The Differences Between High

Learn how and when to use these two common squat variations to elicit more size and strength.

When you’re getting yourself pumped up for a heavy squat session, you always want to head in with a game plan — you’ll want to know how you’re warming up, how many reps and sets you’re doing, and at what intensity. You also need to know what type of squat you’re planning to do, which involves a healthy understanding of the difference between high bar and low bar back squats. 

If you’re a new lifter or a general gym-goer, you may not have heard of high-bar and low-bar squats before. They refer to where the bar sits on your back. Powerlifters typically use Low-bar squats since they allow you to stabilize yourself with more weight. High-bar squats elicit a more torso-up position. If you participate in any sport that’s not powerlifting or just squat for leg gains, chances are, ahem, high, that you’re already doing high-bar squats. 

Curious to know more? Read up on the differences and then see which bar placement is a better fit for you and your goals.