The Hex (Trap) Bar

The short of it: this is a WONDERFUL bar if you have the space for it, already have a straight bar, and are looking for a way to amplify a few specific exercises.

Now, what does all that mean?

First off, what can you do with this bar?
-Deadlifts
-Shrugs
-Farmers carry
are the main exercises. Technically, you can use it for curls, overhead presses, tricep work, etc., but i would say there are a lot better options out there for those exercises… do not recommend the hex bar for that

So, why would you want to use the hex bar over a straight bar, or dumbbells, for the above exercises? Let’s go one by one

-Deadlifts: This one is a bit controversial… some people say that using the hex bar for this exercise is cheating. Others say that using the hex bar helps to correct their form and saves some strains on their low back. Personally, I prefer a straight bar, but have seen many who like the hex bar variant

-Shrugs: For me, this is the biggest advantage to a hex bar! It allows you to have a neutral grip and still move some heavy weight. Personal, I shrug ~300 pounds… I’d rather load some plates on this than try and find 150lbs+ dumbbells that I’m only going to use for my shrugs

-Farmers carry: similar idea to the shrugs. If you want to use heavier weights, easier to just load some plates onto this than need to get big dumbbells. They do make farmers carry bars as well, but unless you’re training strongman, I personally think this bar will do the trick for you

The biggest con: this bar will not fit on your squat rack! (They do make a rackable version, but that’s usually 3-4x more expensive)

Here’s how I would decide if this bar is right for you:
-Do you do any of those 3 exercises often?
-Do you not like the way they feel with a straight bar/dumbbells, or not have heavy dumbbells for the exercise?
-Do you have the space to store the bar, and use it? (remember, you can’t be in your squat rack for it)

If you answer yes to those 3 questions, and can find one of these for $80-$100, I’d say it’s a no brainer!

Thanks for reading and tune in next week for another personalized gym equipment review.