Pansy pad? Yay or nay?

[westside24]

its because were old.

[TheWICKED]

Originally Posted by ssbssb88

OK quick question to throw out to you guys...In football lifting, using the "pansy pad" (neck roll thing) for squats and other barbell exercises was HIGHLY discouraged. I never really understood why, but I guess the common belief was that it hurt form and strength gains.

Is that true? Or am I just submitting myself to unnecssary discomfort?? Thanks.

if it legitimately hurts to go without it then sure why not use it.. but the problem will never get better..nor will your squatting by using it for a few reaons.

1) doesn't allow you any other squat bar position but HIGH!
2) it doesn't seat well with heavier weights making it harder to control and possibly slip off your back if you monkey a squat..
3) see 1&2

nothing wrong with the man-pon..as long as you know that you're a pussy for using it! haha jk.. I have used it myself.

just don't be like some clowns and put it in the middle of the bar for benchpressing claiming it "keeps you from breaking your ribs"

[westside24]

Originally Posted by TheWICKED

just don't be like some clowns and put it in the middle of the bar for benchpressing claiming it "keeps you from breaking your ribs"

HAHA who the hell would think that!

"well if the 405lb bar comes crashing down o my chest, the 1/2 inch foam pad should break the fall" "but weston, youve only benched 155 max!" "I know, wish me luck!"

[westside24]

this actually pertains to the topic.... my girl was squatting, only 95lbs. and the next day she kept asking me if she had a zit on her neck caz it was stinging... then it start hurting her to turn her head and and bend her neck, I came to the conclusion she pinched a nerve.

So regaurding putting the pad on because it hurts your neck, you just may need to drop the bar down a tad... rest it on the traps is what I do, not actual neck... but then again, some one small and tiny and sexy, i mean, yea she dont have much back muscle so its obviously a lil more difficult. But shes a warrior none-the-less

[TheWICKED]

Originally Posted by westside24

this actually pertains to the topic.... my girl was squatting, only 95lbs. and the next day she kept asking me if she had a zit on her neck caz it was stinging... then it start hurting her to turn her head and and bend her neck, I came to the conclusion she pinched a nerve.

So regaurding putting the pad on because it hurts your neck, you just may need to drop the bar down a tad... rest it on the traps is what I do, not actual neck... but then again, some one small and tiny and sexy, i mean, yea she dont have much back muscle so its obviously a lil more difficult. But shes a warrior none-the-less

that too!

the bar should be resting on your traps down to about the deepest at hte base of your rear delts..

you get the bar on a lower COG with it being lower and you also have more of a mechanical advantage with it being lower as well allowing you to handle more weight efficiently..not to mention with the bar as high as the pad puts it you could easily get FRONT HEAVY and plant that pretty face in the dirt HAHA

[westside24]

so would you agree with, my pinched nerve theory? is that possible even?

[TheWICKED]

absolutely...

i'd cry pinched nerve too the moment someone caught me using that thing!

haha in all seriousness yes it's definately possible for it to put undue strain on one's neck.

[Travis Bell]

Typically if someone has hurt the base of their neck squatting, they have been placing the bar much too high. As Ryan said, it needs to be on your traps and upper rear delts.

[Gooseneck]

I think you guys are reading too far into this. If it hurts your shoulders, use the damn pad. If it doesnt, than dont use it. For 99 % of us that 1/4" inch of foam doesnt matter.

[westside24]

Originally Posted by Travis Bell

Typically if someone has hurt the base of their neck squatting, they have been placing the bar much too high. As Ryan said, it needs to be on your traps and upper rear delts.

Nuh uh! I said it first! Ryan? agreed with me!

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Gooseneck

I think you guys are reading too far into this. If it hurts your shoulders, use the damn pad. If it doesnt, than dont use it. For 99 % of us that 1/4" inch of foam doesnt matter.

Yah, I agree 100% with Gooseneck...a freakin pad is not going to make or break you or anything in between. The pad is there to use if you feel like the bar is digging into your traps/upper back.

For me, I personally use the pad for sets of squats that are heavy. Usually once I get to my sets where I am doing 225 or higher, I will use the pad. Why be in pain or have undue pressure digging into your traps while you're trying to squat heavy weight and get the absolute most from your sets?? The only pain or discomfort I should be feeling is in my quads, not my freakin traps.

I especially feel the bar digging into my traps as my body fat % gets lower. When I was 220, I could give two sh!ts about the pad, but now that I am 190, the pad goes on as soon as I hit 225 for squats.

The pad does not make you a puss or anything...and for those who think so...I guess I am a puss...but I am a smart puss.

[westside24]

Originally Posted by Todd

The pad does not make you a puss or anything...and for those who think so...I guess I am a puss...but I am a smart puss.

everytime I tell my friend at work something that goes against what he does or says, he says "but you arent big like me!" hhaha.

kind of the same for you, people mite think you or others are pusses for using the puss pad, but until they get results like yours! sticks n stones may break bones.

Welcome back Todd

[Todd]

Originally Posted by westside24

everytime I tell my friend at work something that goes against what he does or says, he says "but you arent big like me!" hhaha.

kind of the same for you, people mite think you or others are pusses for using the puss pad, but until they get results like yours! sticks n stones may break bones.

Welcome back Todd

Yah, it's people like those who let their egos get in the way...and the only thing that suffers because of it is their results in the long run.

It's simple...if the pad helps eleviate pressure/discomfort, then by all means use the pad...because you'll get more out of each set. If it helps you lift more for whatever reasons...even if it's all in your head...the by all means use the pad.

It's the same thing as those who wear headphones and listen to music while working out...some people do and some people don't...it is personal preference. I for one do not like wearing an ipod while working out...I feel it distracts me and takes away from my workout. Others need to listen to music in order to have a great workout. What it comes down to is...do whatever is going to aid you in your workouts and allow you to get the most out of every rep and set. Because that is what you are there for...otherwise you are just waisting your time (and energy).

Thanks for the welcome back Westside!

-Todd

[Firehawk]

There's a reason it's called a Pansy Pad...nuff said.

And for the record, I don't use them (F-mac), but I don't squat that much weight anymore anyways LOL.

It's funny because you will know when you see a true powerlifter. One of the owners of my gym always has two big bruises on his traps where he puts the bar (squats 700 with heavy bands on bar as well which add another few hundred pounds of dynamic weight) and his shins are always scabbed from deadlifting.

[Dan C]

I've never heard it called a Pansy Pad but I do think the name is fitting. It's funny that the original poster would call it that and then inquire about using it.

It doesn't take long to get used to a little weight on your back. Suck it up, boys.