Safety squat bar ...

[Skidmarx]

I've never tried one but they look useful.
http://www.weighttrainersunited.com/SafetySquatBa1.JPG

I was wondering...

Does anyone know if you let go of the handles, is it pretty easy to balance one of these on your shoulders?

I was thinking it could be useful for standing calf raises. If I let go of the bar I could hold on to a bench or something to keep me balanced.

[Dinotrainer]

I was wondering...

Does anyone know if you let go of the handles, is it pretty easy to balance one of these on your shoulders?

I was thinking it could be useful for standing calf raises. If I let go of the bar I could hold on to a bench or something to keep me balanced.Yes, the bar stays balanced on your shoulders. You can even flip it around to where the padded yoke is in front and do front squats very comfortably.

[billy]

Just make sure you turn it the right way. You'll know what I'm talking about once you get under one.

[SUPERfatMAN]

I was thinking it could be useful for standing calf raises. If I let go of the bar I could hold on to a bench or something to keep me balanced.

Exactly what I was thinking 30 minutes ago while doing my calf raises. Don't think I'd use it for squats but with calf raises I have a hard time balancing. Probably not too good for the finish on my rack but I sort of push the barbell against the frame of the rack for balance (almost like a smith). Helps a bit but doesn't feel too natural.

[Skidmarx]

Exactly what I was thinking 30 minutes ago while doing my calf raises. Don't think I'd use it for squats but with calf raises I have a hard time balancing. Probably not too good for the finish on my rack but I sort of push the barbell against the frame of the rack for balance (almost like a smith). Helps a bit but doesn't feel too natural.

They have one of these bars at my local gym. I'm going to there work legs this weekend, I'll try working calves this way and report in here.

[Turd_Burglar]

I have one at home and like it for calf work and good mornings. I also use it for squats, since my shoulders don't seem to like reaching back to grab a straight bar.

I haven't tried going hands free on it yet - i tend to keep one hand one the bar and one on the uprights to get my balance for calf raises.

All in all I really like it.

[Bluerain]

It's also great for box squats as it helps strengthen your hams and glutes when done the correct way.

After doing box squats for awhile you will notice your normal squats poundage go up as now you have more drive pushing up due to the added strength you have gained in hammies and glutes.

GHR's raises will also help strengthen your hammies and glutes also aiding in normal squat poundage.


Blue

PS: I have one and use it for box squats mainly and has helped allot with my squats for the reasons mentioned above. Box squats have nicely built up my hammies and glutes to match my quads which always grew more then my hammies when squating as i was not able to go Ass To The Grass due to weak hammies . (Stuck in the botton and not able to drive the weight up when ass to the grass) Box squats have helped mucho :)

[REPS-Forum-Rep]

I've never tried one but they look useful.
http://www.weighttrainersunited.com/SafetySquatBa1.JPG

I was wondering...

Does anyone know if you let go of the handles, is it pretty easy to balance one of these on your shoulders?

I was thinking it could be useful for standing calf raises. If I let go of the bar I could hold on to a bench or something to keep me balanced.

If your traps are not to big then you do not have to grip the ends. Just know that the bar in my gym weighs 80 pounds, so remember ahead of time that you will be using less weight. Also the bar will help you keep the proper arch in your low back.