squats and the bar and your upperback/neck area

[BG5150]

1) If you are squatting in front of a mirror, try to focus on something reflected in the mirror instead of looking at the surface of the mirror. make sure it is high enough to be out of the line of sight of people walking (especially hot chicks!), because that can make the eye and head wander. I find it a lot easier to concentrate on my lift that way. If I can help it, I do not do any of my lifts in front of the mirror (squats I have to, 'cause that's where the cage is). People say they like to work in front of a mirror to check form, but unless you are a newb, you'll be able feel if you're not in form rather than having to see it.

2) Don't keep the bar too high. With practice, you'll be able to find the right spot for you. Try it with the bar and some 25's or 35's to see where it's the most comfortable.

3) Why no pads? 'Cause pads are for pussies.

[EricT]

The biggest reason pads are frowned upon...and illegal in comp. is because they cut down friction against the bar and heighten the chance of injury.

[Dr X]

No pad, suck it up and be a man. Build up the traps like 0311 said. And always look up to go up.

[EricT]

And if the "be a man" argument doesn't work for you then there are some realistic reasons too

[Dr X]

Originally Posted by Eric3237

And if the "be a man" argument doesn't work for you then there are some realistic reasons too

Can't think of any myself.

[EricT]

Cuts down frictions so could cause slippage, reduces the spread on the bar in some cases and so can put it in an unstable positions, puts pressure in unfavorable locations thus actually leading in some cases to the kind of pain he's talking about, limits what position on the traps/delts you can realistically place the bar thus forcing you to adapt a bar placement that may not be the best for you....I'm sure I could think of some more

[WantingMuscle7]

I did squats today and usually use a pad but today it was nowhere to be found. Having not even close to big traps myself didn't mind just the bar. Just kind of get a "comfortable" position on the back of your neck tense up back there and you're set. And as X said looking up makes it better to.

[EricT]

I think I may just be in a bad mood so forgive me in advance. But could we please read through the thread before posting on them? I think 0311 originally said look up.

I don't want to tell you how to post but it does show more respect for others time and effort.

[Dr X]

Originally Posted by Eric3237

Cuts down frictions so could cause slippage, reduces the spread on the bar in some cases and so can put it in an unstable positions, puts pressure in unfavorable locations thus actually leading in some cases to the kind of pain he's talking about, limits what position on the traps/delts you can realistically place the bar thus forcing you to adapt a bar placement that may not be the best for you....I'm sure I could think of some more

I guess I'm insensitive since I have never experienced any of this, which of course leads to my view of never understanding how anyone could use a pad. Last year when I started training my son he complained about the bar hurting but after about a month and a little guidance on proper positioning it has never come up again.

Eric, don't pic on wantingmuscle for giving me props for looking up. You've been around boards long enough to know people don't read every post. However I did give 0311 credit when I repeated the same thing. I also find it beneficial for several members to repeat the same thing as it adds to credibility and gives confirmation for those who are learning and seeking advice.

[EricT]

I really don't want to hyjack the thread and go off topic on this. To me not reading posts is the same as having a group conversation and ignoring or talking over certain people. But it doesn't matter what I think so we should probably leave it as a difference of opinion.

Originally Posted by Dr X

However I did give 0311 credit when I repeated the same thing. I also find it beneficial for several members to repeat the same thing as it adds to credibility and gives confirmation for those who are learning and seeking advice.

Absolutely, X I saw that you did and I agree with what you are saying. I do the same thing all the time but I simply always try to acknowledge.

As far as you're being insentsitive that is not what I said. I simply disagree with your be a man advice and stated such. I've disagreed with you before and will probably do so in the future.

In an effort to get back on topic I will clarify what I was saying by stating that if someone was to experience chonic pain while squatting and continued to do so no matter what they tried...and if they gave it a proper amount of time and effort and it still didn't go away but when they used a pad that helped then I would say use a pad if that means the difference between squatting and not squatting.