Trap Bar
The trap bar is a piece of exercise equipment that is commonly used for those engaging in weight training. It contains bars that have been welded into a shape lying flat in a plane. This exercise or weight training machine was invented by Al Gerard. Gerard has for years been a very competitive power lifter and weight trainer. It is an excellent machine for those wanting a little help with their deadlifts and provides much better aid than the typical straight bar.
The trap bar helps to reduce stress on the spine and allows users to hold their hands and arms in an almost perfect position, thus lessening risk of damage to the spine area. The problem with a straight bar is with lowering the weight. With a straight bar machine, lowering weight can put much more pressure on the spine because the knees are actually in the way during the process. Of course, the extent of this problem will depend on the actual user, but most find that during descent the knees are simply in the way more than they are helping. The trap bar allows users to complete the deadlift while minimizing the interference of the knees and lessening the strain on the back. All users who have tried the Trap Bar claim that it is a much better piece of equipment than a typical straight bar due to the reduction of stress and overall functionality.
Those who powerlift competitively may still need to use the straight bar, but can significantly benefit from adding the Trap Bar during off season training. Since it reduces stress on various parts of the physique and still helps to develop strength, this is a chosen tool by many professionals. The trap bar allows more leg flexibility during deadlift training. The gripping sites are approximately twenty-two to twenty-four inches apart. The actual site measurements will depend primarily on the manufacturer. The parallel grip as well as the spacing of the gripping sites allows for a workout that does not cause the bar to brush up or drag against the thighs. Users prefer the Trap Bar overall to any other machine is this caliber. When done properly, deadlifts using the Trap Bar allow the arms to be in a much better position than those done with a straight bar. In addition, because of the leg flexion allowed with the trap bar, a much better workout to the quads can be obtained using this machine as opposed to a typical straight bar deadlift. Thigh movement and involvement with a trap bar is significantly increased and the machine allows the lower back to be kept completely flat in extended motion range during most workout routines. The Trap Bar also allows for no knee interference, giving you a much better overall strength training workout as opposed to straight bars and other equipment.
Of course, proper use is essential in reducing stress risks and in getting the best workout possible. It is important that both hands are centered on the handles to keep the trap bar from tipping. Allowing just one hand to be off center can cause rotational stress which could be very dangerous. Both hands should be centered precisely and the rhombus should be perfectly parallel to the floor in order to reduce risk of stress and damage.
Overall, many users prefer the trap bar to any other machine in its class. Having the ability to workout while significantly reducing the risk of stress to the lower back and other areas is essential in receiving the best strength training possible. Users have come to prefer the Trap Bar more than two-to-one over traditional or typical straight bars for deadlifts.
