds like a pretty good tip to remember when I get the stands. I haven't ordered them yet, but, hope to soon when they are in stock somewhere.
So, do you squat by yourself or with a spotter? On the various websites it mentions to use a spotter. I think I probably won't, because my husband said he won't get up at 5:30 in the morning to help me! I don't plan on lifting so heavy that I lose control, though. I hope I will be safe!

So, you use these stands for bench press and squats, right? How about for pullups? Seems pretty versatile for ~$159(which would include shipping)!!

Thanks again for the tip.

You're welcome! Yes, so far I have been squatting without a spotter. But, of course, I'm not in Meso 3 yet so I'll have to see how comfortable I am with that. I have Cathe's vest, as well, so that will help a little with the amount of weight I'll be putting on the bar.

As you read, this was my first try using them for bench press and once I figured out how to get the stands close enough to me, I thought they worked great. I am thinking about getting another pair of risers, though. I currently have enough for five on each side (including the slanted risers that equal 3 regular ones). One more set would make it just that much more comfortable for the bench press. I'm 5'2", with off of my "shortness" being in my shortwaisted torso, if that helps with visualizing how high my step is compared to the height of the hooks on the racks.

I do also use the squat stands for pullups and chinups, putting the barbell across the stands and lying down underneath. This was originally suggested by someone else. I was nervous about it at first because I didn't think the stands would have a wide enough base to be sturdy, but they're rock solid. If (when?!) I get to the point where I can do the chinups and pullups from a seated position, I should be able to raise the hooks high enough to accommodate that.

By the way, the rubber ends just slip on and off without any problem. I wouldn't want to put the stands on my tile floor without them, but I was on puzzle mats for bench press so there was no concern.

 

[NancyAZ]

Thanks for the tip Nancy, I shall need it at some point. Just hope I remember!

Clare

I'm sure you will when the time comes.

 

[llp]

You're welcome! Yes, so far I have been squatting without a spotter. But, of course, I'm not in Meso 3 yet so I'll have to see how comfortable I am with that. I have Cathe's vest, as well, so that will help a little with the amount of weight I'll be putting on the bar.

As you read, this was my first try using them for bench press and once I figured out how to get the stands close enough to me, I thought they worked great. I am thinking about getting another pair of risers, though. I currently have enough for five on each side (including the slanted risers that equal 3 regular ones). One more set would make it just that much more comfortable for the bench press. I'm 5'2", with off of my "shortness" being in my shortwaisted torso, if that helps with visualizing how high my step is compared to the height of the hooks on the racks.

I do also use the squat stands for pullups and chinups, putting the barbell across the stands and lying down underneath. This was originally suggested by someone else. I was nervous about it at first because I didn't think the stands would have a wide enough base to be sturdy, but they're rock solid. If (when?!) I get to the point where I can do the chinups and pullups from a seated position, I should be able to raise the hooks high enough to accommodate that.

By the way, the rubber ends just slip on and off without any problem. I wouldn't want to put the stands on my tile floor without them, but I was on puzzle mats for bench press so there was no concern.

Hi Nancy-
I am glad that I wouldn't need to pry the rubber ends off(I thought they may have been glued on).

Looking at the picture, I thought the hooks were low enough so that you don't need 5+ risers. About how many inches off the ground are those?
Now, maybe I don't understand something...., but, aren't there 2 places you can rest your barbell ??? --> 1) the J shaped hook thingy at the top of the rack, and 2) the other hook bracket thingy that is lower.
Wouldn't you put the barbell on the lower hook bracket thingy to do bench presses? Excuse my technical terms (thingy) because I don't know what these are called! Also, would you happen to know what the safety catch bar is that is mentioned?

This option seems better to me than than the P/P Tower because it has the bench press capability (AND shipping is free --P/P Tower costs about $40-$45 to ship to Portland!).

I'm in the 2nd week of Meso 2, and I think I can reap the benefits of STS more if I had Bench Press, Squat, and pullup/chinup options that this squat rack would give me! Maybe that rack will be available by Meso 3. I sure hope so!

Thanks again for sharing your tips and experience with this squat rack.

 

[NinjaMom]

Hey Nancy-

I'm in Meso 3 and have been using my squat stands for bench press since Meso 2. I only have 8 risers (4/side) for my step and found it too low to do bench press. I went out and bought a bench that inclines/declines and it has been working really well. See pic below:




I decided to pass on the squat rack legs this time around because I've been having some issue with my shoulder and didn't want to compound it by putting heavy weight on my back. Let me know how it goes for you.

 

[NancyAZ]

Hi Nancy-
I am glad that I wouldn't need to pry the rubber ends off(I thought they may have been glued on).

Looking at the picture, I thought the hooks were low enough so that you don't need 5+ risers. About how many inches off the ground are those?
Now, maybe I don't understand something...., but, aren't there 2 places you can rest your barbell ??? --> 1) the J shaped hook thingy at the top of the rack, and 2) the other hook bracket thingy that is lower.
Wouldn't you put the barbell on the lower hook bracket thingy to do bench presses? Excuse my technical terms (thingy) because I don't know what these are called! Also, would you happen to know what the safety catch bar is that is mentioned?

This option seems better to me than than the P/P Tower because it has the bench press capability (AND shipping is free --P/P Tower costs about $40-$45 to ship to Portland!).

I'm in the 2nd week of Meso 2, and I think I can reap the benefits of STS more if I had Bench Press, Squat, and pullup/chinup options that this squat rack would give me! Maybe that rack will be available by Meso 3. I sure hope so!

Thanks again for sharing your tips and experience with this squat rack.

The technical term "thingy" works just fine for me! I just measured and the top (J) hooks are 36" from the ground. The horizontal "lower" hooks that you were asking about are a separate piece and can be removed, which is what I did. If you don't remove them, then even at their lowest point they are about two inches higher from the ground than the top hooks are without that piece. If I do get the extra risers, I might put that bracket/lower hook piece back in and have that additional option of a second place to rack the bar if I need it as a safety feature.

 

[NancyAZ]

Hey Nancy-

I'm in Meso 3 and have been using my squat stands for bench press since Meso 2. I only have 8 risers (4/side) for my step and found it too low to do bench press. I went out and bought a bench that inclines/declines and it has been working really well. See pic below:




I decided to pass on the squat rack legs this time around because I've been having some issue with my shoulder and didn't want to compound it by putting heavy weight on my back. Let me know how it goes for you.

That looks like a nice setup. I would like to have a bench (actually do have one in another room) but there just isn't enough space in my dedicated workout room to store one. I see that you're using the lower hooks to rack the barbell, so it's good to see the different options. I hope your shoulder improves!