Maximize Your Squatting Potential with the Top Squat

For anyone who's battled through shoulder pain while squatting or struggled to maintain proper form due to mobility issues, the Top Squat—specifically the Dave Draper Top Squat attachment—might be one of the best-kept secrets in strength training. Born from necessity and championed by one of bodybuilding’s most respected legends, this simple tool has helped thousands reclaim their squat with confidence and safety.

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What Is the Top Squat?

At first glance, the Top Squat bar attachment looks unassuming. But once mounted to a standard Olympic barbell, it transforms the bar into something that functions similarly to a safety squat bar, allowing lifters to keep their hands in front of their body while squatting. The Dave Draper safety squat barbell attachment is especially valuable for athletes who struggle with shoulder mobility, rotator cuff issues, or simply want a more ergonomic squatting option.

Instead of placing stress on the shoulders and wrists, the Top Squat attachment shifts the effort back to where it belongs—the legs and glutes. With forward-facing handles, lifters can maintain a strong upright torso, reduce strain on the upper body, and still get the full benefit of squatting heavy.

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Dave Draper’s Motivation Behind the Invention

The late Dave Draper, known as “The Blonde Bomber,” wasn’t just a bodybuilding icon—he was an innovator. Like many seasoned lifters, Draper faced shoulder wear and tear from decades of training. Instead of accepting limitations, he engineered the Top Squat bar attachment as a workaround.

His invention allowed him—and eventually thousands of others—to continue squatting deeply and effectively without aggravating chronic shoulder pain. Unlike a full safety squat bar, which can be bulky and expensive, Draper’s Top Squat offered a more compact, affordable, and versatile solution.

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How the Top Squat Differs from a Traditional Safety Squat Bar

It’s worth comparing the Top Squat to the more widely known safety squat bar. While both tools aim to reduce shoulder stress and promote a more upright squat posture, the Top Squat attachment has some key advantages:

• Portability: You can toss the attachment in a gym bag, making it perfect for traveling lifters or home gym owners with limited space.

• Cost-effective: Instead of buying a new barbell like the Sorinex Top Squat bar, Draper’s version works with the Olympic bar you already have.

• Accessibility: For garage gym owners or those training in conventional gyms that don’t stock specialty bars, the Top Squat bar attachment brings versatility without requiring permanent changes.

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My Experience with the Dave Draper Top Squat

I first encountered the Top Squat during a period of frustrating shoulder impingement. Even the act of getting under the bar for a back squat was a challenge. After trying workarounds—front squats, goblet squats, even smith machine variations—none of them gave me the same intensity or satisfaction as a heavy back squat.

Then someone recommended the Top Squat attachment. Within one session, it changed everything. I could finally squat deep, pain-free, and with solid control over the bar path. What surprised me most was how much it mimicked the feel of a true safety squat bar, but without the added bulk or expense.

Even now, I keep the Top Squat in my rotation. It’s especially useful on high-rep days or when I'm prioritizing form over load. It’s also been a lifesaver when training clients recovering from shoulder injuries.

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Final Thoughts: Why the Top Squat Still Deserves Attention

In a world full of high-tech fitness gear and complicated contraptions, the Top Squat stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness. Whether you're a seasoned lifter with worn-out joints or a beginner trying to avoid them, this Top Squat bar attachment offers a smarter, safer way to squat.

Though Dave Draper is no longer with us, his contributions to strength training live on. The Top Squat is a testament to his practical mindset and his relentless passion for training well into old age. If you’ve been sidelined from squats or simply want a fresh way to train smarter, this underrated tool might just become your new favorite.