Trap Bars

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by jslep

"TBDL is a great way to pick up 500lbs without being particularly strong"

^ Regarding this statement I am pretty satisfied with my strength. I am no powerlifter, but I do have just about a 1500 raw, natural total. All documented on video. So if my 585 trap bar is considered weak, so be it.

I am comfortable with what I have accomplished in my life as a recreational, small boned lifter with poor genetics.

[andys_trim]

I don't mean to hi jack the thread but, I just realized what a trap bar is. We have one at my gym, what makes using a trap bar any different besides the fact that the weight is at your side. Can someone explain the advantages of using a trap bar?

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by andys_trim

I don't mean to hi jack the thread but, I just realized what a trap bar is. We have one at my gym, what makes using a trap bar any different besides the fact that the weight is at your side. Can someone explain the advantages of using a trap bar?

Well you aren't leaning as far forward, which creates a better mechanical advantage, and doesn't utilize the lower back as much.

[andys_trim]

Do they weigh 45lbs like regular bars? Is it worth giving a shot on deadlift day?

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by andys_trim

Do they weigh 45lbs like regular bars? Is it worth giving a shot on deadlift day?

Yes they weigh 45.

As far as adding them on back day...you could try and see how they impact your back. They are more of a squat-deadlift hybrid though.

[andys_trim]

I think I may try it in the future. But I want to nail 405 on a regular deadlift before trying that.

[BendtheBar]

Just talked to a champion natural bodybuilder friend of mine who also uses a trap bar. He is a very strong lifter, and deadlifts nearly 3x his bodyweight. He remarked that his trap bar was about 30-40 heavier than his conventional.

A second lifter noted about a 50 pound difference.

I hope Isaku understands I'm not researching to be argumentative, but rather was curious if I was a weak freak.

[Isaku900]

Originally Posted by jslep

ok first off i want to congradulate you on being one strong m'F'n sophmore! but if we go back to your other quote........

"TBDL is a great way to pick up 500lbs without being particularly strong"

..........did you not think you were pretty strong at the time you could squat mid 300's and dead 405. those lifts are strong if your 30 let alone when your 16. and you also didn't answer the question of how the movement can't be beneficial to a powerlifter. its still a compound movement that could build huge strength. a lot of strongmen use the movement and also do powerlifting. i think they probably find it beneficial. do you only do Bench, Deads, and Squats because thats the only movement done in comp? just because the grip and movement is slightly changed and you can apply better leverage does not mean the lift couldn't increase your potential in a deadlift.

no i wasn't strong with a 300s squat and a 405 deadlift. those are fairly commonplace.

a TBDL has very little applicable carryover to a deadlift, let alone a squat.

BTB: I don't think you're being argumentative.

I do think that while there are many differences of opinion that are worthwhile exploring, there are some that are not.

in your research, try to find a significant sample size of elite powerlifters that use a trap bar regularly in their training for squat or deadlift.

I think it can be a very good way to train shrugs, and isn't a bad developer for high school athletes especially since many high school coaches are unwilling (or unable) to teach a proper deadlift, but it just isn't a widely used powerlifting tool because it doesn't carryover very well, much like you will not see many powerlifters snatching and cleaning, because after a certain point there isn't a worthwhile amount of carryover to the powerlifts.

[gaspers04]

Regardless, I enjoyed lifting with this. Im no expert on this and the carry over principle, but I do believe that it is an excellent overloading tool. But then again Im just a lil fellar.

[nighttrain]

does anyone have a picture of this "Trap Bar dohickey"??????