POWER GUIDANCE Squat & Barbell Pad

If you’ve just started lifting weights, have been doing it for years or are somewhere in between, you know that there is a certain amount of discomfort that comes from holding the barbell. Whether you’re doing squats or hip thrusts, the friction from the bar against your body can cause chafing or pain. Having some padding between your body and the barbell can make the workout more comfortable so you can focus on getting stronger.

Barbell pads are designed to provide a protective barrier between your body and the barbell itself. It’s kind of like a foam pillow that goes around the barbell in the area where the bar rests against your body. Barbell pads are soft and comfortable, in addition to being cushiony. They don’t restrict your range of movement in any way when you’re working out, in addition to inhibiting any type of action. Instead, barbell pads help you use the equipment more often and for longer because you’re not uncomfortable while you’re working out.

The most important thing to look for when getting a barbell pad is comfort. It’s important that the material feels good against your skin so that you’re not focused on the feeling of the barbell touching your body. If the barbell pad is hard, itchy or rough, you may be distracted by those feelings and lose concentration.

Another important factor is fit. The barbell pad needs to fit the barbell you’re using as well as be the right size for your body and shape. You don’t want a pad that’s too long as it may interfere with your hand placement. Similarly, a barbell pad that is too short may not offer you the comfort you need when working out.

• When choosing a barbell pad, the type of material it’s made from is an important buying factor. Go for materials that are highly durable and won’t tear after a few uses. A good option is high-quality, high-density thick foam or rubber. This type of material can absorb shocks in order to increase comfort and reduce injury, without falling apart after a few sets.
• How do you attach a barbell pad to the barbell? Go with a pad that doesn’t have any straps involved, as that can be difficult to put on and take off. Instead, a quick-slip design is an easy and fast option so you can just open up the notch in the pad and slip it onto the barbell. In this case, there are no fasteners involved.
• Some barbell pads are designed specifically for a certain type of exercise, while others are more versatile and can be used for a number of workouts. Typically, people use barbell pads for hip thrusts, squats, lunges and similar exercises while lifting weights.
• When working out, you’re bound to get sweaty. In order to avoid the barbell pad from absorbing sweat from your body – which can lead to foul odor coming from the bar – opt to get a barbell pad that doesn’t absorb moisture. Pads that keep the moisture on the surface, rather absorbing it, won’t becoming smelly. To clean off the sweat, you just have to wipe it off with a towel.