Dave Draper’s Musclebuilding Q&A

Does the Top Squat have the same kind of neck comfort as the Manta Ray?

I have used the Manta Ray and recognize its attributes. However, for my structure it alters the true squat movement, perching the bar too high on the back presenting bar-instability and a high center of gravity, which misplaces the load (resistance) on the thighs and lower back.

With the Top Squat, the dense polyurethane eliminates the acute pressure of the narrow bar and allows the lifter to position the bar where he finds it most advantageous and desirable.

Very comfortable… I love it.

Do the handles on the Top Squat dig or push down on to the shoulders like the Safety Squat bar?

I felt trapped in the Safety Squat Bar; that one didn’t work for me, which is why I designed mine. I was simply looking for a way to bring the hands forward, and the Top Squat does that perfectly.

Does the Top squat sit still on the upper back? Or do you have to move the handles up and down as you lower and rise while performing the squats?

The handles can remain fixed in one position, though there is great advantage in raising and lowering the handles as you squat to locate the bar in the most perfect position across the back for comfort or muscle action or balance.

The Top Squat takes very few sets and reps, plus some fun-focus to get to know and understand and exploit.

Built like a bridge to handle heavy, heavy weight. Your shoulders and neck will be relieved, your thighs most grateful.

Go… Godspeed… Dave

Even though I do not mind holding the bar across my back (like Dave is doing, with fewer plates unfortunately) I am very concerned about my upper and lower back and the pressure on it. Would the top squat be a good choice for “back saving” or is it more of a comfort item for those who do not want to hold the bar on their shoulders?

The Top Squat was devised to save the shoulders from the unnatural and stressful positioning while holding the bar in place across the back. This is both painful and risky, and for some trainees impossible.

Upon completion of the unit and rigorously putting it to work, I found it is beneficial in other ways, namely relieving pressure on the lower back by encouraging a more correct and upright squat posture. The knees endure less load as well.

If I were you I’d be including more lower back work, as in light dead lifts and hyperextensions and light partial squats, as part of my long-life training program. They are comprehensive movements, cardio-respiratory and overall muscle builders, demanding on the system as you decide, can be wisely and progressively increased for a challenge, safe if your healthy, fulfilling and exhilarating.

This requires the decision to introduce them into your routine without fanfare, lightning and thunder… three sets of light deads at the end of any workout once a week and three sets of hypers once a week with a midsection workout. In time, months, you’ll be conditioned and ready to press on. By next summer you can be squatting and boasting (humbly) of a strong and vital back and leg structure. All the other muscle groups will be cheering as well.

All is good, thanks. God’s speed… DD