Here are a few nice things to have in a gym. Add to the list of things you want or recommend:

Free spotter (http://www.shermworks.com/)

Top Squat (http://www.i-a-r-t.com/articles/products/TopSquat.pdf)

Power Hooks (http://www.i-a-r-t.com/articles/products/PowerHooks.pdf)

Black Iron Products (http://www.i-a-r-t.com/articles/products/BISreview.pdf)

Leg Blaster (http://www.frankzane.com/EQUIPMENT.htm)

Manta Ray (http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/adfit/manta.html)

Ab Straps (http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/griz/ab.html)

The Grip Kit (http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=223&pid=1374)

Dip Belt (http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=141&pid=54)

Chains (http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?cid=194)

Bands (http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?cid=138)

Chalk (http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=223&pid=56)

Reverse Hyper (http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=157&pid=299)

Mono Squat Rack (http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=167&pid=194)

Safety Squat Bar (http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=212&pid=10)

Adjustable Box Squat Box (http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=141&pid=580)

I love to get a reverse hyper machine. Too expensive, though.
http://www.westside-barbell.com/

155 (with shipping and the attachment kit) for the free spotters???

There just a couple of tension pullies. I would have expected 80-100 at most.


But, that is better than a 300 dollar power rack...

Damn that's clever though.



Mine:


http://ringtraining.com/admin/savedimages/hangingrings.jpg

If you guys care to comment,..Tell me a bit more about the Safety Squat Bar, and the Top Squat tool. I have a heck of a time with my shoulders while doing squats. I can get under the bar and all just fine, but getting out after the set, it seems as if I'm glued to it, and my shoulders have been hyperextended backwards, like thay are about to pop out of the sockets. It's not very comfortable at all,...My arms just don't want to go back that far. Wide grip, or narrow grip, makes no difference.

That Safety Squat bar seems awefull expensive,...? Is that a common price for that item?

Thanks guys,...>>>--->

If you guys care to comment,..Tell me a bit more about the Safety Squat Bar, and the Top Squat tool. I have a heck of a time with my shoulders while doing squats. I can get under the bar and all just fine, but getting out after the set, it seems as if I'm glued to it, and my shoulders have been hyperextended backwards, like thay are about to pop out of the sockets. It's not very comfortable at all,...My arms just don't want to go back that far. Wide grip, or narrow grip, makes no difference.

That Safety Squat bar seems awefull expensive,...? Is that a common price for that item?

Thanks guys,...>>>--->

Draper's top squat (http://www.davedraper.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=DDI&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=TTS)may not be heavy duty enough for 1500lbs but it looks like it works well at $89. It should do the job on your getting out from under problem. Watch his video.

I think the best solution might be this machine (http://www.bigfitness.com/levsquatcal.html).

If you guys care to comment,..Tell me a bit more about the Safety Squat Bar, and the Top Squat tool. I have a heck of a time with my shoulders while doing squats. I can get under the bar and all just fine, but getting out after the set, it seems as if I'm glued to it, and my shoulders have been hyperextended backwards, like thay are about to pop out of the sockets. It's not very comfortable at all,...My arms just don't want to go back that far. Wide grip, or narrow grip, makes no difference.

That Safety Squat bar seems awefull expensive,...? Is that a common price for that item?

Thanks guys,...>>>--->
I use the Safety Squat Bar for good mornings. I just started using it a few weeks ago and I really feel it's a great piece of equipment. I have not used it for squats (yet) though, sorry. :(

I've tried squat bars that look like the Draper one, they make the same exercise a lot more comfortable. But the fact the weight is kinda hanging off your back, takes a bit of getting used to.

Maybe you should try a bar pad, and put it higher on your shoulders? I know the further you go back on your back, the more strain in your arms to reach back there.

Don't buy one of those pads, just tape a towel right to your barbell. That is what I have done, and it works great. I can comfortably keep the bar higher on my shoulders with little pain (and it was never comfortable, I hated squats until now).

I'd just try a few things before buying anything.

That said, the Powertec machine is amazing. I got to try it a while ago, and almost bought one.

EDIT: Well, I lie, it wasn't Powertec, but it was the same type of machine. None the less good stuff.

I have the Manta Ray and enjoy using it. The bar can comfortably be shifted higher on the traps, allowing for a more unright stance. To me, it feels like it stresses the back less and involves the quads more than using a bare bar set lower on the traps.

Having said all of that, if money was no object:

http://www.southernxercise.com/trusquat.htm

Really heavy weight vest for pistols

Thanks guys,..I'm going to start researching this, as I have decided it's just too much stress on my shoulder joints to keep doing squats the way I have been. I feel it's had an effect on my progress as well. I think it's a circle of glitches that I'm dealing with. I didn't use to do squats years ago, so it's fairly new to me. I do roll the bar back quite a ways to help with balance, as if I keep it high, on my traps, I tend to bend too far forward. Then when I roll the bar back in order to help with the balance, it pulls my shoulders even further back.

I hadn't tried the Manta Ray, as I read quite a few folks say that it was even more painfull that the bar alone,..Everybody is different though, so I figure it's worth a shot. The Draper peice looks good too, but as mentioned, I figured it would take a good deal of getting use to,..Still worth a shot. The Safety squat bar looks like a real deal,...Arm placement, Padded shoulder area, and all one peice. I don't think the Top Squat is particularly dangerous, but the Safety Squat bar is a single unit. Nothing to slide, or not get set correctly. Just load it up, and get on with it,...Dang the price though,..Will have to look for a deal on one of those if I decide to get one,...

Also as mentioned, I like the idea of the machines too, but sure don't have the funds to spend on one, or the space to spare,...

Thanks again guys,..I appreciate the info, and links,...

GRCRY,...>>>--->

Anybody use the free spotter gear? If so how is it?

Anybody use the free spotter gear? If so how is it?


http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=15939&page=2