This multi-functional bar is one of the most versatile
pieces of equipment I've reviewed. Learn if the
unique
features of this bar can take your training to
the next level.
Versatility in equipment is king!
One
of the first things I think about when I try a
new piece of training equipment is "how many
exercises can I do with this?" I look at
a bar or a machine or a bench and think to myself
"what else can this be used for other than
what it's supposed to be used for." I like
to know that I'm getting more than just a one-trick
pony when I buy a piece of exercise equipment.
Well,
when it came time to test the AMP Bar (which stands
for Articulated Multi-Purpose Bar), I found out
that the maker of the bar had been thinking the
same thing! The sheer variety (and effectiveness)
of the exercises I was able to perform with the
the AMP Bar was FAR more than that of a regular
barbell and rivaled that of a multi-gym station
costing many, many times more.
And,
of course, being who I am, I naturally took the
exercises that the maker listed and came up with
a bunch more...
Now,
because the design of the bar is so unique, it
is tough to describe in words. You can view pictures
of the bar here:
http://www.monsterbars.com/forearm_bar_007.htm
The
bar itself consists of three separate pieces.
The main piece looks like a typical straight bar
but with a couple of vertical posts on it. Attached
to these posts on the main piece are two other
bars that are moveable and removable. You can
angle these extra bar attachments to dramatically
alter the mechanics of exercises and provide very
unique patterns of resistance.
Also
included in the frame of the AMP bar is a hole
that you can fit the end of a barbell through.
This feature is used for Barbell T-Bar Rows (one
of my favorite back exercises).
So
what does all this mean for you?
It
means you can use this bar to challenge your muscles
in ways they've NEVER been challenged before.
The exercises and unique patterns of resistance
will allow you to build muscle more effectively
and accomplish it with a much greater variety
of exercises. This variety is vital for complete
and balanced muscle and strength development.
Variety also keeps your workouts from getting
boring, which is EXTREMELY important!
Here
is a list of exercises demonstrated on the manufacturer's
site:
T-Bar
Rows
45 Degree Handle Upright Rows
Counterweight Resistance Curls
45 Degree Handle Shrugs
Hammer Curls
Tricep Extensions
Push-Ups (using the bar as a base to grip on)
Forearm/Wrist Curls
Here
is a short list of a few of the other exercises
that I've done with the AMP Bar:
One
Arm Rows
Suitcase Deadlifts
Bent-Over Rows
Bench Dips
Bodyweight Tricep Extensions
Front Delt Shoulder Presses
Partial Hack Squats
Partial Deadlifts
One Legged Calf Raises
The Plus Side:
1.
The AMP Bar has a very good weight capacity and
is well-constructed. I've loaded the bar with
over 300 pounds for shrugs and deadlifts and it's
rock solid. There's room for several more weight
plates on top of this as well. You don't need
nearly this much weight for the majority of the
exercises you'll be doing with the AMP Bar, though.
This bar will last a lifetime.
2.
The unique angles that the moveable handles allow
for mean you can use leverage to generate more
resistance in the exercises. Think of it this
way...is it going to be harder to hold a 10 pound
weight right in your hand or to hold a long stick
with a 10 pound weight at the end of it? The placement
of the weights really does a good job of changing
the leverage of many of the exercises, making
them more effective (the barbell curls, especially).
3.
You can remove the extra handles and do almost
any straight bar exercise as well. Because the
main piece of basically just a straight bar with
a couple of posts attached, it functions just
like a regular straight bar. The posts make the
bar more versatile, however, allowing you do exercises
like hammer curls and overhead tricep extensions
with a neutral grip (palms facing in).
4.
The AMP Bar also comes with an attachment that
allows you to mimic the excellent Forearm Bar
that the company also makes (previously reviewed
in a past issue of BetterU News).
http://www.fitstep.com/fitness-equipment-reviews/equipment-reviews/the-forearm-bar-review.htm
The Downsides:
1.
The trickiest thing about this bar is learning
how to properly use it. Once you get familiar
with it, how it works and how much weight you
need to add onto each weight post, it becomes
easy but it can be intimidating getting started
simply because it does have so many ways it can
be used.
My
advice: take some time and just play with it when
you get it. Move the handles, change the weights,
do each of the exercises for a few reps to get
an idea of how they work with this bar. Basically,
just get a feel for it before you try and use
it in an actual workout. That way, you won't feel
pressured to try and figure it out while the clock
is ticking on your rest periods.
2.
Adding heavier weight plates (35 to 45 pounders)
to the angled bars can be a challenge but really,
the only time you'll be adding plates like that
is when you're setting up for shrugs or partial
deadlifts. This can be easily worked around by
laying the bar on the ground with the angled posts
pointing up in air. When the weights are on, you
can just roll the bar back over.
Conclusion:
When
it comes right down to it, the downsides of the
AMP Bar are minimal - any piece of equipment (even
a dumbell) has a learning curve on how to use
it. The advantages you get from the bar really
outweigh the negatives.
The
unique design and multitude of exercises available
to you with the bar make it an excellent investment
not only for a commerical gym but especially for
a home gym user who has free weights and is looking
for a greater variety of exercises to do at home.
To
learn more about the AMP Bar and to get one for
yourself, please click here.
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