sore shoulder from squats low bar position - Ausbb

milketc · 27-02-2010, 03:54 PM

ive only been squatting for a bit over 2 months and a couple of weeks ago i changed from a high bar position to a low bar position on my squats and i find that after each set my shoulders get really sore, mainly from trying to keep the bar on my shoulders. I find it uncomfortable trying to bring my hands closer to the middle of the bar. Is this normal initially? or am i likely doing something wrong?
also, after i get home i can feel a very sharp pain in my shoulder sometimes, it doesnt hurt a lot, but i can feel it.
im thinking of going back to a high bar position as it didnt strain my shoulders so much.

thanks in advance

PowerBuilder · 27-02-2010, 06:35 PM

when squatting with a 'narrow' grip, how how narrow is it really ? I've squatted with both a high and low bar approach, narrow and wide grip. Both are effective. The pain could be from too narrow of a grip
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Dancelot · 27-02-2010, 08:57 PM

I feel more comfy with the high bar position and narrow grip.

With low bar, I have to use a wide grip else my shoulders feel too tight.

upg · 28-02-2010, 12:34 AM

do some shoulder dislocations
same thing happened to me

NPR · 02-03-2010, 02:29 PM

Its most likely a shoulder flexibility issue. As said work on this with shoulder dislocations and stretching.

And unless you plan on being a copetitive powerlifter squat with a narrow stance and high bar.

AndyMitchell · 02-03-2010, 02:34 PM

Consider pressing behind the neck first before anything else.
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26-03-2010, 12:18 AM

Make sure it's in the low position, too. You want your wrists STRAIGHT, and out so they can accomodate this. The bar should sit on the heel/lower part of your hand near your wrist, and not in your fingers as would be the case with a bent wrist. this keeps the bar on your back rather than in your hands, which will surely cause elbow problems in the future. Also, it should rest on your posterior deltoids, and low traps. You should see a nice groove for the bar to lie. It's almost intuitive for it to go there. Takes a bit of practice. I frequently finish low bar squatting with a big red line across my rear delts (near the teres and rhoms) but it doesnt bruise and my shoulders feel fine. Keep your elbows up too. Hope that helps

PTC · 26-03-2010, 06:20 PM

Like Nick said, high bar close stance, unless your squatting like a powerlifter for a reason, like planning to compete.

Reducing the range of motion for a non competing raw lifter is pretty stupid.

The squat is an EXERCISE for EVERYONE except a POWERLIFTER.

To them, its an actual event, so they should train the lift like they plan to use it in their event.

No other lifter/athlete will use this ineffective way to squat. It doesnt make sense. We train for development and strength, use the most effective technique.

Nick on here squats 220kg rock bottom, high bar close stance no belt. Squatting this way will not limit your weights, but it may cause you to get stronger and bigger, make sure you want those side effects before you switch.

If your NOT a powerlifter, dont reduce the range of motion on ANY lift.

27-02-2010, 03:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
milketc Rookie Join Date: Feb 2010 Gender: Posts: 40	sore shoulder from squats low bar position ive only been squatting for a bit over 2 months and a couple of weeks ago i changed from a high bar position to a low bar position on my squats and i find that after each set my shoulders get really sore, mainly from trying to keep the bar on my shoulders. I find it uncomfortable trying to bring my hands closer to the middle of the bar. Is this normal initially? or am i likely doing something wrong? also, after i get home i can feel a very sharp pain in my shoulder sometimes, it doesnt hurt a lot, but i can feel it. im thinking of going back to a high bar position as it didnt strain my shoulders so much. thanks in advance

27-02-2010, 06:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
PowerBuilder Active Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Gender: Posts: 2,166	when squatting with a 'narrow' grip, how how narrow is it really ? I've squatted with both a high and low bar approach, narrow and wide grip. Both are effective. The pain could be from too narrow of a grip Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Mobility/Flexibility - Strength - Conditioning. These 3 things are paramount to any training program no matter who you are. - Jim Wendler

27-02-2010, 08:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
Dancelot Active Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Squatting in the curl rack Gender: Posts: 1,216	I feel more comfy with the high bar position and narrow grip. With low bar, I have to use a wide grip else my shoulders feel too tight. __________________ First you get the powerlifts, then you get the women, then you get the money.

02-03-2010, 02:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
NPR Active Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Melbourne Gender: Posts: 1,133	Its most likely a shoulder flexibility issue. As said work on this with shoulder dislocations and stretching. And unless you plan on being a copetitive powerlifter squat with a narrow stance and high bar. __________________ Bigger Faster Stronger

02-03-2010, 02:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
AndyMitchell Active Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: As close as the restraining order allows Gender: Posts: 3,104	Consider pressing behind the neck first before anything else. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ as long as you keep doing what you're doing, you're going to keep getting what you're getting.

28-02-2010, 12:34 AM	#4 (permalink)
upg Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Perth, WA Gender: Posts: 206	do some shoulder dislocations same thing happened to me

26-03-2010, 12:18 AM	#7 (permalink)
ACTPL Guest Posts: n/a	Make sure it's in the low position, too. You want your wrists STRAIGHT, and out so they can accomodate this. The bar should sit on the heel/lower part of your hand near your wrist, and not in your fingers as would be the case with a bent wrist. this keeps the bar on your back rather than in your hands, which will surely cause elbow problems in the future. Also, it should rest on your posterior deltoids, and low traps. You should see a nice groove for the bar to lie. It's almost intuitive for it to go there. Takes a bit of practice. I frequently finish low bar squatting with a big red line across my rear delts (near the teres and rhoms) but it doesnt bruise and my shoulders feel fine. Keep your elbows up too. Hope that helps

26-03-2010, 06:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
PTC Active Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Frankston Gender: Posts: 6,725	Like Nick said, high bar close stance, unless your squatting like a powerlifter for a reason, like planning to compete. Reducing the range of motion for a non competing raw lifter is pretty stupid. The squat is an EXERCISE for EVERYONE except a POWERLIFTER. To them, its an actual event, so they should train the lift like they plan to use it in their event. No other lifter/athlete will use this ineffective way to squat. It doesnt make sense. We train for development and strength, use the most effective technique. Nick on here squats 220kg rock bottom, high bar close stance no belt. Squatting this way will not limit your weights, but it may cause you to get stronger and bigger, make sure you want those side effects before you switch. If your NOT a powerlifter, dont reduce the range of motion on ANY lift.