How to get the best out of my squats?

kmab1985

Hi Everyone

Tomorrow will be my first "Lower Body" workout at the gym since I had my PT session last Tuesday but I want to know how to get the best out of my lunges and squats?

We used Kettlebells last week when doing the lunges/squats but I really want to push myself when doing them - shall I increase the weight of the Kettlebell?

Thanks, Kel

nossmf

The short answer is yes, increasing the weight is good. The slightly longer answer is make your weight increases small and gradual. Large leaps in weight from one session to another is a sure way to injury. So if you complete your routine with 5-lb weights this week, use the next largest weight the next time, even if you feel you could do even heavier; save that even heavier weight for the next session. When starting out a lifting regimen it's always better to take your time going heavier as you lock in the correct form and motion, not only to avoid injury but also for the psychological effect of being able to increase weight every week for a while, give you that "attaboy" effect for as long as possible until you have become addicted to the iron enough to keep going when weights don't increase as often.

Cherimoose

What did your PT say?

Generally speaking, if you can do the prescribed number of reps with great form, increase the weight. If your form isn't great, reduce the weight and work on your form. If you're unsure about your form, go back to your PT, or post a form check video here.

PumpJockeyy

I'd personally do normal squats with the bar. Start light and work your way up overtime. Will be more beneficial in the long run then using KB's.

slp51

I sometimes work out to Daniel Bartlett's video. He likes squat pulses. You squat as low as you can go and then just pulse for at least 30 seconds; longer if you can. Do three or four sets. But since you're in PT, I'd check with him/ her first.