Before we delve into the 5 benefits for using squat pads in weight training. First, what is a squat pad?
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What is a Squat Pad?
There are several weightlifting accessories available to use in weight or strength training. One of such accessory is the Squat Pad.
Undeniably, Squat pad is an important weightlifting accessory to have if you are involved in strength or weight training exercises.
Essentially, it will help you focus on the movement during weighted squats, eliminate neck or shoulder pain and distribute the weight across your trapezius muscles.
While squats can be done without a weighted bar or barbell. However, weighted squats helps to achieve more effective results assuming a squat pad is used in the process.
5 Benefits for using Squat Pads in weight training
If you are contemplating whether or not to use a Squat Pad for your weight or strength training. Perhaps the following points might clarify any thought or questions you may have concerning Squad Pads.
1. Better Support
This is one of the major reasons weight or strength trainers use a squat pad during heavy barbell squats. As mentioned earlier, not using a squat pad during weighted squats might result to neck or shoulder pain which can sometimes be as a result of improper placement of the barbell on their shoulders.
Just like weightlifting gloves, squat pad help to provide better support during weighted squats. With better support, the risk of injuries or and irregular movement during barbell squats is reduced.
2. Better Adjustment While Transitioning Through Weights
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro in weighted bar or barbell squats; using a squat pad can help you achieve better performance during squats.
Weighted squats (barbell without a pad) can easily leave your back and neck bruised. But, if you use a squat pad, the chances of getting bruised is very little. .
Most importantly, if you’re transitioning to heavier barbells, then using a squat pad becomes indispensable. Until your body get used to lifting heavy barbells, you need as much comfort as possible to help your transitioning process.
3. Prevents Bruising & Injuries
Muscle bruising from weight lifting is not uncommon amongst weight or strength trainers. However, If you’re one of those that easily get bruised from weight training regimen i.e. barbell squats. Then using a squat pad during weighted squats will drastically reduce any case of bruising you may experience thereof.
I cannot emphasize enough, the importance of using a Squat Pad during heavy barbell squats in other to protect the trapezius muscles from getting bruised.
4. Helps Injured Persons Exercise Easily
If you happen to feel pain or have an injury in your neck, shoulder or back area and you plan on continuing your weight or strength training exercise. The Squat pad is the way to go.
Squat pads can help injured trainers get back to weight training by providing them with the comfort and support they need to keep going.
However, it is advisable to only do this temporarily with injured and bruised muscles. As this will strengthen the injured area while it heals.
5. Great for Other Exercise Routines
Although the term “Squat Pad” emphasizes that it can be used only for barbell or bar squats exercise. Interestingly, Squat Pads can also be used for other weight training regimen or routines.
A perfect example is doing hip thrust; a Squat or Barbell pad can help to prevent the bar from digging into your hips. Also, it is very useful while doing walking lunges, as it gives significant support allowing you to focus on the movement.
Extra comfort is often required to prevent bruising while performing walking lunges because the bar tends to move more in the process.
To Wrap It Up
Even though some may not agree with the idea of using a squat or barbell pad. Still, the 5 benefits for using squat pads in weight training as mentioned above, makes the Squat Pad a valuable accessory to every fitness enthusiast.
If you’re planning to do strength or weight training exercises, then you should consider getting one of these for support, and to prevent muscle bruising, neck or shoulder injuries during weighted squats, lounges or hip thrusts.
