Are high bar squats better for knees?

Are high bar squats better for knees?

Since the high bar squat causes more forward knee translation than the low bar squat, it may not be the best choice for someone that is currently dealing with knee pain. Let me preface this by saying there is NOTHING wrong with allowing your knees to travel forward during the squat.

Is low bar squat better for knees?

This shifts a lot of the weight’s stress into the hips, glutes, and hamstrings. The hamstrings will then pull back on the tibia (bone in the lower leg) and balance the force placed on the knee. For this reason, low-bar squats can be beneficial for athletes with knee issues.

What joint is emphasized during a high bar back squat?

The high-bar version is a better choice for lifters who want to strengthen the knee joint and improve their snatch and clean form — and other movements that require a more upright torso position.

Why does high-bar squat hurts my back?

You can get neck pain while high bar squatting when the pressure from the load compresses the tissues of your traps and back. As well, if the barbell is not placed correctly on the back then the load may be compressing on a nerve.

Is high bar or low bar better for back?

If you’re looking to build power and increase strength in other exercises, like power cleans and snatches, then a high bar squat may be best. If you’re looking to build the muscles of your posterior chain, increase your one rep max, and challenge your balance and core strength, then a low bar squat may be for you.

Where does the bar go on high-bar squats?

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  1. High bar squats have the bar sitting on top of your traps, usually with a fairly narrow grip (as much as your mobility allows).
  2. Low bar squats on the other hand (as you might assume) has the bar lower down your back – think resting it on the back of your shoulders, rather than the traps.

Is high bar squat quad dominant?

High-bar squats are more upright and quad dominant than low-bar squats. More emphasis on quads, and therefore knees, doesn’t mean your knees can’t handle the stress.

Do high bar squats work glutes?

Not only does the heavy loaded back squat hammer your quads, but it also works your hams and glutes while engaging nearly every muscle in your core. A high bar placement encourages a more upright body position and targets primarily the quads.

Are back squats bad for your spine?

When performed properly, squatting is unlikely to result in injury. However, the spine is the most vulnerable of the joints during squatting and you may experience pain here.

Should I low bar or high bar squat 1RM?

While yes, anecdotally, most people can low bar squat 1RM about 10% more than their high bar squat, this really only matters if you are planning on competing in a powerlifting competition. If your goal is general lower body strength and hypertrophy, I recommend choosing whatever variation you feel more comfortable and stronger with.

Are high bar squats bad for your knees?

Since the high bar squat causes more forward knee translation than the low bar squat, it may not be the best choice for someone that is currently dealing with knee pain. Let me preface this by saying there is NOTHING wrong with allowing your knees to travel forward during the squat.

Should you do high or low bar squats for hip pain?

Basically, if you’re dealing with hip pain, the low bar squat may not be the best choice, as the forward torso angle essentially “closes off” the hip joint. If you’re a powerlifter who routinely trains low bar, try high bar squats for 4-6 weeks until your symptoms are under control.

Is the low bar back squat bad for your shoulders?

Since the low bar squat is carried a few inches lower on the back, this requires more shoulder mobility and is thus more stress on the shoulder and elbow. While there isn’t anything wrong with this if you’re not having shoulder or elbow pain, if you ARE currently symptomatic, the low bar back squat back may exacerbate it.

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