Top squat or safety bar?

[Rodja]

What about using a smith machine for front squats? I've been using light weight doing front squats on that machine for 2 weeks & I can really feel it working my thighs. I keep perfect form letting my quads do the work.

The Smith machine will put the body at an unnatural angle and shift emphasis. IMO, it should never be utilized.

[mikeg313]

What about the rack that's kind of like a smith but it moves front back up down?. We have two at my gym. I only see girls and beginners use them though. Know what I'm talking about?

[Rodja]

What about the rack that's kind of like a smith but it moves front back up down?. We have two at my gym. I only see girls and beginners use them though. Know what I'm talking about?

If it's a fixed movement pattern or removes the stabilization aspect, then I don't recommend it.

[mikeg313]

The barbell is on polls but the polls move front to back. So it's a powerack with a barbell you can't remove. Basically the only thing it cheats with is balancing the weight. I'm not sure what you call the thing. Ill try to find one on YouTube

[mikeg313]

Ok found it.


http://youtu.be/vjbgmELzN1E

[Rodja]

Ok found it.


http://youtu.be/vjbgmELzN1E

I edited my post to include the stabilization aspect. It's an improvement on the Smith machine, but still far from optimal.

[l1fterp1nk]

I haven't read all of the posts and I'm sure this has been said but I will put in my two cents. The safety squat bar will be a different training effect because it is designed to swing the weight out in front of you making it harder on your mid and low back. However the buffalo barbell is a curved barbell made for squat that puts a lot less stress on your shoulder you could look into that. It could still be a bit too much torque on your shoulder though. Just an idea

[mikeg313]

I just need like 2-3 freakin inches forward from the bar on my shoulders. If they made some kind of bar extension grips, like a couple handles you could just strap around the bar so I don't have to reach so far back.

[mikeg313]

Think straps would be a good option? Now that I think of it I feel dumb for not trying it already . Not sure if it'll be as effective for back squats as front squats.

[l1fterp1nk]

I just need like 2-3 freakin inches forward from the bar on my shoulders. If they made some kind of bar extension grips, like a couple handles you could just strap around the bar so I don't have to reach so far back.

Look up the buffalo barbell.

[rhino67jg]

Just ordered my top squat bar. Looks just like what I need to continue squatting. Tried the safety squat bar in my gym, but no handles on it. It dosent even feel right. Hope the top squat will be a better idea.

[AE14]

Just ordered my top squat bar. Looks just like what I need to continue squatting. Tried the safety squat bar in my gym, but no handles on it. It dosent even feel right. Hope the top squat will be a better idea.

Where did u order it from?

[rhino67jg]

I ordered mine threw davedraper.com/top-squat.html. I wanted mine from the manufacturer. I read where some guys who ordered it threw ebay, didnt get the safety velcro straps that come with it.

[AE14]

I ordered mine threw davedraper.com/top-squat.html. I wanted mine from the manufacturer. I read where some guys who ordered it threw ebay, didnt get the safety velcro straps that come with it.

Good call. Been thinking about for a bit especially after 3 shoulder operations.

[mikeg313]

When you get it post your review on it. I was talking to the guy that owns my gym and he said he's used it and it felt ackward because the your arms are out front and the weight isn't offset to counteract the balance like a safety bar. He said it felt like it was gonna slide down his back. He's kind of a scrawny dude not very in shape so i dunno how much I can trust his critique

[rhino67jg]

Sure thing

[rhino67jg]

Ok, Just received my top squat bar. This thing is built like a tank. Made very well. I weighed it at work on a digital scale & it weighs 12 pounds. There is some play between the bar & the inside of the neck pad. You have to make sure its positioned on the center of the bar because it does have a tendency to slide a bit from left to right, if you physically move it with your hands. It comes with 2 Velcro straps that rap around the neck pad. They are probably not needed, but it's a nice plus for your own peace of mind. Once you get under the top squat you will notice how the bar pushes into the pad, so there is no way the bar will slip out or slide around because of the pressure of the pad pushing the bar upon your traps. I was using the safety squat bar for two weeks working up to 210 for 3 sets of 8. Today with the top squat, I worked up to 240 for 8 reps. After not being able to squat for a few years because of arthritis in my shoulders, I have to say that I do like the top squat & look forward to being able to squat again.

[mikeg313]

Sounds cool, I totally missed the update til now

[bdcc]

I love the safety squat bar. I have adequate mobility to front and back squat but I like having the safety squat bar as a separate tool.

[AE14]

After 3 shoulder operations and arthritis and bone spurs (getting old sucks) I might have to give this a look.

How was shipping from draper's site?