Why to Not Overuse Straight Bar Squats (Shoulder, Elbow & Knee Pain)

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  • Опубліковано 10 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 176

  • @Ismunoz
    @Ismunoz 3 роки тому +60

    The fact that we’re not paying for content of this quality is beyond me. Keep up the solid work!!

    • @tdixon6264
      @tdixon6264 3 роки тому +10

      You can support Matt by joining Patron. The production of these videos are expensive.

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +11

      Very true and much needed support!!
      www.patreon.com/wenningstrength

    • @stevesorensen9648
      @stevesorensen9648 3 роки тому +3

      Holy crap!! Don't give Matt any ideas!

  • @michaelderenne9838
    @michaelderenne9838 Рік тому +4

    I can squat mid 400's for reps and actually have never used a straight bar to squat lol. All ssb and camber bar squatting. I'll be 44 this year. I've been training since I was 30 or 31. Hope I can stay in the game for a long time

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  Рік тому +4

      Smart dude!!

    • @michaelderenne9838
      @michaelderenne9838 Рік тому +1

      @@WenningStrength Thanks doesn't mean I know everything. One day some time soon we may be in contact about some online coaching. Thanks for the content. Always smart to work with people that know their 💩

  • @jamesgrant
    @jamesgrant 3 роки тому +7

    This is the truth for sure! I’ve spent too many years beating myself up when I should have been training smart. Now I’m trying to fix my mistakes.

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +4

      💪💪💪. Yup I was lucky not to learn the hard way

  • @thebuddhaofknowledgemichae2486
    @thebuddhaofknowledgemichae2486 Місяць тому +2

    One thing I noticed. When we try to hit PRs. We have to do it in waves and rotation.

  • @drchico40
    @drchico40 3 роки тому +12

    Just bought a cambered bar and integrated it into training about 3 weeks ago. It's made a big difference as to my fatigue levels, plus I think I'm getting stronger because of it.

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +3

      www.patreon.com/wenningstrength
      Come check us out here !!!

    • @drchico40
      @drchico40 3 роки тому +2

      @@WenningStrength I don’t think I’m that far from your gym, I may just have to stop in. Plus we have a mutual friend. I’m Dr. Todd’s chiro.

  • @nickvoelker7180
    @nickvoelker7180 3 роки тому +22

    As someone who doesn't have any squats in my current program, I fully endorse this video.

  • @bigdude382
    @bigdude382 Рік тому +2

    Matt's advice is pure gold

  • @geopwr5077
    @geopwr5077 3 роки тому +7

    Damn, Matt is reading my mind...as i'm getting stronger in bench, it takes forever now with shoulder mobility warmups for My Lo Bar Squat sessions. After Deadlifts this past Monday, next was good mornings...without the 15 min. shoulder stretches, I couldnt do it. I GAVE UP and went to BB RDL's 😊 Front squats & belt squats have been my Saviors. Band shoulder rotations, pole shoulder stretches and thoracic Rolling has worked, but needs to be done a lil bit each day. Great video !

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +6

      That bench squat combo is a tough one at 870 raw squat and 611 raw bench I had to get very creative

    • @justbreathe8835
      @justbreathe8835 2 роки тому +1

      Its the low bar style that is rough on the shoulders,high bar doesnt bother my shoulders

    • @BlackAdam2784
      @BlackAdam2784 2 роки тому

      @@justbreathe8835 same

  • @stolimonoli5730
    @stolimonoli5730 3 роки тому +3

    Pure truth! Recently been rotating back squats with front squats for many of these reasons!

  • @jessewastler4679
    @jessewastler4679 3 роки тому +2

    Matt is really the best technical explainer out there and is so easy to understand!

  • @loganfluegel925
    @loganfluegel925 3 роки тому +5

    I try and be good with low, high bar, front, SSB, belt squat, free squat, with a pause to a box, etc. Be strong in all environments !

    • @its_james_fitness
      @its_james_fitness 3 роки тому +3

      Same but I dont have enough weight for belt squats, only got 4x 45lbs and that is by no means challenging on the belt squat :(

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +3

      Www.Wenningstrength.com

    • @loganfluegel925
      @loganfluegel925 3 роки тому

      @@its_james_fitness Change the mode. Add a tempo, pause at bottom, use accommodating resistance to alter the strength curve to make it harder without adding more weight. Good luck!

  • @AnthonyVenmans
    @AnthonyVenmans 3 роки тому +3

    I have very long femur bones which made the (high bar) back squat very hard for me.
    I've been doing front squats (straight bar) and I love them!
    I rotate my foot position (narrow, wider) and some days I do pin squat (front squat), pasued front squat, or box front squats.
    Nice video Matt!

  • @mikebeneventosr3546
    @mikebeneventosr3546 3 роки тому +8

    This guy is absolutely right, and I’ve been training for 55 years.

  • @sunlightofspirt
    @sunlightofspirt 3 роки тому +2

    Oddly enough was just thinking man I need to change up my Squat regiment after this recent deload week ..... FRONT SQUATS it is tomm !! Always right on time and the best TRAINING CONTENT PERIOD from TEAM WENNING 💪🇺🇸

  • @Sizen_nepal
    @Sizen_nepal 3 роки тому +4

    always top quality knowledge bombs, keep up the good work man

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +2

      www.patreon.com/wenningstrength
      Help us out here to support the channel

  • @dadbod488
    @dadbod488 3 роки тому +1

    I bought a Rogue SSB this past summer for when my shoulders / elbows / wrists are feeling a little fussy. I gotta say it's been a life changer.

  • @ddddddff4038
    @ddddddff4038 3 роки тому +2

    Hey, going thru your old videos im going to make a comment ive made on one of your previous videos, you use very advanced thought processes in developing your techniques, especially the wenning warmup. It has translated very well into my own routine. Thank you for the content. Support from the midwest.

  • @markrooney4700
    @markrooney4700 3 роки тому +7

    Solid advice!! Switching over to SSB has allowed my shoulder and elbow aches to completely subside.

  • @approfjordman
    @approfjordman 3 роки тому +2

    Matt´s tips has helped me a lot. Keep going!

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +2

      Support patreon brother we need help
      www.patreon.com/wenningstrength

  • @AJPMUSIC_OFFICIAL
    @AJPMUSIC_OFFICIAL 3 роки тому +3

    Great video. I became straight bar squat obsessed after doing beginner linear progression programs and struggled to get out of intermediate strength levels because consistent straight bar was beating me up and eating into my other lifts. I blamed bench for my shoulder and elbow fatigue and deadlift for the general psychological fatigue because I'd been sold the idea straight bar squat is king. As stupid as it sounds the safety bar made such a difference for me, I swapped because of the upper body issues I assume upperbody lifting was causing and finally managed to start making regular progress again. Dont hold any lift too precious and dont be too dogmatic or youll end up stalled with mediocre lifts like me.

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +3

      👍👍👍👍

    • @K4R3N
      @K4R3N 9 днів тому

      I need to find a real gym this year. My YMCA only has a straight bar. Went to a buddy's powerlifter gym and it was like walking into an old ToysRUs, there were so many different kinds of bars. I messed around a bit with an SSB. Unfortunately my friends gym is an hour away (on a good day) and my YMCA is a 6 mins drive.

  • @mihaelvukovic797
    @mihaelvukovic797 3 роки тому +3

    Great video, I can see massive progress with rotating different squat techniques

  • @jamesmuetze7334
    @jamesmuetze7334 Рік тому +1

    Love this never ending great content on past videos

  • @rodneyosborne5444
    @rodneyosborne5444 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks Matt for all the help

  • @MPmilanMP
    @MPmilanMP 3 роки тому +3

    Really enjoy the exercise variation/rotation videos! Learning a lot, thanks.

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +2

      www.patreon.com/wenningstrength
      Your support is greatly appreciated

  • @user-zb3lr3ke4f
    @user-zb3lr3ke4f 3 роки тому +10

    I know its still with a straight bar, but Front squats are a great variation to throw in

  • @JackHagar
    @JackHagar 3 роки тому +6

    Whenever I do straight bar back squats going ATG, my hip joints hurt like crazy. When I change my form slightly and lean a bit more forward putting the tension more so on my knees as opposed to hips I don’t feel any pain. I’ve never heard of anyone else experiencing this

    • @JackHagar
      @JackHagar 3 роки тому +1

      @Email Email Bro I tried that today and I think you’re right, just using it for a few mins just now I realized how weak they are plus just getting a stretch with them is making my squats less painful. Thanks for the advice!

  • @christineschubert3505
    @christineschubert3505 3 роки тому +1

    Putting out the best information and best strength channel!! All of your experiences are so helpful and knowledge is top notch!

  • @FeltovichFit
    @FeltovichFit 3 роки тому +1

    Brother Wenning speaks truth.
    I like the part about task/skill transfer from squat variations to other sports.
    Part of the value of squat variations such as the front squat or Zercher for athletes is the different ways they challenge core stability.
    I also like pistol squats. Most non-power lifting sports are asymmetric, yet some athletes train symmetric movements almost exclusively.

  • @david.len.2482
    @david.len.2482 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you very much for the great advice !!!

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +2

      Thanks brother please support the channel by subscribing to my patreon
      www.patreon.com/wenningstrength

    • @david.len.2482
      @david.len.2482 3 роки тому +1

      I will for sure !!!

  • @StrengthHacksCoaching
    @StrengthHacksCoaching 3 роки тому +3

    Great information, rotation is key to staying in the game for life

  • @Austin-cq4xc
    @Austin-cq4xc 3 роки тому +3

    Great stuff Matt

  • @bradleyhedge
    @bradleyhedge 3 роки тому +3

    Always great content!

  • @adamw8871
    @adamw8871 3 роки тому +3

    I don’t have access to a whole bunch of variations just bought a manta ray to modify the straight bar a bit. I’m 6’4 and that super high bar position should help my lifts too

  • @ramtron1775
    @ramtron1775 3 роки тому +3

    Free game. Thanks homie😎✌

  • @dieselviper7811
    @dieselviper7811 3 роки тому +8

    My hip and knee pain subsided when I stopped standing so wide and started going below parallel

  • @romandashkevich9780
    @romandashkevich9780 3 роки тому +3

    Great video, thanks

  • @21robertmiller
    @21robertmiller 3 роки тому +2

    Awesome stuff Matt as always brother! SSB squats saved my shoulders for sure! 👊🏼💯

  • @marco.pereira
    @marco.pereira 3 роки тому +2

    Great tips.

  • @MarcoPeyrano
    @MarcoPeyrano 3 роки тому +4

    squeezing the upper back in straight bar SQ helps a lot with shoulder, wrist pain (at least in the short run)

  • @OverTheHillTraining
    @OverTheHillTraining 3 роки тому +1

    This needed 2 be said.

  • @josephchowhan5184
    @josephchowhan5184 2 роки тому +2

    Absolutely agree Matt

  • @UpstateGardening
    @UpstateGardening 3 роки тому +2

    Moving to conjugate style training, my shoulders don’t hurt and my competition lifts have gone up without doing them.

  • @thebrandisnate8256
    @thebrandisnate8256 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks Matt, this was super helpful

  • @andrearaujo2855
    @andrearaujo2855 3 роки тому +1

    Great video

  • @patricksomaine3700
    @patricksomaine3700 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks Matt

  • @chuckobannon2975
    @chuckobannon2975 3 роки тому +2

    Im getting ready for a comp and the new gym I go to doesn't have the specialty bars I use to have so I straight bar squat all the time and my shoulder and knee is always inflamed and tender

    • @reddeltasev07
      @reddeltasev07 3 роки тому +2

      Just do leg press and good mornings and squat like every other week, the strength will still be there

    • @davidleon9206
      @davidleon9206 3 роки тому +2

      Ed Cohen has an easy trick. Use wrist wraps or straps around the bar as handles to turn a straight bar into a safety bar. well its a variation of a safety bar

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +2

      I feel ya!!!

  • @stephenraybrown
    @stephenraybrown 3 місяці тому +1

    Coach, older lifter here. I had to stop straight bar squats due to cervical stenosis. Could the pinched back have made it worse? I wonder. I can still deadlift though. But leg press it is.

  • @christopherchavez2338
    @christopherchavez2338 3 роки тому +3

    Dropping them keys 🔑

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +3

      💪💪come support us
      www.patreon.com/wenningstrength

  • @deadlift0425
    @deadlift0425 3 роки тому +1

    I prefer the Buffalo bar for back squats and use the ssb bar for assistance work!

  • @Ereyner426
    @Ereyner426 3 роки тому +2

    We just got one of those transformer 2.0 bars, what do you think of those which you can set to different positions but have your hands out in front

  • @masonmennell8514
    @masonmennell8514 3 роки тому +8

    Crazy vascularity in your forearms

  • @powskier
    @powskier 10 місяців тому +1

    What about if you only squat straight bar once per week? I do Bulgarian split squats the other day. (Do to strength imbalance between legs) I don't like safety bar. But Marrs bar seems good but i didn't hear it mentioned. Are those a good choice?

    • @rl00668
      @rl00668 4 місяці тому

      Use them as a tool to see where you're at to see what youre weaknesses are. Twice per month is plenty.

  • @blin483
    @blin483 3 роки тому +1

    So what do you mean by the advice you give to “rotate bars” - as in what else other than straight bar should we use?
    Thanks for the great content!

  • @kindafatkindastrong5683
    @kindafatkindastrong5683 3 роки тому +2

    when you say "straightbar squat" do you mean both variations highbar and lowbar?
    ive noticed that squatting highbar in the offseason has greatly improved my elbow health compared to the low bar that always destroys me
    (i would squat with speciality bars but gyms are still closed)

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +1

      Hey my friend !! Come on patreon and help support the channel. We answer stuff there!!
      www.patreon.com/wenningstrength

  • @SLouiss
    @SLouiss 3 роки тому +7

    The elbow pain is real!

  • @jasonwang7028
    @jasonwang7028 2 роки тому +1

    What do we do if the gym we go to has only straight bars?

  • @DynomyteDewd91
    @DynomyteDewd91 3 роки тому +9

    So basically what we're learning here is, don't be a serious competitive powerlifter if you want to be healthy haha

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +7

      You can do both - just have to be smart. Which isn’t most competitive powerlifters lol!!!

    • @DynomyteDewd91
      @DynomyteDewd91 3 роки тому +3

      @@WenningStrength I know lol, just being funny bud

  • @Slomeus
    @Slomeus 3 роки тому +1

    Does anybody know the name of that sweet intro song?

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +2

      We made it

    • @Slomeus
      @Slomeus 3 роки тому

      @@WenningStrength anyway to find it on Spotify ? I need this song for warming up.

  • @zacclowes4999
    @zacclowes4999 3 роки тому +3

    Now do this video for bench press

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +2

      Now join patreon to support the channel!! 😂😂😂

  • @KillianDefaoite
    @KillianDefaoite 3 роки тому +2

    Safety bar squats are humbling but very worthwile

  • @asingh7887
    @asingh7887 3 роки тому +3

    I'm curious if these issues are specific to the low bar squat. Are these wear patterns a cost for the higher numbers associated with low bar position?
    I don't feel any of these issues with high bar squatting except the typical knee pain occasionally.

  • @danielprest5887
    @danielprest5887 3 роки тому +1

    Obviously Matt knows what he is talking about, It makes me think about the Quadfather, Tom Platz, he bent a bar to make a cambered bar to relieve shoulder and wrist pain.
    I squat highbar ATG and have no issues since I can grip narrow, from what I see in this video, the lifters have shit shoulder mobility and squat lowbar, which puts more strain on the shoulder.
    Obviously for powerlifting to parallel with lowbar will move more weight, but most of us train for health and fun, hurting yourself isnt fun.

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +1

      Way off. Bench 600 let’s see your shoulder mobility 😂😂. Second of all squat 25 years then comment 💪💪

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +1

      And Platz never benched 600

  • @FUDamentals101
    @FUDamentals101 3 роки тому +2

    How about a Duffalo bar?

  • @joseduran4442
    @joseduran4442 3 роки тому +1

    Gold

  • @Egm_080
    @Egm_080 2 роки тому +1

    What if your gym only has a straight bar? I’m in HS and a straight bar Is what I only have

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  2 роки тому +1

      There are tons of variations. Ask me on patreon 💪💪💪
      www.patreon.com/wenningstrength

  • @palmieritv1109
    @palmieritv1109 3 роки тому +2

    Low bar squats kill my shoulders. I’ve switched to front squats now

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +1

      💪💪💪

    • @StrengthHacksCoaching
      @StrengthHacksCoaching 3 роки тому

      The SSB would also benefit you! You can move more weight because you aren't limited by the front rack position, all while still being shoulder-friendly

  • @powskier
    @powskier 3 роки тому +1

    So why do "you need to squat with a straight bar" if you are not a competitive powerlifter? When I got a safety bar, I never looked back. I'm just don't want weak legs and train in my garage.

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +1

      Straight bar is still needed. We help everyone on patreon to help with the channel overhead. Thank you
      www.patreon.com/wenningstrength

  • @aumurphy
    @aumurphy 3 роки тому +3

    “It’s going to hurt you!!” Just more nocebo.

  • @RE4L72
    @RE4L72 3 роки тому +1

    Lol I straight bar squat every week and have shoulder n elbow pain. This is making me think

  • @bobman7881
    @bobman7881 Рік тому +1

    I bought a Marrs bar best money I ever spent

  • @benjaminwetscher9614
    @benjaminwetscher9614 3 роки тому +1

    🔝 notch

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +1

      www.patreon.com/wenningstrength
      Help us out here!!

  • @getstrongby4038
    @getstrongby4038 3 роки тому +2

    Matt, is this not just an issue of your shoulder mobility?

    • @MrGlostuber
      @MrGlostuber 3 роки тому +1

      This is what I'm curious about as well.

    • @getstrongby4038
      @getstrongby4038 3 роки тому +1

      @@MrGlostuber I'm just saying if you find it that difficult to get inside a 7 ft bar, mobility has to be a problem

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  3 роки тому +1

      Bench 600 and you will find that mobility will become an issue
      Good luck

    • @getstrongby4038
      @getstrongby4038 3 роки тому +1

      @@WenningStrength so thats a yes then? Lol no need to be an ass aboit it

  • @jsolorio07
    @jsolorio07 3 роки тому +1

    Time to switch to the SSB bar.

  • @smilsmff
    @smilsmff Рік тому +1

    The more you develope back muscles the more difficult it is to Bench press and squat

    • @WenningStrength
      @WenningStrength  Рік тому +1

      Ahh cool!! Thanks for the tip - may I ask what your bench and squat are?

  • @TheMichaelx
    @TheMichaelx 3 роки тому +2

    Dude you flash your military service so quick ,I had no clue !

  • @nyyanks2584
    @nyyanks2584 3 роки тому +2

    🔥🔥

  • @theovercomer2006
    @theovercomer2006 29 днів тому +1

    Most of these squat issues are from low bar squatting.

  • @williamramsey865
    @williamramsey865 3 роки тому +1

    The squat kills my shoulders

  • @sw1834
    @sw1834 3 роки тому +1

    For the algorithm