Barbell Squat Pad Shoulder Pad 1 In Professional TPE Dumbbell Squat Protective Cover Protection Pad Protector (Black) (Black)

I just started using the smith machine and the squat rack and let me tell you that thing hurts when you aren't used to it.. this helped me with proper placement and was very comfortable. My trainer of course tried it out before me to make sure it was a good product and he agrees it is a great assist with these exercises... BTW if you are new to the squat rack and are having a hard time with squats try sumo squats that is the best trick I learned so far

Now in my mid 50s, my shoulder mobility isn't what it used to be, and that causes a problem for my squats. I thought of buying a specialty bar (e.g. safety squat bar, buffalo bar, cambered bar) to alleviate the problem, but decided to give this inexpensive pad a try. Well, it was a wise decision! I've been a low back squatter, but this attachment forces me to stay more upright, as in a high bar squat. The result is a greater quad (vs. glute and hamstring) activation during squats. What this pad essentially does is to create a stable "shelf" for the bar to rest while doing squats, even when one's arm placement is wide (thus alleviating shoulder mobility issues). No need to bring my arms in tight to create a "trap and rear delt shelf" for the bar to rest on during squats. With my arms wider, I focus on "bending the bar down" during squats to keep the bar stable on the shoulder/upper traps.Note that this pad is not for the purpose of eliminating "pain" or "discomfort" during barbell back squats, but rather to create a stable ergonomic shelf across one's upper traps for the bar to rest on. For that specific purpose, this product gets the job done at an inexpensive price point.

For the pros: it's comfortable. Your neck will never hurt again. You attach it to the bar first and it fits into the bar very snug and very safely. So rest assured there. Once you lift your bar, the weight of the bar feels to distribute solely on my shoulders - so weird. I feel stable and good with medium type weight. But with higher weight (I try to reach PRs all the time with squats), I tend to lose balance. It's not the devices fault, I just got used to weight being distributed evenly in the glutes, in the back, and quads, as I lean forward in the squat. But with the device, the weight distribution is definitely different and I have yet to find a proper foot positioning in order to feel like the bar weight is in the middle. With the device attached and tilting forward, I feel like I'm about to tip forward, so I have to play around with tilting less and being more upright (I would love to learn more tips/video instructions on how best position oneself, so one can feel more stable). So yes, it feels really good on the neck, and it's takes some gettint used to. Overall a great buy.

I bought my first one about 7 years ago as I was recuperating from a neck injury. I like the way it transfers the weight of the bar over my shoulders. I've gotten a couple since then, not because they wear out but because I misplace them at the gym. Great product in my mind.

It is comfortable. It looks and feels durable, time will tell. The only downside is the channel that the bar fits into is not deep enough and so with little effort it is possible to bump the pad off the bar. The pad needs to "snap" on to a point where you need to have to pull to remove it, this is not the case. But it is comfortable.

This idea was good in theory. When I got the product I was surprised how small it was- I’m a small woman and it was even small for me. The men I workout with can not use this, it’s way too small for their build. It’s also very hard and not comfortable. Went from the bar hurting to this thing hurting. I used it once and won’t use it again.

This accessory helps with comfort when squatting. It fits the bar well.

This was not even usable, sent back. Just to small I guess.