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So, last week I had the idea of implementing rack pulls into my current training program. But as some of you may know, Fitness First's squat racks have un-adjustable catches. I frequent to the Empire Gallery and Summit branches, and they both have the same kind of squat rack. Probably that applies to the rest of their other branches as well. It sucks.



Either the squat rack was designed by a lazy bunch of people, or they simply haven't a clue as to what a real squat rack is.

I thought of using 2 steppers to get some leverage so that I could rack pull in the squat rack, but I have no idea just how much weight can they withstand. Didn't want to risk it.

But well, there are other tools and equipment around so I went on to improvise. At first, I tried rack pulling at the bench rack itself, but that didn't go well. The bench rack, too, was a failure in design. Yes, you guessed that right - it's also non-adjustable. There are 2 tiers of holders (where the bar rests on) - the upper tier was a little too high.



Despite placing plates on the ground for some elevation, it was still a little hard to get the bar off the lower tier holder. It's because the holders have these little 'stoppers' at the end of them to prevent the bar from rolling off. The 'stoppers' are basically a little too high, and there's a slant from where they are to where the holders are screwed onto, making things tougher. I could place more plates to get additional leverage, but I've tried stacking two 20kg plates together but the top plate slipped and moved about while I tried to unrack the bar. Not a good idea. Besides, the more height I gain, the lower the bench is, making rack pulls slightly more difficult. So I tried another approach.



This was a much better option. With a single 25kg plate, the height of the bench is ideal for a rack pull. The plate was also used to provide a stable surface for the bar. But if you're training alone like me, it's impossible to get the plates onto the bar without seeing it lop-sided. Unless you can pinch grip a 20kg plate in each hand and get them onto both sides of the bar concurrently, it's impossible doing it alone even with lighter plates. You'll need to get someone else to help you get the bar loaded evenly.

The above is just one way of setting up for a rack pull using other tools and equipment besides a squat/power rack. If you train in a gym without a proper power rack and have attempted rack pulls using other tools and equipment, do share it with us here.

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or you can just put the bar and plates on the steppers
i've actually used those silly plastic things for rack pulls till 200kg lol didnt break
I'm not really concerned if they get damaged  since i was a paying member
i just cant imagne them walking up to someone and asking them to pay for the equipment, wear and tear right? haha

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Wow, Kevin..is that the summit gym? I train at True fitness in taipan..They have sucky hex plates though, so I can't really deadlift and row properly..But they have power racks here with adjustable pins though, which is a huge plus..I've seen a couple of people doing rack pulls, but in your case, you could do 'andy bolton' style

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlJwYcTmIqA

just sharing, just wanna keep the forum alive!