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LAVERA STEWART
Editor-in-Chief of the Gym Expert
Letâs start by telling what is a safety barbell. So, a safety squat bar or SSB is a type of barbell created in the bodybuilding and powerlifting community. It was originally developed by Jesse Hoagland, a famous sports entrepreneur. As we mentioned already, this type of squat bar has curved ends. It also features a collar with padding in the middle, so there is not too much stress on your neck. It also has two padded handles that stick out that provide you with additional stability. Safety squat bars are the best alternatives to the standard straight barbell, and they are a fantastic option for those who have problems with mobility or shoulder injuries.
Safety Squat Bar Benefits
That the yoke bar is a marvelous piece of equipment is clear only by looking at it. That is because even just by observing it, you can notice that itâs designed to enable people to lift heavy weights with a much smaller risk of any kind of injury. We agree that its design might make you think that it is challenging to work with a yoke squat bar. However, you shouldnât be intimidated by the looks of the squat bar. It comes with a plethora of benefits that will take your training to a whole new level!
- You can squat despite previous injuries.
- It is wonderful for people with limited shoulder mobility.
- Less stress on knees, hips, and lower back.
- Highly versatile.
- Provides comfort.
Why You Should Ditch the Straight Bar?
We already mentioned several benefits of using the safety squat bar rather than the standard barbell. If youâre still not convinced that the best thing to do is replace the straight bar with this safer alternative, here are several other reasons:
- Ensures Better Core Stability
Having a strong and stable core is vital for maximum results during workouts. Because the ends of this piece of equipment are curved, the core is more engaged, and thus there is less stress on the lower back. When there is less pressure, itâs easier to keep the balance.
If you opt for using this bar and work with it for a long time, your technique will be better. Subsequently, performance with a straight bar will get improved as well. You will also find it easier to hit the depth as using this bar promotes a sit-down movement.
- Itâs Incredibly Functional
Versatility is one of the best things about this bar. There are so many movements that you can do with it. For example, aside from the standard back and front squats, you can do things such as Zercher squat, good morning, front and back lunge, etc.
Best Safety Squat Bar: Factors to Consider
Weight Capacity
It is one of the first things to consider when choosing the best safety squat bar. Of course, what you are looking for depends on how much you want to work out and how strong you want to become. But what you need to know is that the more weight the bar can carry, the more it will cost.
Camber
Cambered Olympic safety squat bar is perfect when you want to add some variety to the squats. Itâs the most underrated bar, so a lot of people never heard about it. Powerlifters were initially using it to increase the number of squats. This bar kind of makes you stay longer in the lower position when you squat because the center of gravity shifts a bit forward.
Sleeve Length
Sleeves are the ends of a barbell where you put the weights. The length of sleeves generally varies depending on the length of the bar. Itâs not the part which you grab, therefore it doesnât affect your handling of the bar. Sleeve length is critical because it determines how much and what kind of weights you can use. Barbells with short sleeves handle fewer plates than those with long sleeves. They are also more convenient to use at home.
Padding and Pad Quality
Padding is essential because it provides you with comfort during exercises. That is why you need to look for bars with adequate padding that suits your needs. Also, look for the material that is right for you.
Overall Build and Durability
Most barbells are made of steel. However, various manufacturers use different finishes for their barbells. Usually, when people talk about the quality, theyâre mainly wondering whether the foam padding comes with good quality if it satisfies needs. Besides, thereâs a question regarding the quality of handles. The most important is to check whether they contribute to stability and balance.
When it comes to the price of this product, note that it varies depending on the quality, length, etc.
FAQ
Is it Easier to Squat With a Safety Bar?
Yes. As we mentioned earlier, it is much easier to train with this bar because it allows for more stability. It also doesnât put so much stress on the lower back and shoulders.
How to Use a Safety Squat Bar?
You need to hold the bar at the top of your shoulders. Both hands should be firmly placed on the grips. Make a regular squat from this position. Make sure that your back is stable. Go up slowly, using the strength of your quadriceps. After coming back to the starting position, repeat the squat.
There are different exercises that you can do, like:
- Triceps press
- Split squats
- Calf Raises
- Hip thrusts
How Much Does a Safety Squat Bar Weight?
On average, this safety squat bar weighs between 20 kg and 32 kg. You will notice that it can be heavier than a standard Olympic bar. In addition, the bars that can take more load are often heavier.
Verdict and Our Recommendation 2021
And thatâs about it! As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why you should replace the standard barbell with a safety squat bar. Indeed, we all know the saying: âNo pain, no gainâ, but keep in mind that it doesnât imply actual pain. So hope that this article helped you to learn more and choose the best safety squat bar 2021. If youâre a fitness enthusiast, you can always also check the trap bar â itâs another great piece of equipment that will give you amazing results.