Best Barbell Pads For Men & Women
Wondering which barbell pad is right for you?
We’ve curated a list that will help make that decision a whole lot easier. Check out our short list and continue reading for our review of each barbell pad below…
If you’re like me, you just have to have your barbell pad when you work out. It’s like having your sneakers and your water bottle – they are yours and yours alone, and they make your experience that much better.
I’m one of those people: Without my Converse, wireless headphones and trusty old water bottle, it’s just not a real workout. And the barbell pad is another huge “must-have” for me.
It’s a matter of cleanliness, really. Gyms are dirty places! Sure, we all wipe our machines down after we get done, and yes, we shower afterward and wear shower shoes. But does anybody wipe down the squat bar?!
Probably not. And aside from keeping clean while you work out, it’s a matter of safety. Bruises and bumps on my back and neck when I’m trying to squat comfortably are not my idea of a good time.
Let’s take a look at barbell pads for men and women so you can have a comfortable workout experience. We’ve researched the latest and top-rated barbell pads on the market. Check them out below…
Best Barbell Pads for Men
First, I will go over some pads designed for use by men. Ladies, don’t worry – we are going to get to you in due time!
Dark Iron Fitness 17-Inch-Thick Barbell Neck Pad
Here is a comfortable pad that not only gets the job done, but it looks stylish, too. It is excellent for use during hip thrusts, squats, and lunges. The foam is ¾” dense stuff that will support your back and make your workout fly by in comfort.
I like that you can choose pads with motivational sayings on them-definitely a compliment-getter and really stands out from the crowd. “Drop it like a squat” is my personal favorite. And if your barbell pad ever fails, they’ll send you a new one pronto!
Pros
- Plenty of colors to choose from
- Fits on Olympic bars
- Does not absorb moisture
Cons
- Some users felt the pad was too hard
- Some users did not like the nylon fabric.
Where To Buy
ProFitness Barbell Squat Pad
Here’s a great pad at a bargain price that comes in a beautiful red or pink color. These squat pads are great for distributing weight evenly, and they fit over most barbells with ease.
The foam is high-density rubberized stuff. It will provide your back and neck a comfortable and supportive experience. This stuff won’t flatten out, either. So, squat on and squat often.
I also like that this one simply slides right on and is very secure once you fasten it. It works for a multitude of exercises, including hip thrusts and lunges, too. And, it’s easy and portable to carry around in your gym back or even in your hand as you get ready to squat.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Smaller size-just 16” in length but 1.5 in thick
- Great for use with ALL barbells
Cons
- Only 2 colors available
- Some users found that the Velcro did not stick well.
Where To Buy
Reehut Barbell Squat Pad
It is a nice size pad, and it measures in at 17in x 3.6 in-it’s perfect for men of all sizes and will keep your back and neck comfortable while you work out. You can use it for hip thrusts, squats, and lunges.
It’s designed to fit bars of all sizes, so if you’re not sure about your gym’s bar sizes, grab this pad for best results. It comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, so if this pad doesn’t suit you-just send it back with no hassle. The fact that it is lightweight and easy to carry is a huge plus too.
Pros
- Comes in 2 great colors
- Features securing straps to keep it in place
- Features thick but lightweight, comfortable foam
- One user noted it did not protect at 200 lbs. of weight during hip thrusts
- One user felt the pad was too large for a gym bag
Where To Buy
Bear Strength and Conditioning Squat Pad
The thing that caught my eye about this pad was that the ratings on this were basically perfect! It comes in a variety of cool colors and is perfect for hip thrusts, lunges, and squats. The non-slip rubber foam will have you feeling great as your workout progresses.
It absorbs impacts and significantly reduces the pain felt when executing workout moves. The pad is pretty big at 18″x 3.5″ so this would be a good one for all you bigger fellows out there. It’s a great quality product that won’t have you messing your form up when you squat.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- One of the bigger barbell pads we’ve featured
- Waterproof and easy to clean
Cons
- One user noted it pops off the bar when using for back squats.
- Lacks Velcro straps to hold it in place.
Where To Buy
Elevator Fitness Squat Pad
Here we have another generously sized pad – it’s great for Olympic sized barbells and measures in at 18″x3.5″. It’s a good, safe way to perform your thrusts, squats, and lunges with ease.
You will enjoy the quality, rubberized foam sponge pad, and how great it makes you feel when you work out. And, it weighs in at just 9 oz. Therefore, it’s easy to carry around whether you’re training at home, at your gym or somewhere else.
Pros
- Features nearly perfect ratings
- Pad is made of memory foam
- Users noted it worked well for heavyweight
Cons
- Comes in just one color
- The product lacks Velcro to hold it in place
Where To Buy
Best Barbell Pads for Women
Perfect Peach Athletics Squat Pad
I smiled when I saw the name of this – many ladies want to get that “perfect peach” and squats are a massive part of that! It will make your squatting, lunging and thrusting so much easier.
It’s cute and pink, for feminine flair while you’re sweating like one of the guys and features the cool “perfect peach” logo. Get ready for compliments on this cool cushion and also your results from the gym. They will come easier when you have this pad!
Pros
- Easy to carry around-lightweight
- Comes with black straps to hold it in place
- Comfortable, dense foam
- Comes in just 2 colors
- Thinner than some other brands
Where To Buy
FitVIVA Barbell Pad
Blue isn’t for the boys here! This royal blue pad will have you feeling like a queen when you use it. And did we mention it has near-perfect ratings? You can choose from four different colors, too.
Safety straps are included, so your cushion stays in place no matter the movement. Your neck and back will feel great, not sore when you are done with your workout.
And if you are just starting out at the gym, or want to shake up the fitness routine, this cool pad comes with two fun, but tough 30-day challenges created by real fitness trainers to tone the glutes and legs.
Pros
- Fits standard and Olympic barbells
- Does not absorb sweat or odors
- 1.3” protective layer for extra comfort
Cons
- Some users felt it was too soft.
- Users noted at heavyweights-e.g. 400 lbs. – the product was not comfortable.
Where To Buy
Gymletics 7 Pack Barbell Squat Pad
Here is a fun pack of workout gear that has a great squat pad, but also some fun extras all for a great price. Users rated it favorably, and it’s great for all of us pink-loving ladies out there. (Yes, it comes in black too, in case pink is not your thing!)
The other equipment works well, but let’s focus on the squat pad. It’s 17.3 inches long and fits Olympic size bars. It also comes with Velcro straps, so it will be secure on each and every gym bar. There’s even a carry bag included so you can take it everywhere.
It’s a quality pack of items that will bring you comfort and results.
Pros
- Comes with a resistance band and ankle straps
- Refund available if you are not satisfied
- 1.2-inch thick foam for pad
Cons
- Not as thick as some other pads we’ve reviewed
- Users found the ankle straps to fall apart easily
Where To Buy
NewAge Fitness Barbell Squat Pad
Looking for a fun barbell pad that will have you smiling when you use it? Look no further than this cushion.
You can buy it with plenty of cool sayings on them, my favorite being “iSquat.” It is made of high-density foam and will keep your shoulders and back feeling and looking strong, not sore!
Pros
- Nicely sized at 16” long and 1.5” thick
- Can be used with virtually all barbells
- High-density rubber foam feels great
Cons
- Some users stated the pad moved during use
- Not as thick as other pads we’ve reviewed
Where To Buy
IronBull Strength Advanced Squat Pad
Here is a nicely priced, no BS squat pad that will make you feel strong as a bull. It is made of high density, thick foam rubber that will absorb all shocks and impacts to keep you feeling great.
The matte finish is anti-slip, so don’t worry about the pad slipping off your shoulders. The way it evenly distributes your weight, you will find it easy to focus on achieving the correct form and getting the results you want.
Pros
- Good size-16” long and 3.5” wide
- Fits Olympic barbells easily
- No straps needed-stays on tight
Cons
- Users noted the pad is not suitable for heavier weights
- Some users wished it had Velcro straps for easier bar attaching.
Where To Buy
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for When You Shop
Materials Used: You can buy barbell pads that come in high-density foam, like the ones we featured here today, or you can opt for something harder like molded plastic.
These are markedly harder to find and are not used as often as the foam kinds. Look for a material that is comfortable and firm, but not so soft you’re feeling the bar.
Sizing
These pads come in lengths of about 16 inches to 18 inches long. Men may wish to buy a bigger size to accommodate broader shoulders, while women may want to buy a smaller sized pad.
If you’re not sure, just go with the longer pad to play it safe. Remember that a longer pad may be more useful for hip exercises.
Durability
Do you love to squat or lunge heavy? If so, a thicker foam may be more your style. The thicker the foam, the more durable the barbell pad, and the more comfortable you will feel when it’s time to work with heavyweights.
Attachments
Do you want one with Velcro straps that will tighten as you see fit? Or, do you feel confident in a barbell pad that just slips onto the bar?
Some users found it easier to buy a pad that had adjustable straps, while others knew that a pad that just slipped on would be excellent for them.
The latter is good for those of you that use the same bars every day, the former better for people who use varying equipment in their workouts.
Benefits of Barbell Pads
- You will have a much more hygienic and safe gym experience. You can clean these barbell pads using antibacterial wipes, unlike the actual bar itself, which the staff and patrons may or may not clean.
- You will keep your back and neck safe and protected, leaving you more time to focus on your form and completing the reps you set for yourself.
- These are lightweight and easy to tote around. If you will be traveling, these are not heavy and fit into most gym bags with ease.
- There are plenty of fun varieties of these pads that will have you smiling when you use them.
Looking For A Barbell Cushion
Some of you guys and girls might be thinking, “Is there a difference between a barbell pad and a barbell cushion?”
Nope! They are the same thing. If you are on the lookout for a great unisex barbell cushion, try this one from Bridawn.
You can get it in black or pink, and users rated it favorably with 4.7 out of 5 stars.