Dumb question about your power rack

[Bluefan75]

Hey Rip, I did a search but didn't come across the question I have. I don't think it's an issue at all, but thought I would ask you if you knew. My basement ceiling is a little too low for a 90" rack if I'm going to have a platform. Is there a structural reason for 90", or are the plans that height since that seems to be fairly standard? I'm not weakening anything if I asked someone to build it to 85" instead, am I?

I'm thinking it's not an issue, but just following my dad's measure twice, cut once advice from long ago and double checking.

Thanks

[Mark Rippetoe]

The height of the rack enables you to use it for chins, unless you are very short.

[curlrackhog]

The height of the rack enables you to use it for chins, unless you are very short.

I'll throw a dumb question your way; if you do dips or chinups with your legs tucked up behind you, are you changing the angle/center of balance enough to effect the benefits of the exercises versus having your legs fully extended? I ask because I'm 6'2" with longer legs and torso relative to arm length and it's rare to find a dip or pullup station where my feet don't brush or fully plant on the ground.

[Mark Rippetoe]

I think the load would be the same, COM considerations aside.

[partyb]

If this was Muscle & Fitness they would tell you that you should alternate sets of chin-ups using legs bent and legs straight. But I do agree it's a dumb question. But I'm short and bitter, my legs are straight when I sit in a chair, I dangle.

[hollismb]

With shorter ceilings (assuming they're 8 foot), if you want to do chins inside, you'd need to make it shorter anyway. Rogue offers their R-3 rack in a both a 90 and 84 inch tall version, for example.

[Trewarin]

I think the load would be the same, COM considerations aside.

Less ab involvement.