AUTHOR SUSIE SEBASTIAN / BARBELLS / PUBLISHED:MAR-06-2019
AUTHOR SUSIE SEBASTIAN / BARBELLS / PUBLISHED:MAR-06-2019
The obvious benefit to using a "fat" bar is improving grip strength, which will result in increased forearm strength and shoulder stability.
An Axle Bar or "Fat" Bar is exactly what it sounds like. It is a barbell that is thicker than most standard Olympic barbells, typically 2 inches in diameter. Here are a few other things to know about Axle Bars:
Depending on your goals, you may find some benefits with using an Axle Bar. This is more of a supplemental bar. If you do any sort of weightlifting or powerlifting, the standard 28mm shaft barbells are ideal but adding an Axle Bar to your regime can help improve your strength and reach your goals in ways you wouldn't normally get with a regular barbell.
Using an axle bar for the same movements you use your standard Olympic bar will work some muscles you haven't used before. Even just doing holds for time will definitely test your grip strength. Here are a few movements that may gain strength with what you're already doing.
If you're looking to build your upper body strength, try doing Axle Bar Curls. This movement doesn't just target the bicep muscle like a traditional curl done with a dumbbell or barbell, but also the forearm and muscles around the elbow.
With the Axle Curl Bar, you get the best of both worlds, grip strength training and a more natural wrist position due to the curvature of how this barbell is made. If you have any joint or wrist issues, you should consider a barbell with a more neutral grip like a Curl Bar or Swiss Multi-Grip Bar.
Susie Sebastian
Author
Susie is the Digital Marketing Specialist here at FringeSport. She's a web nerd and loves being a part of the FringeSport team!