DIY Barbell Cushion (a.k.a. Squat Sponge)

In this instructable you will learn how to make a diy barbell cushion for painless squatting out of insulation foam tubing. Well, painless in the neck area at least...

What I like about this insulation material is that it is not very thick so the barbell won't tend to slip off my back when I am squatting. Also it is thick enough to protect my shoulder blades from the cold harsh barbell steel. Win - win!

You only need a barbell, some insulation foam tubing, a measure tape and a utility knife to cut the tubing.

Insulation foam tubing is the soft, usually black, foamy stuff used to insulate copper pipes. You can find it in any hardware store and it is relatively cheap. The one that I used fit snugly my barbell.

I had mine lying around so I put it to good use.

The process is fairly straightforward.

Measure the distance from your right to your left shoulder and cut a piece of foam according to this distance. Then push it on the barbell to reach in the middle. You are done!

Happy squatting!