Squat Pad, or Towel? What are the effects?

[gymtime]

I'm sorry guys, but I can't believe that the thickness of a pad or towel is going to make that much difference. Sometimes I put a towel around the bar and it still sits in the exact same spot.

 

[spatts]

Gymtime, are you referring to COG? With a towel...yeah, probably not an issue. With the pads though, they can roll easy, so if you set it where you'd normally set the bar, you may find that the bar wants to roll down your back at heavy weights....and nobody likes to have their arms torn off at the shoulder (Merely a flesh wound!). Because of this, people will tend to lean forward more or carry the bar too high (or both) to work around this obstacle. That can be a problem.

 

[Hannibal]

you may find that the bar wants to roll down your back at heavy weights....and nobody likes to have their arms torn off at the shoulder (Merely a flesh wound!).

Actually the only time I would use a towel would be if I was forced to train in a Fitness Center with slippery chrome bars. Then the towel keeps it from rolling somewhat...and like you said doesnt change the COG

 

[needsize]

i find even a towel raises my centre of gravity to a point where it throws off my squat

 

[endpoint]

Any reasons why you should or shouldnt use these?

because you will look like a pansy

 

[gymtime]

Gymtime, are you referring to COG? With a towel...yeah, probably not an issue. With the pads though, they can roll easy, so if you set it where you'd normally set the bar, you may find that the bar wants to roll down your back at heavy weights....and nobody likes to have their arms torn off at the shoulder (Merely a flesh wound!). Because of this, people will tend to lean forward more or carry the bar too high (or both) to work around this obstacle. That can be a problem.

Hmmmmm..could be right I suppose. Haven't used a pad in some time. But my gym requires everyone to have a towel nowadays, so since I'm getting old and looking for cushioning pretty much wherever I can find it, I throw the towel on there for the last couple sets.

 

[vinylgroover]

I prefer to 'feel' the weight. Gives my body better feedback on form, technique etc.

 

[spatts]

Re: Re: Squat Pad, or Towel? What are the effects?

because you will look like a pansy

 

[JOKER47]

so since I'm getting old

Please...You don't even have me by a year........

BTW, I have used a pad and had no problems with rolling, (The knurling keeps it from moving) and it didn't really feel all that different height-wise. I don't use one now because I have a custom 1.5" thick bar, and it is very comfortable without the pad.

But, I could see how it could cause problems or uncomfortableness (is that a word?) for others.


Joker

 

[Nonerz]

So that's what that pad is for! I usually just throw it out of the way when I squat.