The Best Barbell Pads
If you're familiar with gym equipment, chances are you've used a barbell at least once in your life. A barbell is a piece of exercise equipment primarily used in the three primary powerlifting exercises: bench presses, squats, and deadlifts. Some barbell exercises (squats in particular) require you to use your back or other parts of the body to support the entire weight of the bar, which can cause bruises or even lead to the barbell slipping. To prevent this, barbell pads are designed to slip easily onto any barbell and provide added protection to your workout. The barbell pads we've selected are ergonomically designed to keep you in the gym longer, and they come in styles suited to a variety of weightlifting preferences and workouts.
Power Guidance Barbell Squat Pad
Squatting perfection
The Power Guidance squat pad is the perfect cushion for protecting your neck when you hit the rack. These affordably priced pads slip easily onto the bar. But once they’re on, the grippy material ensures that the pad itself won’t move around. Better yet, this option is the perfect size to protect your shoulders without taking up too much space in your bag, so you can toss it in with your towel and water bottle without having to make too much room. With the right price and the perfect design, the Power Guidance barbell pad easily scores the top spot on our list.
Pros:
- Available in several different color choices
- Useful for a variety of different exercises, including squats, hip thrusts, and more
- Includes two velcro straps to prevent it from rolling or sliding
Cons:
- The straps can get easily lost since they’re not permanently attached to the pad
ProFitness Barbell Pad
Failure-free foam
Finding a properly cushioned barbell pad is not as easy as it sounds. While a select few brands offer the requisite amount of protection, far too many pads contain low-quality foam prone to deforming after a handful of uses. The ProFitness barbell pad will instantly improve comfort and reduce pain felt on bony body parts. In addition to two buckle straps, which give you added peace of mind, this pad’s main draw is the foam construction. The rubberized foam is made from synthetic latex and has a closed structure, giving this pad a sturdy backing that is impermeable to sweat.
Pros:
- 18″ long and 3.5″ thick
- Black or pink models are available
- Helps develop a proper form for countless exercises
- Won’t get in the way of bench presses
Cons:
- The back straps aren’t actually attached to the pad so you’ll have to make sure you remember to take them with you to the gym
Dark Iron Fitness Extra Thick Barbell Neck Pad
Premium pelvic protection
Whether you’re a squatting machine or just a regular gym-goer that likes to stay as comfortable as possible, we recommend getting a barbell pad with some extra thickness. This pick from Dark Iron Fitness fits 2-inch bars and features an advanced 3/4-inch foam. That foam is encased in synthetic leather that adds an extra layer of protection. It’s also super easy to clean since it’s non-absorbent. It might cost a couple of bucks more than most barbell pads, but the Dark Iron Fitness barbell pad is the premium protection that we’re willing to pay extra for.
Pros:
- Super durable
- Reputable fitness gear company
- The foam doesn’t stay compressed
- Attaches easily
Cons:
- The 15 inches of horizontal length is standard, but those with very broad shoulders may want something longer
Iron Bull Strength Advanced Squat Pad
Get a grasp on your workout
Picture this: you’re just about to do your morning exercise routine. You’re alert, ready for the day, and excited to add some more weight to your back squat progression. As you prepare to pick up the bar for your final set, it rests awkwardly on your back, the weight shifts, and boom — you’re rewarded for your hard work with a shoulder muscle pull.
No matter the specific story, muscle injuries are a split second of concentration away from happening to just about anybody. Iron Bull Strength’s squat pad works to prevent injuries by distributing the barbell’s weight evenly on your shoulders and away from your neck. The anti-slip material that coats the pad will keep the barbell locked in and sweat locked out, guaranteeing a long life that’s capable of withstanding whatever weight you throw at it.
Pros:
- Enough padding to support your pelvis for hip thrusts
- No straps or velcro required
- Available in five color schemes
- Eliminates pressure points caused by the barbell immediately
Cons:
- May start to degrade with continuous use over 400 pounds
Perfect Peach Athletics Barbell Pad
Never skip leg day
Men have a tendency to take over the squat rack at the gym, but this barbell pad puts the power back into women’s hands. The design is ideal for ladies looking to hit the rack in style, with two color options and an ergonomic shape that distributes weight away from the neck and onto the shoulders. Of course, folks of any gender can use this barbell pad, since it works well for a range of exercises and comes at a bargain price. Still, we appreciate a product that addresses the obvious lack of femininity in the gym.
Pros:
- Extra-thick foam for comfort
- The anti-slip design is slightly grippy
- Available in two stylish designs
Cons:
- Very heavy weightlifters may need something with more advanced cushioning
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve never done squats before. Where should I start?
If you’ve never completed a squat with a barbell, it is strongly recommended that you do not start with weights until you are fully comfortable with the form. The correct form is essential for you to stay healthy and build muscle properly. The squat stance has your feet at about shoulder distance apart, with your feet turned outward no more than thirty degrees. Once in position, keep your chest straight and your hips back, lower to approximately 90 degrees, and explode back up.
How do I pick what barbell is right for me?
When purchasing a barbell, the biggest considerations should be the primary type of exercise you’ll use the equipment for and the amount of weight. For the “big three” powerlifting exercises, an Olympic-style barbell is your best bet and the most common piece available.
If you’re a serious powerlifter, you’ll have to consider factors such as the whip, the knurling style, and most importantly, the bar’s overall strength. The whip is a gauge of the bending that will occur to the bar at the end of a rep. Knurling is another name for the grip style of the bar, and a barbell with a 180,000 PSI rating should be sufficient for all but the most yoked lifters in the gym.
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