Happy Spring everyone... This month we will conclude the specialty bars series with the SS Yoke Bar, also known as the safety squat bar.

Basically the SS Yoke Bar allows you to squat by holding the handles or pads instead of the traditional method with a barbell. This bar is great for anyone with shoulder injuries or shoulder pain. Because of the grip variation, it allows you to train around various upper body injuries.

 Another advantage is that the bar is held a little higher on the back… that along with the cambered design creates the constant force of pushing you forward. This works your entire back much harder than squatting with a barbell and helps develop static strength of the middle and upper back by engaging the erectors, lumbar, lats and traps.

These weaknesses are what usually causes the chest do drop and your torso to get forward when you begin the upward portion of the squat… known as “coming out of the hole.” Developing those weaknesses along with enhancing the ability to engage them can also help build a bigger deadlift.

This bar is commonly used for Back Squat, Front Squats, Good Mornings and Lunges …just to name a few. 

I personally incorporate this bar weekly into my training and can honestly say it has contributed to several competition PR’s and breaking a few records. If you are wanting to build your squat and deadlift, I strongly encourage you to make the SS Yoke Bar a staple in your training.      

"STRENGTH IS A PROCESS"