squats: Bar Position

[aurelius]

i was wondering if there was any real significance to bar positoin during a squat. lately i've been using a manta ray when squating. i've noticed that the bar sits up higher during the squat. when i do not use it, i feel like i can go deeper and feel more balanced but it kills my shoulders and such. should a lower postion allow me to feel more balanced and sit back farther and the weight also feels a little lighter as well

[emartin10]

I set the bar in a 'High Position' I'm told, right on the beef of my traps. It hurts for about the first month or 2 of squating, but eventually, you'll get used to it.

I think I've seen the Manta Ray thing, it's a blue plastic guide almost that fits right on your shoulders, right? The best experience I've had if I needed cushion was just to wrap a towel around the bar, but both methods have killed my balance, like you said.

Just squat without pads, you'll get used to it for sure!

[DKing]

Lower bar tends to be more posterior chain emphasis and the higher bar brings it more on the quads. Sitting back is much harder with a higher bar at least for me.

Danny

[jreimann]

One thing I do know is that if you have a long torso low bar placement is the way to go. I had problems with squat form and rounding of the back when squatting with a high bar. I switched to low bar and my form got alot better and all around more consistant and much less likely for it to turn into a good morning. Plus my legs actually turned into my weak point rather than lower back strength when squatting.