The AbMat Box Squat Pad is a rectangular foam pad that’s tough enough to handle heavy box squats…

But it’s gentle enough that you can kneel on it for accessory work.

Let’s check it out!

Unboxing

The packaging for the box squat pad is a big square exactly the size of the pad.

Once you open up the box there’s nothing else but the pad inside.

No bubble wrapping needed since it’s a tough, high density foam that won’t rip easily.

First Impressions

I really like how the box squat pad foam feels.

Its texture is grippy kinda like a football.

When I put my weight on it, it gives a little but still provide support without sinking like a pillow does.

And once the weight comes off, it goes back to its original shape.

It’s built very similar to the AbMat Pivot Pad.

The underside has a grippy texture so it doesn’t slide when you’re using it.

And it also has 9 circles that look like suctions cups.

My guess is that they help to prevent the pad from moving around.

So yeah, just like with other AbMat products, the Box Squat Pad is made of high quality foam.

Specs

Material – Extremely durable, high density integral skin foam

Dimensions – 20″L x 22″ W x 4.75″ H

Texture – Dimpled grip texture

High Density Foam

The box squat pad’s high density foam is firm enough to hold a lot of weight without sinking.

In the pic above I set two 80 lbs Nuobell dumbbells (160 lbs) on the pad and you can see it holds its shape.

But it’s gentle enough that it won’t hurt your knees.

I use it together with my Nordic Bar or NordStick for hamstring Nordic curls.

How To Use The Box Squat Pad

You can use the box squat pad on a 20″ plyobox.

rogue fitness box squat box — Photo: Rogue Fitness

Or a 24″ x 24″ platform like the Rogue Box Squat Box.

Why Do Box Squats?

The box squat lets you sit back further so you can hit the hams and glutes more.

It develops the proper squatting muscles while reinforcing correct technique.

The wider stance and straighter foot position used for the box squat activates the hips and helps eliminate bounce.

This makes the box squat more challenging but will also make your regular squat stronger.

Other Box Squat Pad Uses

Kneeling Exercises

The box squat pad is thick but doesn’t sink so you’re still able to get comfortable support for kneeling exercises.

Some kneeling exercises you can do on the pad include:

Kettlebell halos

Rotational medicine ball tosses

Dumbbell overhead press

Half kneeling Pallof press

Half kneeling overhead dumbbell press

Nordic curls (use with a Nordic bar or NordStick)

Balance Tool

The box squat pad can also be used as a balance tool in a rehab setting to treat ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

Because the pad gives a little, it creates an unstable surface if you’re on one leg.

This forces all your lower body joints to work a little harder.

Think exercises like loaded marches or simply balancing on one leg.

You can also use it for warm ups before leg day, active recovery, and more.

What I Like

High density foam: foam supports a lot of weight without deforming the whole pad

Comfortable: comfortable enough that you can kneel on it without discomfort

Non-slip: Doesn’t slide around while using it

No seams: Nothing to tear or spill out from the insides

What I Don’t Like

I haven’t found anything I don’t like about the pad.

It does what it’s supposed to do.

Other AbMat Products

AbMat makes a lot of innovative products with the same high quality foam as the box squat pad.

Some of the ones I own include the AbMat, Preacher Pad, Medicine Ball, Hip Thrust Pad, Magnetic Massage Gun Holder, and Barbell Bomb.

Where To Buy The Box Squat Pad

You can buy the AbMat box squat pad from two sites.

From the official AbMat website and from Rogue Fitness.