Safety squat bar

tomcornhole

Anyone use them? I have been rehabbing my rt shoulder for almost a year and while it's getting better, every time I get under the bar it sets me back. I think it needs a few months without the pain under the bar so I was thinking about getting a safety squat bar to continue squatting. Looking at the one from elite fts. Seems like a good tool for good mornings as well.

Thanks for your inpu,

Tom

danimalkeys

I always wanted one of those, it'd definitely help with the shoulder but it also puts the bar in a different position.

I had some shoulder issues, a PT really fixed me up. Same deal, couldn't get my arm back under the bar without pain. About a month of him cranking on me 2x a week and I was cured.

toddis

I'd think solving the shoulder issue would be the optimal solution. Have you tried mobilizing the shoulder prior to squatting? Adjusting from low bar to high bar, etc? I also have shoulder issues but I just mobilize and prevents lasting pain.

This mobilization helps, use a pvc pipe or broomstick, NOT a barbell =-)

tomcornhole

I am working on the shoulder. That's not my question. I did some web reading and Jim Wendler recommends it so that's good enough for me.

DavPul

I was discussing that bar last week with some friends. It does sound like it would be good for a bad shoulder but it really seems like it would be it's own exercise, as opposed to a direct replacement for squats or front squats. The way the weight is hung and centered makes it seem like it would be more akin to doing a leg press, but without the low back relief. I'm not sure if Progression with that bar translates directly into progression on back squats. Or front squats.

But it's damn sure better than nothing, and if your shoulder is messed up this bar is probably calling your name

tomcornhole

From what I've read it does not replace back squats. But the consensus seems to be it helps all squats and deadlifts with the added benefit of being easy on the shoulders. I figure I can run this cycle of 5/3/1 with the SSB as the only squat movement and then evaluate where my shoulder is after a month. Should be a win/win all around.

Tom

tomcornhole

Got the bar and used it. Love it. The upright squat I have always dreamed of. And no shoulder pain. I worked through my 5 day using the same numbers I would have for low bar. From what I read I didn't expect to hit the reps but it felt pretty good. Got to the last 5 set and could only hit 3. That was disappointing as it wasn't a challenging weight for low bar squats. I did some joker work to see where a 1RM might be and failed at 275 lbs which would have been a no brainer on low back. Drat.

But then I remembered the safety squat bar weighs 62 lbs vs. my 44 lbs oly bar. I overlifted the whole session. The fail @ 275 was actually 292 which is only 8 lbs off my low back PR. And my last 5 set was 17 lbs heavy and heavier than my 1 set 3 weeks from now. Now I feel great. I will leave my 5/3/1 matrix as is and proceed normally.

It is really nice to use the safety squat bar. I think a month with it will improve my low bar form, strengthen my back for both squat and DL and allow my shoulders to get healed up. Love it. First time I was happy under the bar since I started this almost a year ago.

Tom

DavPul

Sounds great. Best of luck with the shoulder recovery

danimalkeys

nice job!