Open Trap Bar - Very Versatile

Bigger Stronger Leaner
1

I used a generic trap bar in the gym a few days. I like the feel of it and I could shift much more weight on it. I did about 265-270 kg on the trap bar . I have around 210-220kg straight bar deadlift.
I just remembered my gym has an Eleiko oppen.bar.
This could be a game changer for me as I can’t get a straight bar on my back and would like to do more neutral grip pressing.
Firstly I sometimes trip over the bar, this won’t happen at least not as much with the open bar.
I looked it up on YouTube. Its good for carries ,neutral grip rowing , step up, lunges , reverse lunges.
If it fits in the rack properly , I could even bench with it. Overhand presses too and most importantly the bar can be used for cambered squats.
Jump squats are probably safer too.

Has anyone here used one or anything similar. I know there are few other open trap bars out there. I would like to hear what you think of trap bars in general too.

I may even base most of my workouts around it.

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The exercise that can be progressed for the longest (due to comfort and engagement) is usually the best exercise

If trap bar variations fit tha bill for you, its a fantastic tool

Personally, I like the trap bar for rows and deadlifts. I’ve never used an open trap bar, but would love to have one for split squats and variations

3 Likes
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Thanks Jigga. I have not used it yet. But I have seen the YouTube reviews and comparisons. If I can use it for benches and cambered squats ,I will be pleased.

1 Like
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Well it did not work out too well. The grips are too narrow for me to deadlift comfortablly.
Overhead pressing works but seems dangerous, if one were to have to dump it.
Cambered squats worked ok. They would probably work better in a true powerrack with spotters. The squats do feel nice . But again I had to hold outside of the bar. I think they intended you to hold the handles. But I wrapped around like people do on cambered bars.
It requires some precision re-racking. But I think i could use for higher rep sets. I would not trust myself with close to maximal weights. At least not without spotters.

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Why not press inside a rack?

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. I will try it again . It’s the first time I have tried it. It felt ok with 45kg about 100lb.i was keen to squat with it.

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I tried this today. It worked well . The rack is not the best though…Got very ROM, probably better than I would get with a barbell. I could use less weight than with a straight bar. Movement feels nice.

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Worked very well for step ups , deadlift and zercher carried plus Zürcher good mornings.
Would work well for cambered bar squat carried in very quiet gym so you could put it back in rack.