Pansy pad? Yay or nay?

ssbssb88 · 17-Apr-08, 01:24 AM

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.

westside24 · 17-Apr-08, 09:24 AM

well... I tried the foam pad, I couldnt get it to stay on, everytime I dropped down, the thing would roll off. Umm but yea, its just about placement and getting your traps and back bigger so it can handle the bar pushing against yor body.

It took a while for me to figure out, but im completely comfortable with it just below my traps.

**maverick** · 17-Apr-08, 09:30 AM

I'm guessing the difference is negligible, but for close to maximal lifts, bar positioning can be crucial and the pad will afect that. I used to use it, but have not in years. Don't let Firehawk find out you use it...

F_Mac · 17-Apr-08, 10:15 AM

I heard Firehawk uses 2 of them, then wraps a towel around them.

For most people it's not going to make much of a difference. However, after not using it for a few sessions your back won't really hurt at all by having just the bar on there.

As was stated as well, the material that those things are made of can cause the bar to slip a bit if you don't have the weight positioned just right.

Dins_PR · 17-Apr-08, 10:41 PM

I use the pad because that bar hurts; so, if your back hurts when you squat use the pad. Don't let anyone beat you down because you use the pad, as for form, I've seen too many guys without the pad use ****ty ass form and the same for guys who use the pad so take from that what you will.

ssbssb88 · 18-Apr-08, 12:26 AM

Thanks all.

btw I have never used the pad before, I think my question got misconstrued haha. But yeah so from what I gather you guys think its just preference.

Merrida · 19-Apr-08, 06:29 PM

Just make sure the slit is in the back and you have a wrap over the foam pad. Placement is everything. Personally I do not like the pad, I find it distracts me. I prefer to feel the bar. The pad, for me anyway, has sometimes caused the bar (which I put on the lower end of my upper traps), to occasionally roll up to my cervical spine and blow my set.

By the way, are you aware the pussy pad has another meaning? (Ride motorcycles at all?)
............wait for it,.............wait for it,..........wait for it,...........

......and Mr. P says:.______Merrida!____________!!

I wuv him too.

.

westside24 · 19-Apr-08, 10:36 PM

hellpup · 21-Apr-08, 08:45 PM

I don't like the big foam pad, since it feels like the bar is going to roll off my shoulders, but the bare bar sometimes pinches a nerve. I usually roll my workout towel around the bar.

I don't see why using the foam pad should make any difference. Sounds like macho posturing to me :-)

Merrida · 21-Apr-08, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellpup

I don't like the big foam pad, since it feels like the bar is going to roll off my shoulders, but the bare bar sometimes pinches a nerve. I usually roll my workout towel around the bar.

I don't see why using the foam pad should make any difference. Sounds like macho posturing to me :-)

First off, I adore your avatar!! Ooooh, it makes me feel all warm and squishy inside. Is that your pup? He's too cute for words.

Second, I agree about the bar. I like the bar because of the kinesthetic feedback. If I can feel the bar itself moving, it permits me to adjust my posture.

However, if I've got a towel rolling around, a foam pad rolling around, it can be difficult to ascertain where the damned bar is and ergo, if it may be pinching a nerve.

That gets tricky too because of various forms (the look up to the corner form, and the look straight at the horizon form),...when it comes to pinching a cervical nerve (combined with the weight you're squatting). That's why I maintain neutral spine too.

I think the pad really serves no purpose. But then I guess maybe people think my lifting gloves serve no purpose other than to keep my hands soft, and don't get that it helps my grip.

C'es la vie. There's always two sides to every octagon.