I don't know what's its called but I want one!

linz1125
linz1125 Posts: 441 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
When I was at the gym yesterday I noticed a woman using the smith machine, and she had some sort of cover to go around the bar so when she was doing squats it provided extra padding on the bar. Has anyone used one of these? What are they called? Where can I get them?! I have no problem doing squats, I've just been bruising my upper back and the spot that the bar rests on.
(And before everyone tells me I shouldn't use the smith machine, I'm working on building a little more strength before I do squats with just a regular barbell...and then I think I will definitely need this!)

Has anyone else used one of these? Do they make any difference?

I would have asked her but I didn't want to bother her while she was in the middle of working out and then when I tried to find her again in between sets she was gone. I've never seen her before either.

Replies

  • Plates559
    Plates559 Posts: 869 Member
    When I was at the gym yesterday I noticed a woman using the smith machine, and she had some sort of cover to go around the bar so when she was doing squats it provided extra padding on the bar. Has anyone used one of these?
    Yes at one point, when I didn't know better... Sadly
    What are they called?
    Its gym name is the Pu$$y Pad
    Where can I get them?!
    Idk Internet?
    Do they make any difference?
    They cause the bar to be in an imbalanced state on your back, they are not suggested for someone serious about weight lifting

    Don't get sucked in OP, the Puzzy Pad is the cancer of fitness, its as bad as squat rack curls and people not squatting low enough.
  • Plates559
    Plates559 Posts: 869 Member
    And before everyone tells me I shouldn't use the smith machine, I'm working on building a little more strength before I do squats with just a regular barbell...and then I think I will definitely need this

    If you are strong enough to squat just the 45 pound bar, then get out of that smith machine. Form is paramount with squats and a smith machine is only going to hold you back.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    And before everyone tells me I shouldn't use the smith machine, I'm working on building a little more strength before I do squats with just a regular barbell...and then I think I will definitely need this

    If you are strong enough to squat just the 45 pound bar, then get out of that smith machine. Form is paramount with squats and a smith machine is only going to hold you back.

    Correct. The problem is, if you start with a Smith machine, you're going to have to start over once you go to using barbells. So in light of that, why not just start with the barbell now? It only weighs 45lbs. They make a smaller one that's 35lbs too. I don't know of anyone that can't squat more than that unless you've got some injury (in which case using a Smith machine is even more prone to injury).

    And yeah, don't use a pad. You've got to balance the bar across your traps, not support it in the center with a pad on your neck. If you've got some sort of injury or problem that really makes squatting with just the bar impossible, at least get a Manta Ray.
    http://www.amazon.com/Advance-Fitness-Inc-4662-Manta/dp/B0017DGBY8
  • Bagtown
    Bagtown Posts: 21
    And before everyone tells me I shouldn't use the smith machine, I'm working on building a little more strength before I do squats with just a regular barbell...and then I think I will definitely need this

    If you are strong enough to squat just the 45 pound bar, then get out of that smith machine. Form is paramount with squats and a smith machine is only going to hold you back.

    That's funny I just saw a clip of Jay Cutler squating with the smith machine. Each their own I guess.
  • Plates559
    Plates559 Posts: 869 Member
    mmmmm manta ray....:tongue:
  • Plates559
    Plates559 Posts: 869 Member
    And before everyone tells me I shouldn't use the smith machine, I'm working on building a little more strength before I do squats with just a regular barbell...and then I think I will definitely need this

    If you are strong enough to squat just the 45 pound bar, then get out of that smith machine. Form is paramount with squats and a smith machine is only going to hold you back.

    That's funny I just saw a clip of Jay Cutler squating with the smith machine. Each their own I guess.

    Jay cutler is a world class body builder who already knows how to properly use a smith (which comes from proper free weight squatting). Someone who is just starting out should learn the basics.
  • Bagtown
    Bagtown Posts: 21
    And before everyone tells me I shouldn't use the smith machine, I'm working on building a little more strength before I do squats with just a regular barbell...and then I think I will definitely need this

    If you are strong enough to squat just the 45 pound bar, then get out of that smith machine. Form is paramount with squats and a smith machine is only going to hold you back.

    That's funny I just saw a clip of Jay Cutler squating with the smith machine. Each their own I guess.

    Jay cutler is a world class body builder who already knows how to properly use a smith (which comes from proper free weight squatting). Someone who is just starting out should learn the basics.

    He did have crazy good form for the amount of weight he was warming up with.
  • Plates559
    Plates559 Posts: 869 Member
    And before everyone tells me I shouldn't use the smith machine, I'm working on building a little more strength before I do squats with just a regular barbell...and then I think I will definitely need this

    If you are strong enough to squat just the 45 pound bar, then get out of that smith machine. Form is paramount with squats and a smith machine is only going to hold you back.

    That's funny I just saw a clip of Jay Cutler squating with the smith machine. Each their own I guess.

    Jay cutler is a world class body builder who already knows how to properly use a smith (which comes from proper free weight squatting). Someone who is just starting out should learn the basics.

    He did have crazy good form for the amount of weight he was warming up with.

    Exactly the guy has been weight lifting for a long time. The Smith machine CAN be used, but it isn't recommended if you don't already know how to squat, and squat well because it forces you into a fixed plane of movement.

    Arnold and Ronnie Coleman both free weight squat. But I am sure if they wanted to they could properly use a smith machine because they are very experienced.
  • linz1125
    linz1125 Posts: 441 Member
    Well thanks for all of the replies....I am going to work with my trainer to make sure I have proper form and begin using the bar. I don't wanna take any shortcuts, that's not real results.

    Thanks!
  • kdiamond
    kdiamond Posts: 3,329 Member
    I don't like them at all. They slip in my opinion and they are too bulky. That being said when I do heavy squats the bar can scratch my bare shoulders as I only lift in tanks. So I wrap a small hand towel around the bar and use that to shield my bare skin from icky red marks.

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