Pull-Up Bar system question: squat-rack capable?

[Aquajock]

Okay, Cathe/Chris, I'm officially foaming at the mouth about this new piece of equipment PATENT PENDING; one question:

I see there are hooks to put the bar at a height for bench presses; will there be similar hooks at a higher level on the vertical thingies so that it can function as a squat rack as well?

Yours in torment -

A-Jock

 

[SNM Videos]

It is something we are considering for the future, but not now. The problem with making the present design squat capable is you would have to increase the thickness of the metal and the height and depth of the unit. Tipping becomes a major issue when you design a squat rack. This would make the unit cost more and much heavier. We want this unit to be lightweight and easy to ship and manufacture. We also have to be concerned with liability issues and squat racks are a much higher risk. But time will tell. Right now we first need to crawl… before we walk… before we run.

 

[spyrosmom]

That was my 1st question, too

Nan

 

[L Sass]

BUt do you know how the Fluidity Barre does it --- with the retractable legs/bars that pull out to offer more balanced stability and leverage? Cound you perhaps look into having the front stabilizing legs have some weight so that when they pull out, they provide balance to the weight of the barbell on the back side? Of course the mechanics would have to be just right, but it's a thought.

Lorrie

www.picturetrail.com/lsass

 

[SNM Videos]

From an engineering perspective it is very easy to design a unit that you can do squats on. The problem becomes that basic principles of mechanical engineering dictate certain design changes that drive up the cost and weight of a unit like this. The Fluidity Barre you mention sells for close to $300 and is not capable either of doing squats. If they were to make this unit able to do squats it would drive the cost up significantly.

Also with a squat rack you have certain liability concerns that must be addressed with the design. The unit must be tall enough so that a person does not overshoot when racking their weights. Not to mention you probably need to install safety catches on the unit in case a person can’t make it back up after doing a squat. Tipping is also a major concern and would have to be addressed. All of these things can be designed for. The problem becomes the price and the weight of the unit. If the price is too high not enough people will purchase the product and we would no longer be able to afford to sell it.
We realize that it would really be a good idea to make a unit that can do all three exercises and we’re thinking about it. We just want to first start with a unit that does push/pull. If we're successful, we will then take a look at expanding the product line.

 

[meowracer]

I appreciate your expertise here in this matter, and need some understanding! How would the rack be easier to tip when used for a squat rack rather than the barbell presses? I assume the metal pieces are adjustable so if I moved them higher, is that the issue? I ask b/c I would be tempted to try it rather than buying a squat rack and this. Thanks, Shana

 

[christosz]

IMHO... I guess it has to do with the center of gravity... The closest it is to the ground the more stable it is. The higher the center of gravity the easier to tip over especially with heavy poundage.
Also, I suppose that the more the metal rods are instered into each other the better - more thick = more stable and strong.

Aaaaaaargh!!!!!! Physics! LOLOLOL!!!


Chris.

 

[Aquajock]

Thanks for the response!

A-Jock