| Getstrength Front Squat Harness T-Nation Review |
| Training Zone - GS Innovation |
- Getstrength Front Squat Harness
The front squat is one of the best exercises for developing powerful quads, but few people use it because of discomfort, lack of flexibility, or not being able to hold onto the bar. The GetStrength Front Squat Harness can help. This padded steel frame can hold over 600 pounds. For more info, checkout GetStrength.com.
The reviews are now in! See below!
- Rating
Pro’s:
This product is awesome!! I’ve always shied away from doing front squats because they were so uncomfortable to do. Now I look forward to doing them again.
That alone makes this product well worth its asking price. You overcome your excuses for skipping this very important excercise.
The Harness was solid and well built.
It felt comfortable on my shoulders with the right amount of cushion.
The directions were simple and easy to follow. The pictures showed the proper hand and elbow placement.
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Con’s:
The only Con I could think of was the harness pins were hard to hold onto while going really heavy. My hands would get sweaty and start slipping off the ends.
It could possibly need some small knobs on the end to help the give the hands something to grip.
How was the overall quality of the harness?
Top quality product should last for years.
How did you use/test it?
Tested it by doing the Front Squat.
Would you recommend that T-Nation readers buy this product?
Yes
Overall rating:
Comments:
I was able to get two workouts in using the Front Squat Harness. The amount of soreness on the front of the legs was amazing. Far different from the soreness in doing the back squat.
I had my two boys use it as well and they both liked it. My 18 yr. old is 6’8″ 300 lbs. and it fit him with no problem. My 15 yr. old is 6’2″ 160 lbs. and it fit him just fine. The ability of the Front Squat Harness to adjust to all the different sizes was a big plus for me.
I was able to work up to 245 lbs for three reps on my second workout. My goal is 315 lbs. for 3 reps in the future.
The two biggest things to remember when using this product is to be balanced when coming off the rack and to keep your elbows up thru out the movement. Both are very important especially when go heavy.
Thanks to GetStrength and T-Nation for this opportunity!
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Rating
Pro’s:
1. Comfort. This piece of equipment maintained an extremely high level of comfort no matter what weight was placed on it. I found it completely comfortable with upwards of 450 pounds on the apparatus.
2. Adjustability. My training partner and I had no issues whatsoever using the harness and our sizes are completely different. 5’7 190 and 6’4 235. The harness adjusts to your size almost naturally. You simply find the comfort spot for you and go to work.
3. Allows user to perform very effective front squats without needing to hold a clean grip. My partner found this very helpful considering he cannot hold the bar comfortably in the clean position due to wrist inflexibility. This allows new trainers to gain the benefit of front squats immediately.
4. It is very easy to assist your training partner with a spot by simply pushing up on the elbows of the trainer. This will allow the usage of greater weight and greater variability in training with things such as forced reps.
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- Con’s:
1. The main con that I can find with this equipment would be based on the packaging of the harness itself. There was no explanation or directions on how to use the harness in the box. This may be a problem for a new trainee.
2. The only issue that I could think of in the operation of the harness is to make sure that you line up the pegs so the bar is balanced from side to side appropriately.
How was the overall quality of the harness?
I found the quality to be exceptional and it appeared to be capable of lasting a lifetime with repeated use and abuse.
How did you use/test it?
Multiple techniques. See comments.
Would you recommend that T-Nation readers buy this product?
Absolutely!
Overall rating:
Comments:
First off I would like to thank T-Mag for selecting me to use this product. A few years back I attempted to purchase a front squat harness that I found on the WestSide Tapes. It did not continue being manufactured and I gave up on the pursuit. This was truly a blessing to receive this product.
How did you use/test it?
My partner and I put it through every possible squat/lunge variation we could think of. We felt that the size difference in us would be truly beneficial to review a product such as this. It was so simplistic to adjust for each of us it was an absolute no brainer.
The first exercise we tried was the full ass to the floor front squat. The harness worked perfectly for this. With a shoulder width stance the harness descends perfectly between thighs in the deep squat position. The bar does have a tendency to feel that you would be going forward. I found this to be an absolute plus due to the fact that it would force me to keep my back lined up properly.
The second exercise we attempted was the box squat. Here is where it really got exciting for me. I have trouble sitting back in my box squats. This bar, when I sat back, caused a tremendous amount of tension in my upper spinal erectors. The only equivalent I can come up with is it reminded me of the description I have heard of the safety squat bar. The safety squat bar has been known to increase the lower back strength of many squatters. This can be extrememly beneficial, in my opinion, to the tall squatter who has difficulty with leaning forward while squatting. The development of this particular portion of my back with the help of this harness
should allow me to break strength barriers of the squat in the future.
The lunge. I decided to try the lunge with the front squat harness and found it very effective. This is an exercise that is traditionally done with the bar placed on the back or with dumb bells held in hands. This was a great variation on this exercise. This also worked very well with one legged bulgarian squats. At no time is there any question whether the bar will roll off the supports forward. This was one of the concerns I had seeing it on its website and these questions were definitely answered.
Another variation I wanted to try was to see how effective this would be using bands for regular front squats as well as box squats. Again, thumbs up, no issues whatsoever, it worked perfectly.
The one exercise that I could not do was REA squats. This is a type of pliometric squat where the trainer pulls the feet up from the ground then accepts the force of the ground and presses back up from the squat as quick as possible. The reason it would not work was the bar would fly up off of the supports of the harness. One way to work around this is to use an over speed method by simply attaching bands around the bar to hold it on the harness securely. I found this to be amazingly effective in accomplishing this exercise. I expect this to help increase my explosive power tremendously.
In summary, this was an amazing piece of equipment and I feel incredibly lucky to have received it. Thank you so much T-Nation for this and all of the amazing knowledge I have gained from your site.
Your life long supporter,
jsal33.
Rating
Pro’s:
1. Lets you hold more weight without putting undo stress on the wrists.
2. spreads the weight across the shoulders not the collarbone or delts
3. makes the legs work harder, seems to target them very well.
4. blood cleans off really easy.
5. good and confortable padding
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- Con’s:
1. It has a learning curve to it using it properly takes consentration.
2. puts the weight higher not by much but is noticable.
3. at first using it, it feels like it’s trying to pull you forward and drop the bar.
4. if you have to dump the weight it is much harder if you can’t lift it.
How was the overall quality of the harness?
Very good
How did you use/test it?
followed the instrutions
Would you recommend that T-Nation readers buy this product?
very much yes
Overall rating:
Comments:
This allowed me to use more weight than I’ve been able to use before, it took me awhile to get a feel for it. had to try a new pr for me, I popped A nose bleed(first time that happened). I also had two other big boys try it and a couple of women (had to use a towel under it for the women to make them thicker) they all seem to like it, I taught most of them how to front squat useing this peice of equipment.
I’m more than willing to test anything else your willing to send me:)
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Hey Guys, Thank you for the great feedback, we will be taking all comments on board.
Jsal33 great review, thank you for your time and effort.
Big Guy your idea for the pins would be great, the only issue would be the safety factor. i.e if the bar needs to be dumped at any stage of the movement.
Subhuman “blood cleans off really easy”.Brilliant!
Cheers
Steve Thompson
Getstrength ltd
sthompson@getstrength.com
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Subhuman…
I am almost afraid to ask, but how did you get blood on it?…hehehe
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kungfudude wrote:
Subhuman…
I am almost afraid to ask, but how did you get blood on it?…hehehe
I was thinking the exact same thing. I am guessing it was from the nosebleed you “popped” while lifting? I’ve never even heard of that happening before… LOL
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that thing is cool. One trick I learned is to use lifting straps around the bar if you dont have flexable wrists.
just a thought
It was the nose bleed that helped me find out that the pads wipe clean easy, I guess it was the “heavyload” at least for me. 355 when the most my wrists would permit me to do was 225. it happened on rep 2 I still went to 6 before I had to dump the weight. the group that was helping me test asked why I kept going when I knew it started all I could say was “I wasn’t done yet!” it was COOL.
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Do you know anything about the Sting-ray front squat device??? How do they compare???
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I own Both and the sting ray may never see the light of day again.
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- Get your T-Nation Rating Front Squat Harness here!
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Now you have a third and by far best method of training the front squat…..A Jones Crusaders Head Strength Coach
This Front Squat tool of yours is simply GREAT!
I used 94 kg (more or less 205 pounds I think!) for 12 good reps last night, just immediately after done 203 kg (more or less 445 pounds I think!) for 3 good reps with my custom Squat Safety Bar on a box high 30 cm (almost 12 inches I think!) … now ALL my legs are sore and shake as gelatine … BUT I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEM IN MY BACK, SHOULDERS OR KNEES!
Federico. Italy
WELL MY FRIEND I RECEIVED SOMETHING BETTER THAN THAT , I GOT THE HARNESS!! THANKS A WHOLE BUNCH BUDDY!! MAN LET ME TELL YOU I NEVER TRIED FRONT SQUATS BEFORE BECAUSE I COULDNT HOLD ON TO THE BAR. BUT MAN I SLIPPED THAT HARNESS ON AND WAMMO IM FRONT SQUATTING, BUT HEY I NEVER REALIZED JUST HOW DAMN HARD THAT SQUAT IS!! MAN IM TOTALLY SIKED FOR THEM NOW.
THANKS GETSTREGTH
Mantis USA
Gentlemen, I purchased your squat harness sometime back and just wanted to let you know that it is working great for a 61 year old man with bad shoulders. I am making more progress than when I was in my 20′s. Cheers to all down under and I forgot just how far till I looked you up to see how far you were from Australia. Thank you
Bill Cullen Pekin,Ill. U.S.A.
I received it today. I already tried and loved it.
Thanks.
Dan (USA)
Hi there it’s wayne pinkowski here just letting you know that i just received the products i was waiting on, the 2 inch pulldown bar and the 2 inch tricep pushdown bar. Also i thought i mite let you know that i have tried the front squat harness that i purchased and think it is absolutely brilliant, all the guys in the gym thinks its greats aswell.It was money well spent and i look forward to purchasing more strongman products.
Wayne Pinkowski
“The Olympic front squat, as opposed to the silly ‘bodybuilders hands crossed over the bar front squat’, is one of the best exercises that can be performed in the gym. It uses practically every muscle in the body, takes the joints through a complete range of motion, and strengthens and stretches the body more than most other lower limb exercises. Most strength coaches find it irritating, therefore, when their athletes cannot perform the front squat correctly due to shoulder injury, insufficient mobility in the shoulders, elbows and wrists or have bony school girl deltoids and can’t rack the bar comfortably. Getstrength’s Front Squat Harness allows everyone to enjoy the benefits of front squatting, even if they suffer from the above complaints. It is comfortable, durable and can take heavy loading. I highly recommend it for every gym, personal trainer and strength coach.”
Tony Boutagy
Sydney Sports & Athletic Performance Centre
Australia
“I consider the front squat to be one of the most important lower body options available to strength coaches. Often I will prescribe it first when teaching young athletes to squat as it reinforces the chest up position that is required when squatting. Also it is important in strengthening the receiving position of the clean and by being able to front squat in excess of your clean weight you have the confidence to trust your leg strength when you are coming up out of a heavy clean.
The one problem that most athletes have is that they complain of sore wrists when trying to rack the front squat correctly using the clean grip. Of course you could revert to the bodybuilding style of crossed arms front squat but this is only one part of the problem solved and it also does not transfer as well to the clean. You could also use lifting straps attached to the bar as a much better option than the bodybuilding style of front squat.
Now you have a third and by far best method of training the front squat, by using the harness you can position the bar in a similar position to the regular front squat, whilst working on the necessary flexibility to perform the front squat. The harness comes in two sizes fitting all body sizes comfortably and enables you to grab the top of the handles keeping the elbows up and also because of the fact that the weight is out in front of the athlete the lower back has to work harder to keep you upright. This further strengthens the posterior chain and can be used in a number of programming situations as you learn the front squat and beyond into all aspects of your training.”
Ashley Jones
Crusaders Head Strength Coach – Super 14 Rugby
New Zealand
“Hey Steve,
Rave reviews from my guys on the Front Squat Harness!!! All issues in performing the front squat are resolved with the harness.
It is also the most sore they have ever been from the front squat. I attribute this to their ability to go heavier and deeper using the harness.
A great device!!
Thanks a million”
Dale Spitzer
Ft. Defiance, VA
United States
“David Stagg, who holds our club tackling record. As he only weighs 97 kg and has great endurance, he has to do plenty of tackling (ie. the bigger blokes run at him and he keeps aiming up at them every single time). From this heavy collision-oriented workload, he can get niggling shoulder injuries that detract from his full range of motion in some weeks. In this instance, he cannot actually get his right arm up to do a full back or front squat ~ but he is still doing his full squat training using the Front Squat harness from GetStrength. So he holds the harness at chest level with his right hand and takes the usual front squat (clean grip) with his left and starts knocking out multiple sets of 10 reps.
Dr. Daniel Baker,
Strength Coach,
Brisbance Broncos Rugby League Club
Australia
Today after 28 months of no squating after dislocating my shoulders, I finally squated my body weight again, small steps but with your help I think I’m heading in the right direction, I am making huge gains with my front squat harness too. I like the way I can keep my shoulders locked in tight and stable the whole way through the exercise. Thank you so much
Louise Corcoran
NZ Skeleton Racer. Olympic Athlete. Kiwi. Skeleton Slider.
New Zealand
My last workout went really well. I tightened the bolt like you recommended. Also, I used my squat bar, which has good knurling and that seemed to help. I also squatted to a box, I think I had been feeling out my depth and I had been a little jerky causing some of my problems. Anyway I had the workout I had been hoping for, and I’m really happy with the harness.
Thank you.
Dirk (USA)
Harness arrived yesterday, used for the first time today with moderate weight on the bar. Just as well I did, what an effect on the quads! this is a terrific piece of equipment and has all the advantages of rear squats without the discomfort or shoulder strain. I shall certainly recommend it to the people I’m in touch with including Frank Zane.
Thanks again,
Allan (UK)
Hey Steve,
Rave reviews from my guys on the Front Squat Harness!!! All issues in performing the front squat are resolved with the harness.
It is also the most sore they have ever been from the front squat. I attribute this to their ability to go heavier and deeper using the harness.
A great device!!
Thanks a million
Dale Spitzer
Ft. Defiance, VA
United States
Steve,
I just want to tell you again how much I enjoy using the Front Squat Harness. I did not understand what they were talking about in the write ups. The lower back is brought into play more not in a
dangerous way but in a way to develop the muscles. Once you take the stress off hands and shoulders the structures you want to develop get the work. The exercise when done with the harness is not easier but more efficient. You can work very hard and that is the idea of a good tool.
You eliminate the danger of injuring your elbow or knee in an accident like dropping the weight.You burn your legs and become breathless. Thanks again.
Elliot (USA)
So far, so good. I was able do hit a new PR today using the harness for the first time!
Great Product!
Bret (USA)
The Harness just came.I put a light weight on and tried it. I can tell right away that this is a great tool but you know already.
Thank you,
Elliot (USA)
Dear Mr Thompson
I just want to say thank you for the good service you have offered. I received the front squat harness yesterday and it has allready been tested.
Best regards
Allan (DENMARK) Europe
Hi Steve just to let you know i received the front harness on 11th January. Well pleased with this equipment. Keep up the good work. Happy New Year.
thanks
Cahal (UK)
Steve,
It arrived the day I wrote. Isn’t that usually the way? I love it! Lots of people at my gym want one.
Regards,
Mike
