How To Use The SAFETY SQUAT BAR (SSB/YOKE Bar)

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

TIME STAMPS 0:05 660lb/300kg SSB Squat 0:30 Most useful, versatile, loved specialty bar in the gym 1:02 Lots of gyms have these but people still don’t know how to use them 1:26 Where do you place that Big Pad on the Bar? 2:22 Engage Your upper body or you will be punished 2:58 Big Failure - Got Folded in half 3:17 What do You do with the Handles? 4:08 You cannot Say SSB Bar or people will laugh at you. 4:54 Push Knees out to Descend so you can stay more upright 6:01 Shove Upper Back into the Pad coming out of the hole 6:41 It is Super Versatile - Use it as such 7:30 Some other things you can do with it 8:41 Which Brand’s are good And for What Purposes? 10:22 Small Framed Males or Females should consider this 11:07 I am NOT making any SSB Money off this - Just trying to HELP! 11:55 Outro

[@comalausa]

This is a great video, but how is it out of all the SSB videos I’ve seen, I have yet to find a single one that ACTUALLY explains what to do with the handles. Most of the people watching SSB videos are people coming to find out if they put the SSB on the rack BACKWARDS. I know people who stay away from it for life because they were so afraid of looking stupid. Everyone talks about positions of the handles, and versatility, but somehow they all still miss the biggest and foremost obstacle of all: putting it on the rack backwards.

[@michaelderenne9838]

I just started front squatting about a month ago. Do you consider the front squat and ssb squat different. Or will you get the same benefits? Thanks

[@nalil5p776]

This bar absolutely blew my squat up after swapping it out completely over the straight bar. Heaviest single I worked up to was 425 on the SSB and hit a 500 lowbar the week after

[@ricktunnissen3407]

How long did that take and how much were you able to low bar before?

[@TunnelVisionAthletic]

That wasnt becuase of the safety bar...

[@CigEconomy]

​@sonicnendezNope. SSB pushes the weight out further than a high bar squat and is more taxing on the quads and upper back.

[@70selvisfan]

I'm 52 and just had a rotator cuff repair. This bar is all I'm able to use anymore. As much as I hate squats, I realize how necessary they are for overall strength. This is a game changer for me and so glad my gym has one. Great video!

[@sandtiger]

thanks Brian, 82 yr old and can't do barbell squats. You did some great coaching. I needed it.

[@jefferylord3068]

I bought mine about a year ago and i love it. In my opinion, the low bar back squat is the single biggest destroyer of shoulders in a gym. I use my elite fts ss yoke bar almost exclusively so that my bench day isn’t ruined by my squat day.

[@travishouser5290]

I have the Titan SSB. It is essentially a copy of the Elite FTS Yoke bar, which I have also used. While I wouldn't say it's just as good as Elite FTS, it is half the cost, and the Yoke bar is not twice as good as the titan. If you're absolutely on a budget, I'd say the Titan is good enough for a home gym.

[@gripm4040]

It makes me happy to hear your voice coming back to normal after all these years

[@gawdawful3378]

I just got an Elitefts Yoke bar last week. Perfect timing!

[@Bierlc1002]

Adore you Brian. Thank you for maintaining your positive attitude and providing informative and supportive videos for us viewers. My hubby practically worships you - and I watch your videos to support him (and you) and help him with his cues when he struggles with the heavier weights. I’m always so happy when I receive a new video notification.

[@ATimelessParadox]

Ordered a Titan SSB just now. Looking forward to applying these tips in my training!

[@VictorLeucos]

Crazy how yesterday I was watching your previous vid about the SSB ! This new one confirms that I need to buy one for my home gym ! As always very informative Brian !

[@StrongerRunner]

We had a Rogue SSB bar but the foam pads flattened out after about a year which made the actual bar rest on our client’s shoulders (not comfortable!). We then got the Transformer Bar from Kabuki Strength and love the pad thickness and versatility of this bar. Would love to try the Elite FTS Yoke bar one day. Thanks for the video Brian. I love your content.

[@BluegillGreg]

I've been squatting the Elie FTS Yoke Bar on the SS Novice Linear Progression MWF for 6 weeks. This is extremely helpful, thank you. It's interesting how the balance changes as the weight goes up. I find the pad on this bar to be really responsive to small or slow adjustments of placement and pressure. It transfers force really well but keeps securely cushioning. I've been pushing my knees out and touching them with my elbows to establish consistent form and depth. I didn't realize until you pointed it out that my glutes are going back after the knee break, not with, so thanks for pointing that out. Hitting the pad hard with the upper back right as the feet drive the floor away is definitely the way to go. Ciao!

[@irispettson]

Love my SSB (got one from strength shop), I've switched over completely to using the SSB and mainly just use it for box squats and lunges right now (due to knee/shoulder pain and it enables me to train my quads with little pain). Often enough I'm not 'holding' onto the bars, rather just touching it (If that makes sense? Just to ensure I'm not gripping it tightly moving it upward/downward)

[@grahamlaw6815]

Thanks Brian! I just bought my SSB a couple weeks ago. I'm sure it's coincidence that you made this video a week after I asked for it but I'm telling myself you made this for me haha! Thanks again!

[@rustybaxter9606]

Great video. My son went in to the Marine Corps and gave me his FTS Yoke bar a couple days ago because my straight bar bent. I've never seen these before and had no clue how to use it correctly. I havent used it yet but now I can do so correctly. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this video.

[@benj1b]

Ever since your first "case for the ssb" video I've tried to use the ssb as much as possible, and had some great results. Also, uncle Nics video about using the ssb has helped me a ton. His tip about trying to spread the handles to engage you back has done wonders for me. You guys are awesome, thank you for all the free knowledge. You have changed my whole lifting career 👊

[@timgood9818]

I like pushing my elbows slightly forward and tucking them into my lats like I’m holding an OHP at the bottom. Doesn’t lift it up too much (which could negate the purpose) and helps me stay tight. Still figuring out the difference in my knees/hips tho, this vid definitely helps. Nice tips! Thx!

[@jasonmarchant4057]

My gym has just acquired this bar and this video is gold. Brilliant coaching cues. Thanks Brian

[@firesupportman0861]

Highly informative video! I just bought this SS Yoke bar today and can't wait to use it!

[@powerofthemindmeditationcl8291]

Thank you brain, your tips helped me a lot 💪

[@HCJose]

Just bought one and it came yesterday, I’m trying it now! And I love it, I noticed that I had to bring the weight down pretty significantly, the balance is amazing, I would also suggest keeping the hands exactly where the Ssb is balanced.

[@jaysharpmjr]

I asked my gym to get one a few months ago since my shoulders issues have made regular back squats a non starter for quite awhile and it's been nice to have it but it's been a bit rough since I haven't figured out the balancing so this was a video I definitely needed. Ironically enough, my shoulders have gotten better and I actually did regular squats for the first time in a long time last week.

[@loosegoose2466]

Used it for the first time today. Love it. Thank you.

[@yuma420]

Titan Fitness, hahaha. I always think of Alan Thrall's video about them and chuckle.

[@yogisingh13]

Same here, but I've heard great things about their SSB. Most people say it's the best product they make. It's identical to the Elite FTS bar that Brian has.

[@horaiyo]

I've heard that the 2.0 bar is really good though, it's what I'm planning on picking up.

[@wongfit]

Eh, they may have fallen apart but they're good in terms of customer service and replacing things. I personally am cheap, so the V2.0 SSB from Titan fits the bit.

[@stoptheflashing6856]

0 complaints here for the Titan 2.0. except maybe that they put the logo on the side facing in instead of out, which caused me to use it backwards for the past 4 months 😁

[@HeCoversMe]

@@stoptheflashing6856 not criticizing but are you sure about that? Because my logo faces out. When you rack the bar the handles should be pointing a bit forward. You may be setting up on wrong side of the bar

[@chadstrickland2389]

Man. Today I am going to start lifting again after about 3 weeks off. I needed your deadlift video you uploaded today and this one and they played back to back.. Great info as always. Thank you so much.

[@thefox1703]

Thank you so much for this excellent tutorial! 👏

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch it

[@craigcordi3106]

I have one of the Titan Fitness SS bars. It has a really thick pad and removable handles like the Elite FTS bar. I haven't had any performance issues with it but I also don't squat the kinds of weights that Brian squats. Like what Brian described in the video regarding the EFTS bar, the TItan bar's pad is very dense and rides high. I've had it for a least a year and the pad has not broken in (dented, etc.), at all. If you're an average Joe and / or you have budget constraints, I recommend the Titan bar.

[@cookieinthewoods]

Thanks Brian, great content as always, greatly appreciated

[@OblivionSquared]

Love mine! It was real hard to get up for barbell squat day after getting one.

[@thebalkanbull]

Man my gym has this bar and I used it for the second time today and this shit humbled me lmao. Went from 6x8 495 on the Texas Squat bar to 275 feeling like hell.

[@stvnsanders7]

When I first started using an SSB I didn't take into consideration the fact that it's a little heavier than a regular straight bar. So by mistake I was overloading the bar by about 15 pounds and my squat numbers went up considerably. The gym I go to has a Titan Fitness SSB. It's fine. I seems similar in design to the EliteFTS Yoke bar with the big pads probably not similar in quality but it gets the job done.

[@trin0042]

I just got an SSB. This video is $$. Thank you!

[@WhatsThePoint01]

Such a solid video 🫡

[@Blade70]

Bought the Titan fitness one. I love it.

[@marksmith9175]

got my SSB from NEW YORK BARBELL. love it and its reasonably priced.

[@mikemusgrove9654]

I can testify that the Elite SS Yoke bar will outlive me.

[@garysmallwood521]

Best tutorial I've seen!

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Thank you!

[@gallopingtortoise8598]

"Big Fat Head - Hats and Athletic Apparel" .... I think you stumbled on a winner there man.

[@gwendolyncarla]

This was really helpful. I feel like my SSB has gotten better, but certain things still aren't really clicking for me.

[@zfortyounce]

I love my SSB bar. Its great for just squatting in general. But if you have a home gym you can use it to do somethings you might not be able to do normally. Split Squats, lunges and calf raises are all things I wouldn't be able to do without it.

[@zfortyounce]

Welp, I just got to the "SSB bar" portion of the video.

[@Robs.channel]

Its a good bar, Brian has a video asking his members the nr1 equipment and they all say ssb

[@807paperclip]

I do have a Yoke Bar, but what I want to try is the Kabuki Transformer Bar. That bar looks awesome.

[@jeremypresutti]

Four years late but yes it's absolutely awesome. I eventually want to get one for my home gym. Currently have the Rep SSB

[@bierbrauer11]

Love the Elite FTS, our gym has a couple and it is the most comfortable. We also have he kabuki transformer bar which is ice for variations but not as comfy

[@Gonzomedic1]

Cool! Great review Brian!

[@bobu4055]

I needed this video thank you

[@bobbylosanno6630]

I have the Titan version 1 and 2. The version 1 was awful but the version 2 is excellent and highly recommend it.

[@kaimclean4323]

I got a Titan SSB and it is great at half the cost. If for a home gym Titan is perfect. Elite is the best, but if your not doing 600 plus get Titan.

[@scottcharlton129]

Very informative. Thanks

[@ommaigod]

Great cues, thx.

[@BreadAndGatorade]

Do you have a video on how to dump an SSB if you fail?

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

You should dump it, the same way that you dump a normal squat if you miss it

[@BreadAndGatorade]

@@BrianAlsruheOfficial Letting the bar fal backward and stepping forward? Does this work on SSB?

[@bryanklabik1500]

I bought my SSB from edge fitness and it has held up great and it was much less than rogue or elite fts

[@krisalan5327]

Would this be a good option for someone with terrible shoulder mobility? I have hard time reaching back to hold a regular bar, which causes me to lean forward during squats

[@E123-w4q]

3.05 minutes, hahahaha when you put your hands on your knees😂👍💪

[@littlemoo52]

4:00 Shituation. seems like every one of my squat sessions.

[@docelky]

just order kabuki transformer SSB love to see your thought on that

[@mikelindner1134]

Have you had a chance to take a look at the Kabuki Transformer bar? Curious your thoughts on that one

[@bmstylee]

The Titan SSB is supposed to be ok. It may be on my list. Elite FTS has them on sale from time to time. So maybe if they have a good deal. I also want a Rogue Olympic Bar as well. May get the cheaper SSB and spend on the Oly bar.

[@diesertyp7822]

The 2.0 Titan SSB is actually really good from what I've seen.

[@MitigateOurRuin]

I literally just bought my first ssb 😂😂

[@Kotsos541]

Have fun!

[@mikesmancave8833]

I just got mine less than an hour ago

[@Hungerstrength]

Can you comment on holding it with hands out wide vs using the handles? I notice you do both. Personally I use my hands wide.

[@Mr.Ciobanu]

SSB, SS Yoke, HMS royal bar ...Confucius, I am !

[@Mukation]

Resently switched to it full time, my quads are very weak and i always end up good morning the squats up. Sure being able to muscle through a set of 5 with 315 is great, but my form looks like shit and it hinders my deadlift (since my lower back take the heat) :P

[@renosalvetti5225]

Just got my ss yoke some how tweaked my lat. Bad form I guess. But Definitely high quality bar

[@Trevordoesntlift]

I’m a very lowbar squatter for powerlifting and if I put the pad far back I still get crushed under the weight considering i squat bent over is that ok

[@GarageGym411]

Hey Brian! Would love to see you make a video about the Kabuki Transformer Bar - somebody visit & loan Brian a Kabuki Transformer Bar for a video (so he doesn't have to wait several weeks to get one.) 'Garage Gym Reviews' on KZbin has yet to release a video on the Kabuki Transformer Bar... just saying...

[@wread1982]

The padding sucks on the kabuki bar, hopefully they improve it soon

[@helmutkrusemann9194]

AWESOME VIDEO! Please make a video on how to do the stiff leg deadlift and the romanian deadlift correctly, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!! It would be awesome if you can teach these lifts and explain whats the difference etc. PLEASE!

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Alan Thrall recently made that video brother

[@zauche81]

What's exactly the camber angle of these bars?

[@westurner1074]

Does the SSB hit the upper back more than the front squat?

[@Mmlnk05]

My knees always hit my elbows on this bar

[@BluegillGreg]

Me too, but it works well because with my frame that establishes good form and depth.

[@jhoffman81]

Good video John Cena :)

[@mr.d_88]

What is this pitch black abyss you are talking to us from?

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

It stares back

[@mr.d_88]

Brian is the abyss staring back, telling us to be nice and do amazing things.lol I'm dead

[@branominal]

Always avoided the SSB because it felt horrible (and doesn't actually fit properly in the rack at my gym) but I tweaked my elbow yesterday and I'm programmed a 1RM today, so I'm gonna have to quit being a little bitch about it Came to the one person I learned literally all my form and approach to training from, Brian Alsruhe

[@pretty_flaco]

just ordered ss yoke after watching this....

[@TheDiegoszz]

what about stance width?

[@matthewpollard8570]

I went for a 1rm on monday and i i have been doing this a little wrong. plenty of room for improvement i suppose

[@stoptheflashing6856]

So it looks like I've been using my SSB backwards... So that the weight is WAY forward. Seems like this would be preferable since I'm using this in place of front squats, but seems odd that I can't find anyone talking about this online. Anyone here purposefully switch the bar around to this position?

[@operationtruth288]

Buy TITAN

[@SeptemberObituary]

I would rather support an American company

[@forexdissector9565]

What's Olu up to ?

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

He is good man we were training together today

[@rapidjoespeed]

😀💪👍

[@leronthomas8055]

I work in a gym with the Titan Fitness SSB...it sucks. Not high quality at all

[@timgood9818]

LeRon Thomas The v1, or v2? I hated the old one, new one isn’t super high quality still but muuuch better IMO.

[@SectionF4]

@@timgood9818 v2 is legit.

[@rickyneace]

V2 is a lower quality rip off of the elite FTS bar. That being said it's still a pretty darn good bar.

[@ElkyBub]

2 dislikes? Must of got folded up!

[@adamcosmin4604]

Hi guys, a quick question if any of you can answer, So I have a fractured wrist and the recovery will take at least 3 more months therefore I cant do anything leg related except bodyweight or weighted vest squats, lunges etc. I m thinking about buying a SAFETY SQUAT BAR but I never squatted with one before and I don't have access to one. Do you know if you can squat with 1 hand on the handle, stability wise ( not gonna go very heavy < 100 kg) since I would like to manage my hand? I don't want to spend my money on something I cant use. Thank you very much !

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Absolutely man, I’ve squatted 650 on it with no hands at all. It’s a great tool for that kind of recovery

[@lewisstrongofficial]

Lifters: SSB = Safety Squat Bar Me: SSB = Super Saiyan Blue

[@savagei6130]

Is that you John Cena?

[@ogre36]

I hate that Rogue SSB because it’s padding is so bad.

[@disrrptkod8021]

if a dude have a big butt do he do squats to make it smaller need ah answer asap