How many of you use or just love this cool Manta Ray squat thing? I found it all alone in my gym. I used it. Loved it. Nobody will hang with me anymore.

What do you guys think of this thing? Used it? Hate it? Would never be caught using it?

Get details on the Manta Ray Squat

Most people don' t like it. But most people don' t squat either. So what do they really know?

My opinion is, use whatever you need to for good form. Maintaining good form while squatting is key. If this thing helps, then use it.

If you can, graduate from it once you get the bar position down better.

If you can' t get the bar position down.. then find a guy/gal in the gym who knows what they are doing. Ask them. Watch them. Have them watch where you put the bar when you squat.

Don' t fall back on pads and other devices. Learn the proper form right away. Learn good technique and by all means, don' t rely on devices to make it easier for you to get the job done.

Squats are nasty. But they are king in the gym and that is why they only have a few racks for them. Because most people simply don' t train their legs.

I' m sure there is ONE person in your gym who is competent.

I was at the gym the other day, and it' s always the same crap from this one guy. He' s the kind you think it joking but can' t really tell? Always giving me static about using that manta ray thing. He' s a powerlifter type who likes the bar low.

I can' t figure out why he' s so critical? I' m bigger then him. I do my exercises in as good if not better form then him.

Maybe he takes it personally that I didn' t follow his god-like advice? Not sure.

Whatever device you need to get your form down in squats is the best thing. I too, like having the bar around the lower traps or resting on the traps. I' ve tried having it real low like powerlifters. It sucks.

Personally that puts little stress on my quads and more on my butt.

AST did some write-up about the different bar positions. Lower was powerlifting and enabled you do to more weight. Higher put more stress on the quads and was more for bodybuilding. It was a good read.

There is no single way of squatting. And that Manta Ray has helped keep the bar nice and snug in a good position. I' m doing free weight squats in the rack.

Besides, the guy is a stock trader. He' s no more of an expert on working out then me. Proof is in the physique as I say.

I' ve been using it now for the last month on my squats. I like it. But I might just go back to the padded bar. Sometimes I feel as if the bar placement just doesn' t allow for any give. I liked the pad just as well. Higher up of course. Possibly a combination of both accessories would be best.