The barbell is one powerlifting equipment that is very important. Even if you just use a simple barbell, you could already complete a major part of your weight training. There are many other equipment that can be used for your weight lifting routine but the barbell should be the center of any effective lifting program.
Here are some specialty bars that can be used for different skills and different athlete.
Athletes that have shoulder injury or poor should flexibility will go well with a buffalo bar. Its slight curve distinguishes it from the regular straight barbell but they are almost the same. With this bar, your injured shoulder will not be stressed because it rests down the shoulders and your hands grip lower than the traditional one.
The cambered squat bat is for those who want a different squat experience. Using this bat requires skill and perfect technique. This bar is U-shaped which takes pressure off the shoulders and will change the way your perform squats. New muscle groups are activated using this bar but it should not be used by beginners.
If you want to find tune your bench press and refine lower and mid sections of the lift, then the cambered bench bar is for you. The middle section of the bar is straight but with cambered ends. So the athlete can dip down to a lower point in each press.
Like the buffalo bar, the safety squat bar is ideal for those with shoulder injury and flexibility issues. This cambered bar is reinforced with padding around the neck and shoulders. This is a very versatile bar that can help train the lower body and back muscles. It improves both the deadlift and the squat. To use it properly, you need concentration, skill, and control.
The trap or hex bar is used to train deadlifts. The design of this bar allows lifters to stand inside the weight instead of behind it. It makes deadlift easier on your back.
Multi-grip bars like football bars and swiss bars have varied grips but offers the same benefits as straight bars. Football bars are straight bars with multiple 90 degree angle grips. The swiss bars have other angled grips. With these bars, lifters can perform lifts with a more neutral wrist. This relieves shoulder stress.
The Axle Bar or Fat Bar is a thicker version of the standard straight barbell. In order to hold the bar stead, you need a greater grip. The benefits of using this bar is that is increases your grip strength and your forearm muscles.
With the use of these specialty barbells, you will be more successful in your powerlifting training.