Best Hip Pads For Lacrosse Players and Gym Goers
The barbell hip pads we trust for hip thrusts, squats and lunges, so you can load up in the weight room and bring that power to the field.
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Hip pads are a tool that lets lacrosse players, weightlifters and squatters push their limits. They reduce the stress a barbell puts on your hips or back.
This article looks at the best hip pads, their features, and which workouts they suit. Why does a lacrosse site care about barbell pads? Because the first step on a dodge, the burst in transition and the snap on your shot all start in the hips. Every strong program I've been around, from upstate New York to Virginia Beach, has its players doing hip thrusts in the off-season, and nobody does heavy hip thrusts for long without a pad. (More off-season work: our lacrosse training drills.)
Heads up: this guide covers barbell hip pads for the weight room. If you're looking for on-field protection, see our best lacrosse rib pads and Battle Lax's compression shorts and cups.
Our top picks
- Best overall: Gymreapers Barbell Squat Pad (9/10)
- Best value: Yes4All Ergonomic Barbell Pad (8.5/10)
- Widest pad: ABMAT Barbell Pad (8.5/10)
- Best budget: Power Guidance Barbell Squat Pad Basic (8/10)
Compare all 4
| # | Hip pad | Tier | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Gymreapers Squat Pad | Premium | 9/10 | Read |
| 02 | Yes4All Ergonomic Pad | Budget | 8.5/10 | Read |
| 03 | ABMAT Pad | Premium | 8.5/10 | Read |
| 04 | Power Guidance Squat Pad Basic | Budget | 8/10 | Read |
The best hip pads
1. Gymreapers Barbell Squat Pad Top pick
Our top pick: dense foam that spreads the bar out evenly on heavy hip thrusts.
Key features:
- Length: 17.5 inches
- Diameter: 3.5 inches
- Thickness: 1.3 inches
- High-density foam
- Universal barbell fit
- Anti-slip finish
The Gymreapers Barbell Squat Pad is proof that training gear doesn't have to sacrifice style for function. Made with high-density foam, it's designed not just to cushion but to change the way you approach squats, lunges, and hip thrusts.
The pad's material isn't only there for comfort; it's built to spread the barbell's weight evenly, reducing the chance of sore spots and injury.
- Excellent cushioning and support
- Durable and keeps its shape under heavy weight
- Ergonomic design for more efficient workouts
- May not fit curved or irregular barbells
Who it's for: Players lifting heavy in the off-season who want the best pad on the rack.
2. Yes4All Ergonomic Barbell Pad
The best value pad, with an ergonomic shape that molds to you.
Key features:
- Ergonomically shaped for comfort
- High-density foam cushioning
- Versatile design for many exercises
- Durable construction for rigorous use
The Yes4All Ergonomic Barbell Pad is where utility meets value. Its high-density foam not only cushions you during barbell exercises but also molds to your body for a natural fit. For the price, the materials are well-engineered, though they don't match the quality of the Gymreapers.
The Yes4All pad's versatility is its best feature. It's more than just a cushion; it adapts to your shape and the intensity of your workout to give you good support. That versatility makes it a fit for beginners and experienced athletes alike.
- Best value hip pad
- Great comfort and support during workouts
- Adaptable design for a range of exercises
- Durable and long-lasting, even with heavy use
- May need adjusting for different barbell sizes
Who it's for: High school players setting up a garage gym on a budget.
3. ABMAT Barbell Pad
A wide pad that stays put, and works with dumbbells and plates too.
Key features:
- Targeted protection design
- Balance of firmness and flexibility
- Durable construction
- Easy to use and clean
The ABMAT Barbell Pad is focused on targeted protection and support. The material strikes a happy medium between stiff and flexible, giving you a stable but forgiving platform for your lifts.
The ABMAT is unique because it's a wide pad, great for more involved exercises, and you won't have to worry about it coming off the barbell. It can even be used with dumbbells or plates when there's no barbell available.
- Better protection and comfort during lifts
- Durable material holds up to regular, intense use
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Some users might prefer a thicker pad for extra cushioning
Who it's for: Players who train hip thrusts with whatever is in the weight room.
4. Power Guidance Barbell Squat Pad Basic
A budget pad with an anti-slip grip that stays where you put it.
Key features:
- Length: 17.5 inches
- Diameter: 3.5 inches
- Thickness: 1.3 inches
- Foam material
- Anti-slip
- Portable and removable
The Power Guidance Barbell Squat Pad Basic has a foam core that spreads the stress out when you're lifting heavy. It's a great budget option for new lifters, but it might not feel as good as the more premium Gymreapers.
The pad's anti-slip design is a standout feature that solves a common lifter frustration. It keeps your focus on your form instead of on adjusting your gear.
- Affordable and great value
- Durable and suitable for heavy lifting
- Easy to put on and take off
- Velcro and internal grip bumps for a steady hold
- Cushioning may feel less substantial than premium models
Who it's for: Beginners and younger players just starting a lifting program.
Lacrosse training gear at Battle Lax
None of these barbell pads are sold at Battle Lax, but the weight room is only half of it. Here's the lacrosse-specific training gear we'd pair with your lifting program:
Power Shaft Lacrosse Trainer
A weighted training shaft for wrist, forearm and shot strength.
Hip thrusts build the engine; the Power Shaft builds the hands and forearms that turn it into shot speed. It's a staple for players who want more on their shot heading into the season.
Champion Sports Agility Ladder
Footwork and first-step quickness for dodging and recovering on D.
Strength without footwork doesn't get you past anybody. Ladder work a few days a week turns the power you build under the bar into quick feet on the field.
Champion Sports Deluxe Lacrosse Rebounder
Wall ball without a wall, for stick skills on your off days from lifting.
Lift on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and hit the rebounder every day. That's the off-season recipe. (See all of our best lacrosse rebounders.)
Bottom line
As we wrap up our hip pad research, remember that the right gear can change your fitness path. Each pad we've covered provides comfort, protection, and performance. Your health, safety, and training experience are at stake when you choose a hip pad. Use these hip pads to get stronger, healthier, and more powerful, then take it to the field. (Check out our lacrosse training aids for more.)
People also ask
What is a hip pad for lifting?
A hip pad (barbell pad) is a foam sleeve that wraps around the bar to cushion your hips or upper back during hip thrusts, glute bridges, squats and lunges.
Why should lacrosse players do hip thrusts?
Strong hips and glutes drive the first step on a dodge, acceleration in transition and power on your shot. Hip thrusts are one of the best lifts for building that explosiveness.
Is a barbell pad the same as lacrosse hip pads?
No. A barbell pad is gym equipment for lifting. For on-field protection, lacrosse players use rib pads and padded compression shorts.
