Starting 5 x 5 with free weights - Help
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Hey, thanks! The dumbbell squat looks good. I remember the first time I did tried the squat without the smith machine, I lifted the dumbbells so they were just above my shoulders - guess I thought if I put them as close to the position an actual barbell would be, that woud be best. But the dumbbell squat has them at the side. Does anyone know the reason not to lift up the dumbbells near your shoulders - just safety, I guess?
Your lower body can handle squatting a lot more than you can lift up to your shoulders. Upper body strength will limit the amount of dumbbell weight you can lift up, and that's true for men and women--but more so for women, since our lower bodies tend to be proportionally stronger than upper bodies.0 -
I wonder why 5 x 5 doesn't list squatting with dumbells as a viable option? I've looked at that that Steinborn lift, I agree with bumblebums, it looks frightening! It could so easily go wrong. Surprised something like that would be recommended, and not dumbbell squatting. Also, a bit confused - I think 5 x 5 hints it doesn't matter if your knees go over your toes, but in the dumbbell squat link, it says it does. Which is right? Or have I misinterpreted?0
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I wonder why 5 x 5 doesn't list squatting with dumbells as a viable option? I've looked at that that Steinborn lift, I agree with bumblebums, it looks frightening! It could so easily go wrong. Surprised something like that would be recommended, and not dumbbell squatting. Also, a bit confused - I think 5 x 5 hints it doesn't matter if your knees go over your toes, but in the dumbbell squat link, it says it does. Which is right? Or have I misinterpreted?
You should read Starting Strength. It discusses squatting form in detail, and these questions are addressed.0
